• 🏳️‍⚧️More Than Words 

  • More Than Words 

• 🏳️‍⚧️Mind Virus Counterculture Bookstore

• 🎧 Words To Live by Bookstore

• 🏳️‍⚧️Books at a Fifth

• ☕Fargo Public Library- Northport Location

• ♿☕Fargo Public Library- Main Library Location

• ☕Fargo Public Library- Dr. James Carlson Location

  • Fargo Public Library catalog 

• ☕Moorhead Public Library

  • Home - Lake Agassiz Regional Library 

• ☕West Fargo Public Library

  • Library | West Fargo, ND 

• ♿☕Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation

• 🏳️‍🌈Tellwell Story Co.

• 🏳️‍🌈Top Knotch Salon

• 🎧 Enlightened Beauty Salon and Spa

• ♿🛟🏳️‍🌈Canopy Medical Clinic

• ♿🛟🏳️‍🌈Parachigo

• 🎧 Oak and Elm Tree Animal Care

• 🍽️🏳️‍🌈Moonrise Cafe

• ☕🍽️🏳️‍⚧️Atomic Coffee

• 🍽️🏳️‍⚧️Youngblood Coffee Roasters

• 🏳️‍⚧️Prairie Petals

• 🏳️‍⚧️Devereaux's Tattoo Parlor

• Amarok Tattoo Studio

• ♿Luna Market Fargo

• ♿🍽️Dempsey's Public House

• 🍽️Black Coffee and Waffle Bar

• ♿🍽️Rhombus Guys

• 🍽️Nichole's Fine Pastry & Cafe

• ♿🍽️Lundy's Ice Cream

• 📚 Orange Records

• 📚 Red River Exotics & Aquatics

Creating a safe space isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional, respectful, and actively supportive of queer people. Here’s what being a safe space means in our community:

🏳️‍🌈 1. Be Openly Affirming

• Displaying Pride flags, stickers, or visible signs of support

• Using inclusive language (“partner” instead of assuming gender)

• Making it clear that queer and trans people are welcome

Small symbols make huge differences in rural areas.

💬 2. Use Names & Pronouns Correctly

• Ask instead of assuming

• Offer your own pronouns first (“Hi, I’m — I use he/him”)

• Correct mistakes gently, without making it awkward

• Respect changes immediately

It’s about showing care, not perfection.

🛟 3. Intervene When Needed

Safety means acting when someone is being:

• harassed

• misgendered

• targeted

• made uncomfortable

A simple, “Hey, that’s not okay here,” can change everything.

🏠 4. Make Your Environment Welcoming

• Provide gender-neutral bathroom options (or label bathrooms “use the one that feels right”)

• Avoid discriminatory dress codes

• Allow space for queer people to gather, study, or just exist comfortably

• Make accessible seating options available

Queer safety and disability accessibility go hand in hand.

🤝 5. Listen, Don’t Judge

If someone shares an experience, concern, or identity:

• Believe them

• Respect their privacy

• Support without demanding explanations

A safe space is one where no one has to justify themselves.

📚 6. Support Queer Media & Voices

• Feature queer books, authors, and creators

• Share local queer events

• Celebrate Pride year-round, not just in June

• Invite queer perspectives into discussions

Representation is part of safety.

❤️ 7. Keep It Confidential

What someone shares in your space—whether it’s identity, transition, relationship, or trauma—stays private unless they say otherwise.

This is especially important for queer people in small towns.

🔧 8. Keep Learning

No one knows everything. Safe spaces:

• Ask questions respectfully

• Appreciate feedback

• Update their understanding as the community grows

It’s progress, not perfection.

We look for:

• Respect for queer identities

• Consistent, inclusive behavior

• Positive community reputation

• No history of discrimination

• Signals of welcome (Pride flag, supportive policies, etc.)

• Accessibility (physical or sensory, when possible)

We don’t require places to be queer‑owned, but we prioritize ones that are.

📍 How Listed Safe Spaces Will Appear

Once approved, each location will be added to:

A. The Pride & Safe Spaces Google Map

(with a colored pin for category like bookstore, café, mental health, library, etc.)

B. Your site’s Safe Space Directory

Example layout:

🌈 Atomic Coffee – Fargo

Type: Café
Category: Queer-friendly, study space
Submitted by: Anonymous
Why it’s a safe space:

“Staff consistently use correct pronouns, Pride stickers displayed year-round, and there’s no judgment vibe.”
Website: atomiccoffee.com

🏳️‍⚧️ Fargo Public Library

Type: Public Library
Category: Community resource
Submitted by: J.H.
Why it’s a safe space:

“They host queer book clubs, offer meeting rooms, and staff are respectful.”
Website: fargolibrary.org