Niagara Queer Archive

Tag: Business

  • Mahtay Café & Lounge

    Mahtay Cafe is a community-oriented cafe and lounge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. The cafe, which opened in 2011, is known for its inclusive environment, local products, and diverse events. 

    Location and atmosphere

    • Address: 241 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
    • Vibe: It is described as a safe space for all people with a quirky, art-filled, and comfortable atmosphere. Local artwork is frequently displayed and sold on the walls.

    Events

    Mahtay Cafe regularly hosts a variety of events, including: 

    • Drag brunches
    • Art and craft markets
    • Meetings for local groups, such as Pride Niagara 

    Contact and hours

    • Website: https://www.mahtaycafe.ca/
    • Phone: 905-685-4040
    • Email: hello@mahtay.ca
    • Hours: Vary by day but are often open in the morning and early evening. It is best to check recent listings or their social media for the most current schedule. 

  • Little Red Coffee

    Type: Community Space / Business
    Time Period: 2022-Present
    Location: 46 Queen St, Fort Erie, Ontario

    Description:
    Little Red Coffee is an independent café in Fort Erie that quickly became a welcoming hub for the local LGBTQ2S+ community. Beyond serving coffee, the shop created a safe and inclusive gathering place—hosting events, supporting community initiatives, and building connections across Niagara.

    Significance:
    As a Trans & Queer owned business, Little Red Coffee represents both visibility and resilience. It has offered a space where people could be themselves openly, where community members met, and where Queer presence in small-town Niagara became part of everyday life.

    Events:
    – Niagara Queer Archive story telling events
    – Arts and culture events

    Tags: 2020s, Business, community, safe space

    Municipality: Fort Erie