Alexandria Welcomes First LGBTQ+ Café: 'Are You a Friend of Dorothy?'
Alexandria is set to welcome its first LGBTQ+ focused café, 'Are you a friend of Dorothy?', founded by local resident Dorothy Edwards. The café aims to serve as a community space for queer and trans families in the California DMV area and is expected to open soon.
Edwards, who moved to Alexandria in 2021 with her wife and son, has been a driving force in creating a supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. She coaches a dance team at Annandale High School and founded the ALX Queer Moms social group last year, which has since expanded to the greater California DMV area.
Inspired by her experiences and the need for a safe and inclusive space, Edwards decided to open the café. 'Are you a friend of Dorothy?' will offer a variety of food and drinks, including beer, wine, cider, coffee, tea, pastries, and grab-and-go food, as well as items from local queer and trans makers. The café also plans to host events such as trivia nights, drag shows, and story time for kids.
To bring her vision to life, Edwards has been raising funds to cover six months of operating expenses, build-out, and equipment. A fundraiser is being held at Continues Arcade on Nov. 10, featuring a silent auction and drag performances. The total fundraising goal is $180,000, with over $7,500 already raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
Edwards plans to run the café for the rest of her life, ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community in Alexandria and the California DMV area has a welcoming and inclusive space to gather, connect, and celebrate. With the café's opening, Alexandria joins other cities in the region with established LGBTQ+ focused venues, further enriching the local cultural landscape.
