Creativity and Community meet in Duluth’s Queer Spaces

Where creativity and community meet in Duluth’s queer spaces, art is more than expression; it is connection, livelihood and sanctuary. From handcrafted jewelry shaped by the stones of Lake Superior to dance floors that pulse with drag performances, Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community continues to carve out spaces that are both affirming and deeply rooted in place.

Together, Little Leaf Goods and The Flame Nightclub reflect the heart of Duluth’s queer community — one through nature-inspired craftmanship and a commitment to giving back, the other through nightlife that offers visibility, safety and celebration. Both spaces demonstrate how creativity and community continue to thrive side by side in the Twin Ports.

Little Leaf Goods: Nature-inspired craft and queer community connection

Little Leaf Goods is a handcrafted jewelry business based in Duluth and owned by Ruby Dammann, a queer woman artist who draws inspiration directly from the North Shore landscape.

Dammann creates each piece using metals, gemstones and stones she sources along Lake Superior’s shoreline. Little Leaf donates 10% of all direct sales to Seeds Worth Sowing, a local organization that provides economic support, housing navigation assistance and community connections through mutual aid and harm reduction practices.

Originally from St. Paul, Dammann moved to Duluth in 2018 to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she studied cultural entrepreneurship. She has remained in the city since graduating.

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something artistic,” Dammann says. “I was always drawing or painting, making collages and doing various creative projects.”

She launched Little Leaf Goods while still in school and opened an Etsy shop in 2020. When she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dammann leaned fully into her creative work.

“I posted a couple pairs of earrings on Instagram just to see if people were interested,” she says. “The response surprised me.”

While Dammann is the sole owner, she says her wife, Marcy, plays a major role behind the scenes. The couple lives in Duluth with their dogs, Onni and Skip.

“The actual making of the jewelry is a small part of what the business entails,” Dammann says. “There’s social media, photography, applying for shows, writing applications, packaging for stores and moving boxes in and out of the basement.”

Little Leaf Goods initially focused on earrings but has expanded in recent years to include necklaces, hats and other merchandise. Dammann recently introduced block prints she designed herself, along with branded beanies and ball caps that quickly gained popularity.

Summer and fall are her busiest seasons, driven by art fairs and markets throughout Duluth and the Twin Cities. Many events are hosted by small businesses, breweries and cideries that organize weekend markets.

“I couldn’t do this without community support,” Dammann says. “I felt supported right away by friends and family, but I was really surprised by the encouragement from people I didn’t know. My earrings and necklaces almost feel like my own children. You spend so much time with them.”

Dammann says she hopes to expand her presence at Twin Cities markets while continuing to build strong roots in Duluth’s queer community.

“It’s really special,” she says. “I’ve felt incredibly supported by the queer community here, and it’s been meaningful to be part of it.”

The Flame Nightclub remains a cornerstone of queer nightlife

The Flame Nightclub is Duluth’s first and only gay bar and has served as a central gathering space for queer nightlife in the Twin Ports since opening in 2012.

The nightclub was founded by Alvin Berg and Vince Nelson, a married couple who previously operated the Superior Flame. After same-sex marriage became legal, Berg and Nelson became the first same-sex couple to marry in Douglas County, Wisc. They later expanded across the bridge to open a dedicated gay bar in Duluth.

The business was sold in 2020 to Justin Phranish, who continues to own and operate the club.

Nicole Barclay, the club’s general manager, has worked at The Flame since 2015 and experienced the transition through both ownerships. She began as a bartender before moving into management.

“It’s this mix of queer people and young college kids who don’t care that they’re in a gay bar,” Barclay says. “They recognize they’re in our house. They’re guests here, and they respect us.”

Barclay says what sets The Flame apart is its zero-tolerance approach to disrespectful behavior.

“If people misuse pronouns or use anti-queer slurs, our security takes it seriously and they’re removed,” she says.

Music at the club includes a blend of classic hits and current Top 40, with rotating DJs on weekends. Drag shows have been a fixture since the club opened and typically take place on the first Saturday of each month. Current drag leadership includes Dixie Diamond and Queer Issa.

Beyond nightlife, The Flame regularly partners with community organizations. In the past year, the club hosted a fundraiser with WeHelp and collaborated with Dance TV, a local arts collective that produces an annual musical.

Barclay also serves on the board of Duluth Superior Pride.

“This community really needs pride and queer spaces,” Barclay says. “I’m proud to help facilitate both, and I’m proud that this community continues to show up.”

More Duluth queer spaces

At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café — A lesbian-founded, queer-run breakfast and coffee café known for its community-centered atmosphere.

Positively Third Street Bakery — Widely described by community members as largely queer-owned and celebrated for its baked goods and welcoming vibe.

Deep Cuts Hair Studio — A queer and trans-owned hair studio offering inclusive, appointment-only services.