The counter at Hendrix the Bus Coffee Shop in Five Points on Feb. 11, 2025. Hendrix the Bus Coffee Shop is a 2010 Thomas American school bus transformed into a coffee shop, owned by couple Levy Gomez and Samara Ruiz.
The exterior of Cool Beans Coffee Company in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 14, 2023. Cool Beans is an independent coffee shop that has been serving customers since 1997.
A group of people dance on stage as Big Freedia performs on Oct. 19, 2024. South Carolina Pride hosted a week of events for its Famously Hot South Carolina Pride week.
Drag performer Shannel is handing tips from audience members as they preform at South Carolina Pride on Oct. 19. 2024. Shannel, along with other drag queens from Rupaul's Drag Race, also preformed.
Big Freedia performs on stage at the South Carolina Pride Festival on Oct. 19, 2024. Big Freedia was the main headliner for the South Carolina Pride week in Columbia.
Drag performer Roxxxy Andrews performs a song at South Carolina Pride on Oct. 19, 2024. Roxxxy Andrews was one of many performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, who performed during South Carolina Pride.
Shelves of LGBTQIA+ literature inside Queer Haven Books in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sept. 28, 2024. The store offers a selection of reading material to support and represent the LGBTQIA+ community.
A customer looks at books and posters outside Queer Haven Books in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sept. 28, 2024. The store showcases items, including banned children's books and LGBTQIA+ themed zines.
A oatmeal cookie sandwich from Flour Child Bakery sits on a plate on Sept. 12, 2024. Flour Child, owned by Alissa Ayers, began in June 2023 and operates out of Azalea Coffee Bar where Ayers is an employee.
Cookies from Flour Child Bakery sit on a plate inside Azalea Coffee Bar on Sept. 12, 2024. Flour Child, owned by Alissa Ayers, began in June 2023 and provides customers with a vegan take on classic baked goods.