Gina’s: A queer Latina-owned restaurant bringing vegan Mexican food to Vancouver

Queer sapphic spaces are rare — both in Vancouver and beyond. With many 2SLGBTQIA+ venues catering primarily to cis gay men, finding spaces designed for sapphic and trans folks can be difficult. That’s what makes Gina’s, a new queer-owned restaurant in Vancouver’s Chinatown, so special. We sat down with Valeria Velazquez (she/her), the owner of Gina’s, to talk about how her experience as a queer Latina immigrant inspired her to create a space that fosters connection, community and of course, delicious vegan Mexican food.

What inspired you to open this space?

Growing up in Mexico, I was surrounded by strong matriarchs who ran their own restaurants. Food and hospitality have always been part of who I am. As a queer Latina immigrant, I wanted to create a place that celebrates my roots while offering a space where people can feel connected and at home, especially for those who often feel isolated.

What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create?

Gina’s is about authenticity and comfort. We want to create a space where people can come as they are — relaxed, celebrated and seen. Whether it’s for a meal or just to hang out, we want everyone to feel like they belong.

Why did you choose this location?

Chinatown is a vibrant, diverse part of the city that’s easy to access, with great public transit nearby. It’s also part of East Van, which has a strong queer community, making it the ideal location for our space.

How does being queer-owned shape your approach?

Our experiences as queer people shape everything we do — how we design the space, train our staff and connect with customers. Gina’s is about creating a sense of safety and inclusivity that only comes from truly understanding each other’s needs.

Will you be hosting events, drag shows or community nights?

Absolutely! Once we’re settled, we plan to host a variety of events, from drag shows and open mics to workshops on things like financial literacy and creative arts. We also have board games available for casual hangouts.

How do you plan to ensure the space remains inclusive?

We’ve posted clear house rules and have protocols to ensure the space is safe for everyone. We’re committed to creating an environment where all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community feel welcome and respected.

What challenges have you faced in opening a queer-owned business?

One challenge is the misconception that queer-focused spaces are “niche.“ It’s also tough constantly coming out to landlords, suppliers, and others in the business world, never knowing how they’ll react. But we push forward because we know how necessary this space is for the community.

How do you see your space contributing to the broader queer scene in Vancouver?

We want Gina’s to fill a gap in Vancouver’s queer scene. Many spaces focus on queer men, and we want to create a place where FLINTA (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender people) can gather comfortably. Gina’s is about prioritizing inclusivity and intersectionality.

Where can people find you?

We’re located at 227 E Pender St. For updates and more info, follow us on Instagram at @houseofginas.