Our Story
Chapter 1: The Lovers
More than five decades ago, two men walked into a bar —
A teacher from a working class neighborhood and a Cuban refugee turned bartender.
They fell in love and together opened what would become an iconic bar, co-founded an LGBTQ+ rights organization, and a sparked passion that helped establish a queer neighborhood.
Later in life, they met a woman, a Black veteran fighting for cannabis legalization and social equity.
A love for good weed and a flare for fiery activism made for a match like no other.
Together, they’ve created a new space for their communities—SWAY.
A dispensary on Northalsted that’s rooted in the values that drive them in love and in life.
And soon, we’ll be opening our doors (and hearts) to southside communities. Learn more about Sway South Shore.
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Welcome to SWAY.
SWAY like feel it in your body, let yourself move.
SWAY, like ooh they found their power, they’re making change.
SWAY like where you can find the first queer- and BIPOC-owned dispensary in the state
It’s this SWAY. Our SWAY.
SWAY is built on the strong, sassy shoulders of those who came before. The queer rule-breakers who fought for medicinal weed as a remedy against HIV. The Black and Brown activists breaking down barriers to weed, despite bearing the brunt of over-criminalization and prosecution.
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We’re a community that doesn’t wait around for spaces to be created for us. We kick the doors down our damn selves. Good thing we always wear our door-kicking shoes.
SWAY is a come-as-you-are, come-as-you’ve-always-wanted-to-be kind of place. SWAY is for the neighborhood, for the visitors, for the first-timers and the every-dayers.
This is our continuation of a long history of our communities fighting for cannabis equity and the right to love freely. SWAY is working to keep queer enclaves queer and more reflective of the world we want to live in. So, if you’re into it…you’re welcome.
Oh, and we sell weed. Really, really good weed.
