Queer Food

Serving with Pride Since 2023

Queer Food launched its first retail product online in November 2023 with a simple idea, to tell LGBTQIA+ stories through food. What began online soon expanded into catering in April 2024, growing into a queer- and trans-led social enterprise now serving corporate functions, festivals, fundraisers, community gatherings, weddings, and more. 

Every item we create is rooted in storytelling, inspired by LGBTQIA+ history or developed in collaboration with community icons, shaping everything on our menu and in our product range. 

Throughout our journey, we’ve remained committed to creating employment opportunities for queer and trans people and reinvesting a portion of our revenue into initiatives that support and uplift our communities. 

Today, Queer Food continues to use food as a platform for visibility, pride, and connection, proving that every bite can be an act of cultural change.

Meet the Team

Andy De Groot (He/ They)

Founder and CEO

Andy started Queer Food to create meaningful jobs and visibility for Trans and Queer people in hospitality. After years working in top kitchens – like Rockpool and Mabu Mabu and earning nominations in national chef awards, he turned his passion for food and social change into a full-time mission. Today, he leads the Queer Food team with a focus on story-driven menus and community impact.

Minerva Ni (She/ Her)

Operational Support

A new addition to the team. Minerva joined Queer Food towards the end of 2024 and initially helped out with food preparation and general attendance duties. However as Queer Food’s activities expanded and became more complex, she was eventually brought on to assist with running the administrative side of the business. 

Shawnah Cady (They/ Them)

Resident MC and Food & Beverage Attendant

Shawnah is the OG non-binary deity. A proud Djabugandji and Kaurareg person, they’ve been instrumental in shaping Queer Food from the very beginning. Whether performing or just showing up, Shawnah’s presence fills the room. When they’re not repping Queer Food, they’re the Director of Rainbow Mob, Canberra’s foremost Indigenous-led organisation focused on supporting young queer and trans mob.

Jacinta Zander (She/ Her)

Food & Beverage Attendant

The backbone of the franchise. Whilst Andy is getting carried away engaging with the community, Jacinta’s the one who makes sure your food is served hot and that your coffee actually tastes like it was made from beans. She brings her years of experience serving in the frontlines of the hospitality industry to the team, and can always be depended on for an encouraging smile.