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The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQIA+ Owned Stores

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Apr 05, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQIA+ Owned Stores

Everyone loves to shop. Now, more than ever, it’s important to be conscious of where you are spending money. For LGBTQIA+ people, it’s a necessity to support products made by people who love and support who they are. Allies can also support these talented creators as well.

There’s no shortage of unique, talented LGBTQIA+ creators making a variety of products, from skincare, haircare, clothing, and art. There’s something for everyone. The brands in this guide are only the tip of the iceberg. You’ll have to work really hard not to drain your wallet at some of these shops!

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7 Great Stores to Shop at that are LGBTQIA+ Owned

Phlemuns – Online

Source: Phlemuns

Phlemuns is a unisex fashion label created by L.A.-based designer James Flemmons. As a black, queer, sexually fluid person, Flemmons wanted to give a voice to marginalized communities in fashion. Typically cisgender, white people rule the industry and there’s often a lack of diversity in body types as well. On their website, Phlemuns states that it was “born out of a desire to bridge the gap between elevated fashion and everyday communities”.

As if this brand isn’t cool enough, Phlemuns is a sustainable brand as well. They cite ‘slow-fashion’ methods when producing clothing, meaning that they craft each collection with design and accessibility in mind. 

Phlemuns sells a variety of unique t-shirts, bucket hats, and more. They release new items with every drop!

You should check out: Phlemuns Backless Tee- Pink/Orange

Brujita Skincare – Online

Source: Brujita Skincare

Brujita Skincare is Leah Guerrero’s L.A.-based, Latina-owned skincare brand. Guerrero developed the idea for the products from a month-long trip to Mexico. She was inspired by the ingredients in mercados that she visited, which lead to her making all of her offerings with handpicked ingredients.

She offers a variety of cleansers, lip balms, body lotions, and more. The ingredients in all products are sustainable, raw, and unrefined, so you can be sure that your skin will love them. The products are in high demand, so be sure to check the website for updates on restocks.

You should check out: Brujita Palo Santo + Jasmine Full Body Lotion

Equator Coffees – Online and cafes in California

Source: Equator Coffees

Equator Coffees was founded in 1995 by proud queer duo Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russell. Starting from their garage, they wanted to provide quality and sustainable coffee. At this time, there was very few brands doing this, so they wanted to make this change. Another thing that sets them apart is the fact that they visited Panama (where a lot of their coffee is sourced from), to learn the ins and outs of the process, as well as making sure that conditions for workers was favorable.

You can buy many of their blends online including, Equator Blend, TK Expresso and Snow Leopard Blend. They also have in person cafes in various locations around California. They also offer a monthly subscription service where you can get a box of all your favorite blends.

For all coffee lovers, this is a great option as all beans are ethically sourced.

You should check out: Equator Coffee Subscription

Me-est Me – online

Source: Me-est Me

Me-est Me is the creation of Shana Renwald. Part of the LGBTQIA+ community herself, she created this journal to help members of the LGBTQIA+ community (and everyone else!) to reconnect with themselves and celebrate their verson of the Me-est Me.

The journal is filled with prompts to help discover yourself and aid in showing up as the most authentic version of yourself. A plus is that each page has beautiful artwork which makes the process of self love even sweeter.

You should check out: Me-est Me Journal

Ash + Chess – online

Source: Ash + Chess

Ash + Chess was founded by queer and trans power couple Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham. They met on the internet and currently live in Richmond, Virginia. They specialize in stationery, particularly greeting cards and art prints. Colorful and bold, their artwork is uplifting, while also making a political statement. They’ve also had a number of collaborations including working with Emma Roberts, Harper Collins and Forever 21.

Their artwork is eye catching and sure to uplift the mood of anyone who gets it.

You should check out: 2022 Calendar Risograph Print

Early to Bed – online and locations in Chicago

Source: Early to Bed

Early to Bed is an online and in person erotic shop founded by Searah Deysach. The first location originally opened in 2001 in Chicago before expanding to online. Deysach wanted the shop to be a safe place for women and trans people to shop for sex toys, due to finding that there was a serious lack of these spaces. 

She also wanted to provide a welcoming in store experience for people of all genders and experience levels. Also carrying a variety of specialty toys for various groups including plus sized and disabled people, there’s something available for everyone. There are testers on shelves for all toys, as well as, testers for lube and body treats. 

In addition to the store and online experience, Early to Bed also provides information on sex toys and workshops at colleges about safe and sex positive behavior.

You should check out: Pride Gear Toys

Automic Gold – online

Source: Automic Gold

Automic Gold is the creation of AL Sandimirova. Identifying as non binary, they created the brand due to trouble with finding jewelry that wasn’t too feminine or masculine, was able to fit and affordable.

This bred the idea for Automic Gold, where every piece is genderless and size inclusive. Everything is made from reclaimed materials and sourced ethically. They also believe in wage equality, so everyone in the company is paid the same. 

Aside from some awesome rings, necklaces and earrings, the brand also offers custom pieces.

You should check out: Automic Gold Heart Necklace

HER is a Safe Community for Queers

If you’re looking for a squad of LGBTQIA+ friends to shop at some of these new stores with, you’ve come to the right place. HER is a great place to connect with new friends to share your new findings with. Connect one on one or join groups to find like-minded people!

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Alexandra hails from Boston, MA but is currently living in the DC Area. She's passionate about social justice, self-care, spirituality, and watching documentaries. She's no stranger to telling her story through writing and has written for a variety of freelance publications. You can find her on Instagram at @lexlexlexlexlex__.

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