Start shopping gayer! Here are 25 queer and lesbian-owned businesses you should support

Ready to sprinkle some rainbow magic into your shopping sprees? Then slay the consumer game because we’ve rounded up 25 ultra-cool, totally queer and lesbian-owned businesses that deserve a spot on your must-support list! 🛍️🏳️‍🌈 

From fashion to beauty, and everything in between, these businesses are serving up major cool vibes with a huge side of inclusivity. Let’s dive into a world of unique, diverse, and downright amazing products – because who says shopping can’t be an act of empowerment?

Why support LGBTQIA+ businesses?

You might wonder why you can’t just spend your hard-earned money at Target. Well, honey, the answer is as clear as a pride flag in the summer sky! Supporting these incredible entrepreneurs goes way beyond just snagging awesome products – it’s about backing a community, fostering representation, and letting your dollars be your ally.

In some places, lesbians and other queer folks are still being discriminated against because of their sexuality, leaving them jobless and even homeless. By choosing to shop an LGBTQIA+ brand, you’re not only helping a member of your gay family, but you’re also communicating to the world that you side with them against those who reject them.

Pro-tip: Avoid rainbow washing

Rainbow washing is when a business slaps a rainbow on their products or uses LGBTQIA+ symbols to appear inclusive and supportive, all while not actually doing the work behind the scenes. It’s like putting on a sparkly outfit without having the dance moves to back it up – it might look cute, but it’s missing the authenticity.

Source: University of Penn

So, how do you separate the genuinely lesbian and queer-friendly businesses from the rainbow-washing phonies? Here’s your checklist, hun:

1. They have a good story to tell and will proudly identify as LGBTQIA+ .
   
2. Their policies are inclusive  and supportive of the community.
   
3. They are actually owned and/or operated by queer people.
   
4. They contribute and donate to gay activist causes and organizations.
   
5. They are transparent and direct about their support, we don’t need to read between the lines.
   

So be careful out there of those who remove their rainbows as soon as pride month finishes, and root for the ones who are here and queer all year!

Here’s a list of 25 lesbian and queer-owned brands to consider

We’ve made a curated list of some of the best LGBTQIA+ brands and businesses out there for you to enjoy!

1. Nostalgia coffee

Immerse yourself in the rich world of Nostalgia Coffee, an award-winning  venture passionately crafted by LGBTQIA+ community members. This queer-owned business goes beyond the ordinary, offering a curated selection of high-quality coffee grounds that reflect a commitment to diversity and unity. Each blend tells a story, inviting you to embrace a warm and inclusive tasting experience, all while supporting a brand that celebrates uniqueness in every cup.

2. Coco & Breezy

Welcome to the world of Coco & Breezy, the brainchild of queer twin sisters and musicians Corianna and Brianna Dotson, where eyewear becomes a canvas for self-expression. Avant-garde designs defy conventional style, celebrating uniqueness and individuality with every pair of daring frames.

3. KEHO

Elevate your snacking experience with KEHO, a lesbian-owned company  that specializes in crafting delicious and sustainable keto snacks, striving to provide flavorful, low-carb options that align with a conscious and healthy lifestyle. Each snack is a celebration of mindful choices, promoting both personal well-being and environmental responsibility. Indulge in their innovative treats, and join the journey towards a tastier  and more inclusive snacking culture.

4. Coolhaus

Get to know the deliciously inventive: Coolhaus, founded by Natasha Case and Freya Estreller. Their gourmet ice cream flavors defy expectations, while a commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ causes make each scoop a celebration of queer life!

Source: The Peak Magazine

5. TomboyX

Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez redefine underwear with TomboyX, a brand championing gender inclusivity. Breaking stereotypes, their comfortable and stylish designs empower individuals to express their authentic selves while actively supporting queer initiatives.

6. Pipcorn

Snack consciously with Pipcorn, a queer-owned gem offering delicious treats like popcorn and chips, made with natural ingredients. Beyond flavor, their commitment to sustainability and community support adds a meaningful touch to every bite!

7. Wildfang

Revolutionize queer fashion  with Wildfang, founded by Emma Mcilroy and Julia Parsley. Their mission to blur gender norms and celebrating androgynous style fosters self-expression and inclusivity within the community, with queer-friendly designs anyone will love!

8. Diaspora Co.

Spice up your life with Diaspora Co., owned by Sana Javeri Kadri. This self-identified queer business revolutionizes the spice trade, promoting ethical sourcing and social justice while delivering high-quality, single-origin spices.

9. Kaleidoscope Hair Products

Celebrate the beauty of diverse hair types with Kaleidoscope Hair Products, a company owned by a hard-working lesbian entrepreneur, Jesseca Dupart, dedicated to providing high-quality haircare for all and known for the viral “Miracle Drops” growth serum. Try them and see the difference for yourself!

10. The Peach Fuzz

Adorn yourself with empowering jewelry from The Peach Fuzz, a brand crafted by queer folks. Each piece is a celebration of individuality, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting confidence through unique and meaningful designs that will go great with every outfit!

Source: The Peach Fuzz

11. Peau De Loup
    
    Androgynous fashion has never looked better!  Peau De Loup is created by queer people for queer people, with a mission to encourage self-expression through clothing that transcends traditional gender norms,
    
12. Steer Queer
    
    Steer Queer is a physical shop nestled in Pittsburgh that proudly offers a diverse array of clothing and decor. This LGBTQIA+ owned establishment, along with its Etsy shop, is a celebration of uniqueness and inclusivity, inviting you to explore and embrace a curated selection of items that reflect a commitment to the community. From fashionable attire to eclectic finds , Steer Queer is not just a store—it’s a welcoming space where diversity and individuality thrive.
    
13. Queer Candle Co.
    
    Illuminate your space with the warm glow of Queer Candle Co., a hobby turned business that infuses love and diversity into each handcrafted candle. Owned by trans and queer individuals, their candles serve as a symbol of unity and acceptance, filling your space with both light and love. Plus, they donate 10% of their profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, in order to uplift QTBIPOC voices.
    
14. Pals Socks
    
    Walk in the shoes of inclusivity with Pals Socks, a company  that celebrates friendship and uniqueness. Owned by an equally fun lesbian, each collectible pair features mismatched characters, encouraging wearers to embrace differences and promoting a world where being yourself is celebrated.
    
15. SUAY Sew Shop
    
    Sustainable fashion has arrived with SUAY Sew Shop, an LGBTQIA+ company led by Lindsey Rose Medoff, committed to upcycling and creating environmentally conscious clothing. Their mission revolves around reducing waste and reimagining fashion in a way that aligns with ethical and eco-friendly practices.

Source: Los Angeles Times

16. Babeland
    
    Pleasure’s new name is Babeland, a sex toy shop that promotes sexual wellness and education. Founded with a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone, this brand is owned by queer people, and their toys are gay sex friendly, aiming to empower individuals in their journey toward sexual satisfaction and self-discovery.
    
17. Bella Books
    
    Literature just got way gayer with Bella Books, a publishing company owned by lesbians dedicated to lesbian literature. As a queer-owned business, they are on a mission to promote LGBTQIA+ printed media and provide a platform for stories that resonate with authenticity and representation.
    
18. Black Market Vintage
    
    Embark on a treasure hunt at Black Market Vintage, a queer vintage shop that curates unique and timeless fashion pieces. Beyond offering one-of-a-kind finds, the owners are committed to fostering a space that promotes and embraces gay culture and individuality through fashion.
    
19. Freck
    
    This creative beauty company has revolutionized the way we do makeup. Freck was founded by a lesbian, Remi Brixton, and it’s successfully known for its freckle tint, a product that mimics natural, sun kissed freckles. Their mission to challenge traditional beauty standards and enhancing our own look is what makes this queer company shine through.
    
20. Minna Goods
    
    Gay-up your living space with Sara Berks and her business Minna Goods, a company that combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. As many queer-owned businesses, they are committed to ethical production and cultural preservation, creating products that reflect a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, that will also look lovely in your home.

Source: Minna Goods

21. Haute Butch
    
    Haute Butch is here to provide butch, studs, and androgynous lesbians with high-quality, size-inclusive masculine clothing. They strive to defy gender norms and what clothing means for an individual, using ethical manufacturing methods to make it even better for you, workers, and the planet!
    
22. Doll Parts Collective
    
    Doll Parts Collective, is a vintage store run by LGBTQIA+ folks, located in beautiful Seattle. Curated by individuals passionate about celebrating queerness, this establishment offers a unique selection of vintage pieces that transcend conventional and gender fashion norms.
    
23. Common Heir
    
    A sanctuary for clean beauty and skincare, that’s Common Heir. This queer-owned company is passionately committed to ethical and sustainable practices, curating a thoughtfully crafted selection of gender-neutral beauty and skincare products. From luxurious cleansers to nourishing serums, each item is meticulously chosen for its quality and eco-friendly impact.
    
24. Dapper Boi
    
    Lesbian couple, Vicky and Charisse Pasche, founded Dapper Boi together because Vicky wanted the perfect masc clothing that still worked in women’s sizing. Their mission to provide affordable, gender-neutral clothing has led them to become really popular and change the lives of lesbians and gender-nonconforming folks out there.
    
25. House of Intuition
    
    Everything you need for your rituals is at House of Intuition. These queer witchy shops owned by, Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas, offer candles, altar paraphernalia, crystals, and more! Besides helping people connect with the spiritual world thanks to their products, they also offer online services like tarot readings and tutorials.

Source: Los Angeles Times 

And that’s the end of our list! We’d like to encourage you to also look for local lesbian and queer businesses in your area, our community is built on support and gratitude, so the next time you need something, think of searching for the LGBTQIA+ options first.