During June, it seems like every major company puts a rainbow flag on their logo to show that they support Pride Month. While that’s great to see, it’s always not the most authentic way of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. What makes a much bigger difference is shopping at LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Whether you’re shopping for parenting essentials or a sweet gift, you can support small businesses and be an active ally.
The truth is, the LGBTQ+ community still needs support, and one way to provide that is by spending money at establishments owned by LGBTQ folks. Consider that lesbian women, on average, make 12% less than heterosexual women. Or, that a whopping 22% of LGBTQ+ people earn less than $22,000 a year. Being out and true to yourself has a real economic impact, and we’re hoping to be a part of supporting that impact.
So, we’ve put together a list of 9 LGTBQ+ owned businesses that would love your support during Pride and throughout the year. Not only does shopping with these businesses help address inequities, but it will also land you some seriously adorable products. Here are a few of our favorite businesses and products to support during Pride month.
Too Cute Baby Booties
OtherWild Avocado Baby Booties
Not sure where to start shopping? How about with these Avocado Baby Booties, because really, what’s more delicious than a new baby in a cute pair of kicks? Otherwild carries toys and baby gear that are whimsical and timeless, ethically-made and free from plastics as well They have toys, gifts, apparel and housewares for the whole family, all brought to you by Otherwild’s founder, Rachel Berks, a queer woman who lives with her partner and three dogs. The retailer is dedicated to low and no waste systems. At Otherwild General (one of the segments of the retailer), you can get everything you need to reduce your environmental impact, from reusable containers to bulk refills.
Keep Your Feet Warm with Color
Pals Rainbowface and Mr. Gray Socks
For pride month, we love the ingenuity behind the pals pairing of Rainbowface and Mr. Gray. Best of all, 50% of the sales price from these Pals is being donated toward Family Equality Council, a nonprofit focused on the rights of LGBTQ+ families. Not only is Pals LGBTQ+ owned, it’s founded on the most adorable premise: that even opposites can attract, and become pals. These mismatched socks come in fun pairs, like cat and dog or donut and ice cream. But don’t let the kids have all the fun—there are also adult Pals, like chips and guac or sloth and cheetah. Plus, if they get a hole in these socks, Pals will replace them, totally free.
Footed Dungarees
Darling Spring Clap Baby Dungarees
Their simple and classic baby and kids clothing is enough to make you swoon. Not only are these Dungarees a dose of cuteness overload, but they also keep your baby’s feet warm, so they’re perfect for babies who love to kick off their socks. Darling Spring is an LQBTQ+ owned business that has a mission of elevating women — and helping you look great along the way. The online shop sells home goods, arts and books that are all produced by independent women designers from around the globe.
Be a Star in the Pool
West Side Kids Shoot Star Pool Float
Want to show your support for Pride while also catching some sun this summer? We love this shooting star pool float, although we can’t guarantee that the kids won’t try to steal it. West Side Kids is full of sweet stories: it was started by a mother, Alice, and is now run by her daughter, Jenny. It’s also an LGBTQ-owned business. Here, you’ll find everything you would expect from a toy store, from puppets to puzzles. But there’s also a lot more for parents who are trying to raise civically-minded kids. You can pick up a Dr. Fauci action figure, a girl-power coloring book, or a kids-friendly biography of an array of female leaders.
Domestic Domestic Marshmallow Crossbow
Want to surprise the kids next time you’re having a s’mores night? Pull out this marshmallow crossbow—not only does the wood frame look like a piece of art, it’s also perfect for pelting your loved ones with sugary goodness. This year, queer-owned Domestic Domestic decided to take a stance on Pride by flying the rainbow flag. In Little Rock, Arkansas, a state that has been targeting the LGBTQ community with discriminatory legislation, it was significant, owner Heather Smith said. All of which are made in America by people who are paid a fair wage. Domestic Domestic sells everything you might need or want in your home, office or yard.
An Inclusive Baby Book
Little Pickle Memories Baby Book
When mom Emma had a baby with her female partner, she realized that there weren’t many LGBTQ+ friendly family keepsakes, so she decided to create her own. When that took off, she realized there was real demand and started her Etsy shop, Little Pickle Memories, which provides keepsake items that acknowledge that families come in all shapes and sizes. We particularly love the product that started it all, the Baby Record Book for Same Sex, Gay and Lesbian Families. Yes, it’s awesome that this book allows you to record the important things without getting caught up in trying to fit into society’s gendered expectations. But it’s also just a really great book, which makes it easy to create memories to share with your little one in the future.
Suds Up
Sk*p Honeybiome Haircare Collection
Have you tried to get on board with the bar shampoo trend, but found it lacking? No? Just me? While I dislike all the plastic waste from hair and body products, I just couldn’t find a bar I loved. Sk*p aims to work around that, providing high-end hair and body products in baby containers that will hold up in the shower. It’s the best of both worlds. One of the co-founders of Sk*p is Mark Veener, who lives with his husband and twin daughters in upstate New York. That’s where he farms the bees that produce honey for Sk*p’s g-honeybiome collection.
A Monthly Dose of Wellness
Sassafras Mercantile Wellness Subscription Boxes
If you like a little witchiness in your life, Sassafras Mercantile is the shop for you. The shop largely focuses on teas and botanicals, but also sells jewelry, books and candles with a focus on “liberating your mind and body.” We love their wellness boxes, which will give an array of teas, herbs and tinctures designed to keep you feeling your best. Self-care that shows up on your doorstep? Sign me up.
T-Shirt with a Cause
Rubies “Every Girl Deserves to Shine” T-Shirt
If you haven’t heard of Rubies before, get your tissues ready. The company was founded by Jamie, a dad who wanted his trans daughter to feel confident in her clothes, particularly tight-fitting clothes like swimsuits and leotards. The result was Rubies, which uses compression fabric to help trans and non-binary kiddos feel comfortable, no matter what activity they’re doing. Rubies also sells underwear and swimsuits and if you want to go one step further, you can also purchase a pair of Rubies undies that will be donated to children in need.
A Truly Awesome Lego Set
Lego’s “Everyone is Awesome” Set
Let’s admit, all kids are a bit obsessed with Legos, which is why I was so happy to see their “Everyone Is Awesome” set launch just in time for Pride. The set, which features signature Lego people in an array of colors, was designed by Matthew Ashton, Lego’s Vice President of Design and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lego also helps support the LGBTQ community directly, by partnering with the charities Workplace Pride, Stonewall, Open for Business and Diversity Role Models. All that means you can feel great about using a new Lego set to introduce or reinforce the concept of Pride with your little ones.
PJs Everyone Can Love
Hanna Andersson Matching Family PJs
Kids are obsessed with Legos, but moms are obsessed with Hanna Andersson. It’s soft, comfortable and long-lasting, so what’s not to love? This month, the brand is featuring a Pride collection with kids and adult sizes, and 5% of profits from June to be donated to The Trevor Project, which supports LGBTQ+ youth. The highlight of the collection are the matching family pajamas, which read “Loved” in rainbow hues.
An Inclusive (and Free) Book on Family
Sea The Love Free E-Book
YouTube celebs Rose and Rosie are expecting their first baby together. To celebrate, they created a free e-book alongside Fiverr. The story follows Dash the Dolphin as he learns about all sorts of family structures, and finally recognizes that the real thing that defines families is love. The book is available in seven different languages, so it’s a great way to incorporate new vocabulary into your house.
Play with the Rainbow
The Dough Project’s Rainbow Playdough
Show your pride by playing with the colors of the rainbow in this fun and all-natural, plant-based playdough that the whole family can enjoy. Truly Mama had a chance to test this playdough—shipped right to your house in reusable jars—and it was a hit! The playdough is all made in the USA and lasts 4-6 months when resealed in the jars. The Dough Project is donating 10% of proceeds from the Rainbow 6 Pack to Rainbow Families for the entire month of June.
Inclusivity, Cartoon-Style
Hulu’s “The Bravest Knight”
Want to start a conversation about diversity with your little one? Look no further than Hulu’s new show, “The Bravest Knight.” The show hits on themes like adoption, LGBTQ+ identity and race, all while telling a great story. In the show, knight Cedric recounts his childhood adventures for his adopted daughter, Nia, who is also on her way to becoming a knight.
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