Fun Ways to Support the LGBTQ Community During Pride Month

The contributions made by the LGBTQ community should be acknowledged each and every month. But Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots that started the modern day gay and trans rights’ movement. From charitable, limited-editions to companies founded by queer people, here are a few ways to honor and support the LGBTQ community this month, and always. 

Aerrem

Founded by married couple Paul Kradin and Steve Bauerfeind, Aerrem produces gender-neutral, sustainable and stylish bags. According to their website, “200 million tons of single-use plastic, much of it from plastic water bottles, coffee cups and reusable drink vessels” are manufactured per year. Their bags are specifically designed to carry two refillable bottles or tumblers, allowing you to reuse single-use plastics, or opt for a greener option when you’re out and about. Their tote is ethically made with renewable material. Even the shipping packaging is sustainable. Your bag will be shipped in recycled/recyclable cardboard origami shipping boxes that need no glue or tape.

Barefoot Wine

From their hiring practices to their donations and partnerships with advocacy organizations, Barefoot Wine has been showing their allyship to the LGBTQ community for 30 years now. This year is no different; a portion of the proceeds from their beautifully packaged limited-edition bottles will be donated to The National Center for Transgender Equality, which advocates changing legislative policies and culture to increase the understanding and acceptance of transgender people. Read more about them here. 

Choose Love

Helping millions of refugees and displaced communities around the world, this year Choose Love is committing to helping displaced LGBTQ individuals. Founded by the organization Help Refugees, the online store allows you to buy a range of items for refugees, including sleeping bags, emergency blankets, and even help with medical needs like mental health services. All the items on their online store represent urgently-needed products and services. In over 70 countries around the world, you can be prosecuted just for being queer. And in twelve of those countries, members of the LGBTQ community can face the death penalty. The Choose Love gift will go toward legal support and community advocacy groups to help LGBTQ+ individuals.

Smash + Tess

Founded by a mother-daughter trio and based in Vancouver, clothing company Smash + Tess is fashionably highlighting the LGBTQ community this Pride Month. The fashion brand’s mission is to slow down the fashion cycle by making clothing on demand. With sizes ranging from XXS Petite-XXXL, their sizing is also inclusive. They launched limited-edition fashion patches to raise funds for organizations that foster equality. The campaign is a collaboration with local queer creators, Lauren Sundstrom and Lydia Okello, as well as UK-based creators Kay Holden and NAHLI, and company team members. All of the proceeds from the sales of the patches will support the Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organization that supports LGBTQIA+ individuals in escaping persecution and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, an organization that defends human rights of Black trans people through advocacy, community building and financial support. 

Just Fred

Our fur babies know better than any of us that #LoveisLove, so we can’t forget them during Pride Month. Just Fred, a pet accessories brand that was launched just last year by Tennille Teague, and her two senior dogs Mo and Rizzo, designed a new bandana for your dogs. All proceeds from the bandana will benefit The Trevor Project during the month of June. In addition to Pride Month, Just Fred will continue to sell the bandanas after June, with a portion of proceeds going to the charity.