Pride Month comes with the perfect excuse to deck yourself out in bold clothing, paint your nails neon, and reference Drag Race in any conversation. (“Can we get an ‘amen’ up in here!”) In addition to rhinestones and reads, Pride Month first and foremost is a time for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to celebrate the history and community queer folks have built.
I know you’re already planning out the most sickening outfit for Pride Fest and you might be looking for some new merch to accessorize before the parade. I know I love to see all the glitz and glam throughout June; I love seeing it even more when the merch comes from people within the LGBTQIA+ community rather than people looking to make a quick buck (#BoycottRainbowCapitalists). This Pride Month let’s make sure your hard-earned money gets into the hands of the “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular” queer artists who deserve it. Here are five shops that serve up iconic queer-made products year-round.
- Wild Fancy Design
-
Bright and witchy, Wild Fancy Design has just what you need for a night on the town. Their pronoun chains and statement earrings pair well with the shop’s enamel vampire fang Pride pins. Queer- and trans-made, customers can browse with a clear conscience knowing their cash is going to a good cause.
- Junebug and Darlin
-
Described as a store full of “subversive and queer cross stitch kits for modern makers,” Junebug and Darlin has a revolutionary stock for fans of the ancient art. Not only does Junebug and Darlin sell; they teach! Zoe Frost, the owner, is a queer femme living in Portland, OR who volunteers as an instructor in her free time with various crafting organizations.
- TulipsAndHeatherShop
-
Tulips and Heather Shop serves the cottagecore queer community. The earth-toned stationery and friendly pro-queer prints make a welcoming storefront for anyone who might be spending their June watching The Ultimatum: Queer Love on the couch with their cat rather than venturing out to the loud and proud festivities.
- SoLazoIllustrator
-
This shop has the most vibrant, contemporary designs I’ve seen in a while. Every piece is animated and unique. Whether you need to discover a quirky new tarot deck or you’re searching for a pair of funky fresh pants, chances are you can find what you’re looking for here.
- thevintagejesus
-
Jesus Herrera and Gabriel Brandon-Hanson run their fashion empire together from their luxurious home in Veracruz, Mexico. What started as an Etsy shop in 2015 exploded into its own clothing brand, Les Jesus, and now this queer couple is working together to keep their looks in Vogue (literally). This shop is full of unrepeated, vintage Mexican and modern pieces for enthusiasts to peruse.
Now, no excuses. Go get yourself some queer-made merch for your Pride Month celebrations!