Here are 6 queer-owned brands you should know about

Pride Month 2023 is here! We wanted to dive a little bit into the history of Pride Month and give the necessary spotlight to some super cool queer-owned brands that you can support all year round.

First of all, what is Pride Month?

Pride Month is celebrated to commemorate the so-called Stonewall Riots that took place in June of 1969. These were a series of violent and unplanned demonstrations by the gay community of New York City in response to police raids. These riots, led by prominent gay rights activists such as Marcia P. Johnson, marked a major turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. It was one of the first times in which homosexual and transsexual people demonstrated for their rights and publically condemned the discrimination and violence they suffered.

One of the demonstrations escalated at the gay bar “Stonewall Inn” on Christopher Street – which is is now a landmark for LGBTQ+ history. In commemoration of the Stonewall uprising, the last Sunday in June was declared Gay Pride Day, and this was then gradually extended to Pride Month.

Today, Pride Month is also considered an important month to honor the LGBTQ+ community, and to strengthen the awareness for equality.

What do the colors in the rainbow flag stand for? American artist Gilbert Baker originally designed the flag in 1978 for the Gay Freedom Day in San Francisco, the forerunner of today’s Pride festivities. Today the typical Pride flag is mainly known by its six colors, each representing a different aspect of human experience: red (for life), orange (for healing), yellow (for sunlight), green (for nature), royal blue (for harmony), and violet (the spirit).

In 2018, Daniel Quasar designed the new Progress Pride Flag to include representation for people of color (black and brown) as well as people who are transgender, intersex, or non-binary (pink, white, blue).

In celebration of Pride Month, we wanted to highlight 6 queer owned brands that should be on your radar! So whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you’re an ally – here are some great brands that you can support!

One thing’s for sure – Christopher John Roger‘s pieces were designed to stand out. He is quickly becoming one of the most talked about designers these days as he walks a fine line between art and wearability. His collections are colorful and it seems like his preferred palette is “rainbow”.  Anne Hathaway, Viola Davis, and Tracee Ellis Ross are just a few among many who have recognized his talent and worn his designs.

Wildfang is a gender-neutral fashion brand whose main mantra is inclusivity. They pride themselves on being “rule breakers” that are on a “mission to rethink gender norms”. They are BIG on giving back and have donated over $750k to LGBTQ causes like ProjectQ, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Tegan & Sara Foundation, RAICES, and Girls Inc.

Humankind was founded by Haley Marzullo, a queer woman who realized there was a lack or representation in the swimwear industry.  Reviews on their website quickly showed that it was a common struggle for people to find gender inclusive swimwear and that they were relieved to finally find a brand that made them feel comfortable and confident.

Queer and trans-owned jewelry brand Automic Gold is raising the standard. They refuse to photoshop and believe in honest body images and are strong believers in the fact that “represenation matters”.  Their jewelry is made for all genders and all sizes – not to mention that all the pieces are absolutely STUNNING and made from reclaimed gold. 

Nicknamed the “Bushwick Birkin”, the black and queer owned brand Telfar has quickly become an “it” brand. Carried by the likes of Solange Knowles, Megan Thee Stallion, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Telfar bags often sell out quickly. Made from vegan leather, they are still relatively affordable – so you’re doing your wallet and the planet a favor.

Founded by twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson, the brand Coco and Breezy aims to make genderless eyewear for everyone. These ultra cool sisters are not just designers, they’re artists, DJ, and music producers – so it’s no wonder their designs have been a big hit in the fashion and entertainment world. And yes, their brand is just as cool as these two are.