The market is alive with diversity, and LGBTQIA businesses are at the forefront of building a more equitable economy. From local gems to online pioneers, they create spaces celebrating identity, entrepreneurial spirit, and vibrant communities.
Your support is powerful. By choosing LGBTQIA businesses, especially those owned by Black and Brown individuals, you fuel a cultural shift toward visibility, equality, and boundless creativity. It's not just empowering businesses. It's strengthening society by fostering acceptance and pride. We explore the dynamic world of LGBTQIA businesses across various sectors.
Noteworthy LGBTQ+ Bookstores and Cafés
Rofhiwa Book Café
Discover Rofhiwa Book Café in Durham, North Carolina, where the black imagination flourishes through a curated selection of books. This indie bookstore and coffee spot not only serves the community with knowledge but also delights with unique beverages like the Ginger Hibiscus Refresher from a fellow Black-owned business. Contact them via email at info@rofhiwabooks.com for more details.
Loyalty Bookstore
Loyalty Bookstore stands out in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, MD, with its commitment to diversifying the book industry. Founded by Hannah Oliver Depp, Loyalty enriches the community with books that celebrate queerness and color. They host engaging events and offer unique books and gifts that reflect their intersectional community.
Sis Got Tea
Sis Got Tea in Louisville, Kentucky, is more than a tea shop; it's a vibrant community hub for engaging conversations and delightful teas. This Black, woman and LGBTQ-owned business hosts monthly meetups for the Aro/Ace/Demi community, fostering a welcoming space for all. Visit them at 976 Barret Avenue to experience their special blends and community spirit.
Fashion and Beauty Businesses Making Waves
Haute Butch
Discover Haute Butch, an online fashion haven that caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on those identifying as masculine-of-center or tomboy. Offering everything from shirts and vests to custom suits, Haute Butch ensures every piece allows its wearers to express their personal style and identity confidently.
Stuzo Clothing
Stuzo Clothing, based in Los Angeles, is known for its high-quality, sustainable fashion that transcends gender norms. This brand is not only about clothing but also about making a statement with every piece designed for all humans, regardless of gender.
Taylor of Brooklyn
Taylor of Brooklyn is a skincare brand that's not just about what's in the bottle but who it's for. They're committed to cruelty-free and paraben-free formulas, making clean beauty accessible to all. Their focus on cold-pressed oils and convenient pump dispensers shows their dedication to quality and ease of use.
But Taylor of Brooklyn goes beyond the product. Founder Chris Hemingway emphasizes that traditionally, skincare has catered to white audiences. Taylor of Brooklyn breaks the mold by prioritizing people of color in everything they do—from their chosen ingredients to the models featured on their packaging and the educational content they create. They're all about inclusivity and empowering everyone to feel confident in their skin.
Kris Harring
Kris Harring is redefining fashion with a focus on gender-neutral, meticulously crafted clothing. Launched in 2017, this brand is for those who dare to express their individuality through timeless pieces that go beyond traditional gender norms.
Unique Wellness and Self-Care Products
Unoia
Discover Unoia in Atlanta, Georgia, where the focus is on mental health, mindfulness, and self-care. Founded by a Black, queer woman couple, this premium CBD lifestyle company offers products that are deeply invested in your mental wealth. Each product, from CBD-infused honey to organic agave, comes with a Certificate of Analysis, ensuring quality and safety.
We Live in Truth (We L.I.T.)
We L.I.T., founded in 2019, is not just a candle company but a movement promoting emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This Black, trans, non-binary-led brand uses 100% organic waxes and incorporates elements like crystals and herbs to offer healing through each candle.
Decolonizing Fitness
Decolonizing Fitness, created by Ilya, offers a radical approach to fitness, focusing on inclusivity for marginalized communities. This online resource educates fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike, aiming to dismantle toxic fitness culture and promote supportive environments.
Pure Bella Spa
Pure Bella Spa in Newnan, Georgia, is your gateway to luxury skincare and rejuvenation. Offering services from advanced skincare to massages, the spa is known for its transformative treatments and expert staff. Clients rave about the noticeable improvements in their skin, attributing it to consistent, high-quality care.
Art, Culture, and Performance Spaces
The Cocoa Butter Club
Are you traveling to Europe? The Cocoa Butter Club in the United Kingdom is a vibrant hub that showcases and uplifts queer performers of color through diverse acts, including burlesque, drag, and singing. This collective not only provides a stage for underrepresented artists but also fosters a nurturing environment, helping new acts find their voice and more seasoned ones to innovate.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline, a multifaceted artist in New York, uses her films and installations to challenge and reshape narratives around Black, queer, and trans experiences. Her work is celebrated globally and featured in prestigious venues like the Tate Modern and the Whitney Museum.
Texas Isaiah
Texas Isaiah is a visual narrator who captures the essence and narratives of Black and Brown queer and trans individuals through his photography. His project, Flowers at Your Feet, celebrates and memorializes Black transmasculine life, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation.
Navild Acosta
Navild Acosta creates art that interrogates the intersections of race, gender, and social justice in New York City. His multidisciplinary works provide a critical platform for exploring identity and community, offering audiences new perspectives on inclusivity and rights.
By choosing LGBTQIA-owned businesses, you're not just making a purchase. You're making a statement. You're fostering a more inclusive economy, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQIA community, and empowering these businesses to thrive. It's a powerful way to show your support for Pride, not just during this month but year-round. So, the next time you're looking for a product or service, take a moment to see if there's an LGBTQIA-owned option. It could be the difference you never knew you could make.
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