Queer-Owned Brands
Every gift we give can have a resounding impact well beyond the reaction of the receiver. To buy today almost requires one to be mindful of where their money goes—and who it can benefit. In recent years, advancements for the LGBTQ community often come with backlash and burden. Support is always necessary. Items in this LGBTQ-owned gift guide are not just for queer people; they’re for everyone who wants to contribute to equality. Embrace the creativity of this diverse, dynamic community—and whether friend or family, be sure to check in on the LGBTQ people in your life over the holidays, too.
Hero image courtesy of Zoe Schlacter
Harness
Harness
Available in seven sizes and four colors, these puffed leather dog harnesses are as comfy as they are stylish. Created by Nicholas Schröder and inspired by his Italian Greyhound, Twig, all Lunge accessories—collars and leashes, in addition to harnesses—feature padded Napa leather for a unique look that’s soft to the touch yet extremely durable. As a queer and latino-founder Schröder stays true to his roots by manufacturing all Lunge products in Brazil.
Added: November 2023
This product is sold by Lunge
The Door Amulet
The Door Amulet
From Sage & Salt, our go-to resource for crystals and related products, The Door Amulet serves as both an art object to adorn your door, and equally importantly as a force for neutralizing negative energy from entering your home. Hand-crafted by gemstone artist Luis Alberto, each is a unique piece with carved and inlaid quartz, lapis, obsidian and brass. Like all of the brand’s stones, those in the amulet are ethically sourced, ritually cleansed and charged by burying them in a vortex in the Arizona desert. It’s also a great gift for celebrating a friend’s new home.
Added: August 2023
This product is sold by Sage & Salt
101 Fornications Shirt
101 Fornications Shirt
The cheekily named 101 Fornications Shirt from playful Paris-based Carne Bollente (helmed by Hijiri Endo, Théodore Famery and Agoston Palinko) continues the brand’s sex-positive manifesto. The green garment has been embroidered with figures reminiscent of Renaissance sculptures, lining up in somewhat provocative poses. Playful without being pornographic, it’s a lighthearted, eye-catching design. Made in Portugal from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, this garment is intended for all genders and is available in XS to XL.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Carne Bollente
Cock Pump Soap Dispenser
Cock Pump Soap Dispenser
Designed and sculpted by CH favorite Pansy Ass Ceramics in their Toronto studio, this Cock Pump Soap Dispenser makes a statement. Available in black, white or pale pink, it stands approximately nine inches tall and features a glossy finish.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Pansy Ass Ceramics
“1” Print
“1” Print
Originally an airbrushed painting, this risograph print from skateboarder, activist and artist Jeffrey Cheung is a touching depiction of three nude figures embracing. Printed by Cheung himself, the limited edition artwork (which measures 10.35 by 12.75 inches) celebrates queer identities playfully and tenderly.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Jeffrey Cheung
Trap Door: Trans Cultural Production and the Politics of Visibility
Trap Door: Trans Cultural Production and the Politics of Visibility
Trans visibility in popular media and culture is the highest it’s been, yet the current moment has been marked by increasing violence and suppression. A compilation of essays, conversations and investigations, Trap Door: Trans Cultural Production and the Politics of Visibility navigates this paradox. Edited by Reina Gossett, Eric A Stanley and Johanna Burton, the book examines how seemingly progressive opportunities often come with strings attached.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by MIT Press
“Banners” Skateboard
“Banners” Skateboard
Designed for Queer Skate Day in Paris, France, the “Banners” skate deck comes from artist Jeffery Cheung’s Unity—a radical, queer skate collective and skateboard brand. One side of the 8.25-inch deck is marbled green while the other is dark peach. The deck celebrates inclusivity, with the artist’s signature artwork on one side and Unity’s logo and slogan “Like it or not!” on the other.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by There Skateboards
“Candystore + Jarrett, Crown Heights (after Linda Simpson)” Exclusive Artist Edition
“Candystore + Jarrett, Crown Heights (after Linda Simpson)” Exclusive Artist Edition
By photographer Ian Lewandowski and print publisher Harlan & Weaver, this exclusive artist edition of the photograph “Candystore + Jarrett, Crown Heights (after Linda Simpson)” (2022) benefits the Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR). All proceeds from each sale directly benefit FIAR’s annual summer program for LGBTQ+ artists, as well as the community the organization fosters.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Ian Lewandowski
Gogo Boi (Face Down Ass Up) Vase
Gogo Boi (Face Down Ass Up) Vase
Produced by CH favorite Pansy Ass Ceramics at their Toronto studio, the Gogo Boi (Face Down Ass Up) vase supports flowers at both ends of the glossy vessel. It’s a clever, queer decor addition that comes in a few different colorways—including one with 22k gold accents. Each vase measures approximately 16 by 8 by 7 inches. Though some styles are sold out, they can be made to order.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Pansy Ass Ceramics
Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck and Guidebook
Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck and Guidebook
Featuring the design and artwork of the queer and trans artist team Ash + Chess, this 78-card tarot deck is a vibrant, affirming and inclusive set with depictions based on real LGBTQ+ people of different sizes, abilities, races and sexual orientations. Alongside it is a helpful guidebook that includes descriptions, suggested readings and the history for each card. It all comes in a magnetic keepsake box, along with a travel case.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Ash + Chess
Intuition Spray
Intuition Spray
Whether preparing a meditation space, getting ready for yoga or simply looking to cultivate more mindfulness, Intuition Spray’s earthy notes and light citrus scents help awaken the senses for more empowering rituals. Like all of Sage and Salt’s sprays, the blend is made with responsibly harvested herbs.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Sage and Salt
Sol Bottom
Sol Bottom
With bold cutouts, utilitarian buckles, adjustable straps and a rounded crotch gusset, the Sol Bottom (available from XS to 4XL) is high-cut and high-waisted swimwear made from recycled nylon taken from recovered fishing nets. From empowering bodywear brand Chromat’s collaboration with the artist Tourmaline, named Collective Opulence Celebrating Kindred, the liberating red bottoms are thoughtfully designed for trans femmes, trans mascs, nonbinary people, people who are intersex, women who don’t tuck, men and more.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Chromat + Tourmaline
The Epic Patchwork Body Pillow
The Epic Patchwork Body Pillow
Made from deadstock linen tinted with low-impact dyes and with an LA-made insert, this body pillow from Lindsay Rose Medoff’s sustainable sewing and production shop, Suay, is a design-forward, cozy home addition. Featuring patchwork in three different colorways (oatmeal, mustard or indigo), the pillow transforms upcycled materials into a lush way to lounge.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Suay
“Colors” Skateboard
“Colors” Skateboard
From artist and skateboarder Jeffrey Cheung—who runs There Skateboards, an offshoot of the SF-based collective Unity which represents and supports queer skaters—this “Colors” deck features his signature figurative art. Available in two sizes (8.25 or 8.5 inches), this skateboard has been made and designed with all types of skaters in mind.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by There Skateboards
Bubble Pitcher #4
Bubble Pitcher #4
From Brooklyn-based Sticky Glass, founded and helmed by Grace Whiteside, the Bubble Pitcher #4 is part of the Bubble collection—full of delightfully bulbous objects in retro-leaning colors. Its handblown nature means that hot liquids and microwaves should be avoided, but this glorious vessel is just as attractive whether in use or on display.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by Sticky Glass
Fabric Le Homard Bib
Fabric Le Homard Bib
An embroidered lobster and a lemon wedge adorn the Fabric Le Homard Bib from Chez Diane, the design studio created by drag performer Steak Diane. Available in retro-leaning gingham or striped patterns, each bib comprises a double layer of 100% cotton and features a plastic snap closure. This accessory perfectly blends nostalgia with practicality, as well as a touch of kitsch.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by Chez Diane
Essential Three-Piece Set
Essential Three-Piece Set
Designed in NYC, the Essential Three-Piece Set from Universal Belongings consists of four entrée plates, four salad plates and four cereal bowls. The ceramic objects—available in four colorways—feature a two-tone glaze that creates a subtle ombre look, adding character without being gimmicky or gaudy. The sturdy bowls and plates are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and can be mixed and matched with all kinds of other items from the brand to create an affordable yet upscale table setting.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by Universal Belongings
Future Gin
Future Gin
One of the only fully women-owned and -operated gins, Future Gin is made in LA with almost all botanicals sourced from Southern California. With unexpected inclusions like avocado and grape leaves, the smooth and juicy gin is citrusy and earthy. Its bright and silky nature makes it perfect for cocktails or straight sipping.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by Future Gin
Psychedelic Pillow Cover
Psychedelic Pillow Cover
Knitted in New Jersey, this maximalist “Fruit Punch” pillow cover from interdisciplinary artist and designer Zoe Schlacter is crafted from an OEKO-TEX recycled cotton and polyester blend that’s durable and machine-washable. Measuring 18 by 18 inches, it features a zipper closure.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by Zoe Schlacter
Spiral Hoodie
Spiral Hoodie
LA-based label No Sesso—meaning “no sex / no gender” in Italian—exists at the crux of fashion, art, culture and design, while challenging the traditional notions of each. Founded by Pierre Davis, the brand’s signature pieces include hand-embroidery and made-to-order knits. This hoodie (one of their more conventional offerings), intended for all genders and identities, has been embroidered with a swirly No Sesso logo on the front and the “Acid Smiley” on the sleeve.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by No Sesso
7-Free Polish
7-Free Polish
From beauty brand and platform for queer- and gender-expansive identities, We Are Fluide, the 7-Free Polish is a non-toxic, vegan nail polish. Free of the seven harmful components typically found in such formulas (formaldehyde, Toulene, DBP, Xylene, Camphor, Phthalates and TPHP), this gloss won’t do you harm. With a thick and shiny application, it’s available in glittery hues, bold shades and iridescent iterations.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by We Are Fluide
“i’m stoned please leave me alone” Cap
“i’m stoned please leave me alone” Cap
Available in black, khaki, pink or gray, this 100% bio-washed cotton twill cap is machine-embroidered with the very simple statement: “i’m stoned please leave me alone.” The humorous and potentially truthful slogan is embroidered by Astraea Goods and the cap features an adjustable back with brass buckles.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by Astraea Goods
Love Breaks Binaries Sweatshorts
Love Breaks Binaries Sweatshorts
These 100% GOTS-certified cotton shorts celebrate trans love and power while donating proceeds to GLITS (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society), an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community globally. Available in XXS to 4XL, these shorts are designed by Grayson Izekiel—a Brooklyn-based Black, trans and non-binary artist and tattooer—and feature empowering reminders like “God is Trans,” “Pride is Power” and “Trans Inclusive Feminism” and more.
Added: October 2022
This product is sold by CHNGE
“Be Gay Do Crime” Shirt
“Be Gay Do Crime” Shirt
Centralia, Pennsylvania-based artist Bum Lung collaborated with online, sweatshop-free merchandise shop Punk With A Camera to create a series of tops featuring their “Be Gay Do Crime” artwork. Available as a cropped, long-sleeve or regular T-shirt; sweater; tank; crewneck sweater or hoodie, the art reclaims the ways in which queer people have been stereotyped and scapegoated for problems in society. All proceeds from sales go to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Punk With A Camera + Bum Lung
Soft Science
Soft Science
Franny Choi explores queerness, femininity, identity and autonomy as an Asian American woman in Soft Science, a book of poems that often center on futurism and technology in a remarkably human manner. While cyborgs feature as a vehicle for otherness, Choi also uses them in many other nuanced ways. Rhythmic and melodic, her poems enthrall readers.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Alice James Books
