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.
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” …
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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 …
Jaunty and rounded, the Splat Side Table successfully plays with conventional furniture design. It’s made by Brooklyn-based designer Sophie Collé, whose practice encompasses her love of queerness, toys and the dramatic. Available in different heights and a range of colorful and classic hues, the side table stuns on its own or can be stacked alongside others for whimsical combinations.
Skateboarding is a culture traditionally rife with homophobia and exclusivity, but artist and activist Jeffrey Cheung and his partner Gabriel Ramirez are working to change that through their radical, queer skate collective UNITY and brand THERE Skateboards. From the store comes “Ice Cream,” a standard 8.25-inch board that fittingly features Cheung’s charming portraits stacked like scoops of ice cream.
From the beloved queer-run Hudson Valley restaurant Lil’ Deb’s Oasis comes merch made in collaboration with artist Nico Fontana. The “Tasting Gay” shirt, a long-sleeve garment that’s available in black or amethyst, is a whimsical celebration of the equally enchanting establishment. In wriggly font, the words “Tasting Good” adorn one sleeve while “Tasting Gay” runs across the other. The back of the shirt features a …
