This year, Pride Month is a particularly big deal. It’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which is a sobering reminder how far the world has come in terms of LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion. But at the same time, rights of LGBTQ individuals, families, and children are under attack in our own country in abhorrent ways today.
Even in 2019, we still have far to come, toward treating all people with dignity.
In fact, while the Equality Act was passed by the House of Representatives to ensure protections in all 50 states regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, the Senate has yet to even bring the bill to a vote. Hm. Wonder why.
So while each June, we love sharing our favorite Pride gear + rainbow gifts to help celebrate Pride Month (and beyond), this year, I wanted to be certain that all the gear and gifts I’m recommending actually support LGBTQ-run businesses or causes that are doing good for the community.
And just a quick note for the cynics:
I think it’s important to remember that even today, in 2019, companies still get pushback and threats of boycotts for supporting same-sex marriage, fighting against bigotry, depicting same-sex couples in advertising, or saying out loud in any way that “love is love.”
It’s not like slapping a certain colored ribbon on a jug of laundry detergent each year then moving on; brands that create Pride-themed products and donate to LGBTQ-centered organizations are making a bold stand. I for one honor that choice.
So I’m happy to support these brands and shops, each one stepping it up with cool merch — and big donations — in the name of Pride.
And love. Always love.
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Related: A wonderful picture book reminding us all that Love is Love
Fila Disruptor II Pride X Rainbow Sneakers
I love these shoes created in collaboration with our friends at the Phluid Project! Best of all, a portion of proceeds support the Stonewall Community Foundation.
Target Pride Collection
Target always a great go-to source for affordable tees, accessories and gear for families — so much so, it tends to be shopped out the day before the parade. Ask me know I know! They have particularly cute designs for kids this year like the Love Makes a Family toddler tee and the Love My Moms shirt, plus some new designs featuring the trans flag colors. Target is making a $100,000 donation to support kids through GLSEN overall.
Harry’s Shave with Pride Shaving Gift Set
I love this wonderfully illustrated gift set, and it donates 100% of profits to help support the impact of The Trevor Project — in addition to the $200,000 that Harry’s has already donated. You can grab this one at Target, too.
Converse x Pride Collection
This is one beautifully designed, broad collection of shoes and apparel, ranging from rainbow Chucks of all kinds, to glittery All-Star high-tops, to pale pink, blue and white designs representing the trans flag. Profits go to orgs with a focus on supporting LGBTQ youth, including It Gets Better and OUTMetroWest.
Happy Socks x Phluid Project Rainbow Socks
In another great collab with Phluid, you can find cool rainbow stripe socks here, including a pair that says “Feet have no gender.” Hilarious and wonderful. 10% of profits support the Stonewall Community Foundation.
Fluide Beauty Pride Cosmetics Pack
Every teen I know is obsessed with Fluide’s cosmetics-for-everyone collection. This cool pouch of 7 Fluide faves (their glosses are amazing!) is not only discounted by 50%, but $5 of every sale goes to New York’s Callen-Lorde Community Health Center which provides healthcare and wellness services to the LGBTQ community.
Fossil Limited Edition “Love in Color” Watch
I really like this modern black watch face with subtle rainbow colored markings — but you can amp it up with a rainbow nylon watch band, or a more subtle solid color in silicone or steel mesh. 100% of proceeds support LGBTQ youth through the Hetrick-Martin Institute. (PS. love their Instagram conversation with our friend, author and activist Blair Imani.)
Dr. Martens Pride Rainbow Collection
I’m swooning over this collection of Docs including ombre rainbow glitter boots in youth sizes, big in-your-face rainbow striped boots with PRIDE up the back, and more subtle black boots with rainbow laces. I’m not sure of the percentage, but portions of proceeds are going to The Trevor Project, which is awesome.
Related: The Barbie same-sex wedding set: Why it needs to happen
American Eagle x It Gets Better Women’s Collection
I’m such a big fan of the It Gets Better Project, and all profits from AE’s entire women’s collection goes right to the org. Find cool tees, tanks, baseball caps and hoodies.
Bombas Limited Edition Pride Socks
Our readers love Bombas socks, and they’re doing something kind of cool for Pride — instead of printing rainbows, they created a special space dye technique so that every single sock is different, to represent our individuality. And I’m happy they’re donating 40% to the Ally Coalition to help homeless youth.
TOMS Unity Collection
Yes, more do-gooding shoes! With a brand culture grounded in giving back, TOMS is offering Pride-themed shoes and sunglasses. Each purchase helps provide free eye car for the homeless youth of the Helen Keller International Childsight Program, 40% of whom identify as members of the LGBTQ community.
Related: The online Diverse Book Finder: A must-bookmark resource for families.
Disney Pride Collection
Believe it or not, I search “pride at Disney.com and…wow. They offer a few very nicely designed rainbow-themed gifts like this rainbow Disneyland tee. This month,10% of profits from their rainbow collection help create safer schools for LGBTQ youth through GLSEN.
ASOS x GLAAD Sunglasses
ASOS has launched a fairly large collection of clothes and accessories to celebrate Pride, but my favorite are these cool, pink-tinted shades with a faux lizard print. 100% of everything in the collection supports the outstanding work of the Gay-Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
John Varvatos Pride Collection
Want to get swanky? You’ll find three designer Pride tees here, each donating 30% toward AMFAR for AIDS research. I like the rainbow peace sign t-shirt myself — but alas, only in men’s sizes.
MAC Loves Pride Collection
It would hardly be Pride without MAC; despite the controversy about corporate sponsors at the NY Pride Parade, I can remember back to 1994 when they blew up the cosmetics world by hiring spokesperson RuPaul for their VivaGlam lipstick. This year, your product purchases help fund their support of more than 20 Pride events around the country, plus a half-million dollar donation to GLAAD through 2020.
