50 LGBTQIA+-Owned Home & Kitchen Brands We Love
Happy Pride! I always look forward to Pride Month (aka June) because it reminds me of the time when I was standing in front of the Stonewall Inn watching New York City’s Pride parade go by, and I suddenly understood that there is a ton of support for LGBTQIA+ people like me in this world that I just hadn’t known about growing up. Pride parades, picnics, and parties are celebrations of just how much members of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies have accomplished, memorials for those we’ve lost, and stark reminders of the work that we’ve still got to do.
While we’ve come a long way since the Gay Rights tipping point of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, discrimination is still widely experienced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and in the past five months alone, at least 24 transgender or non-conforming people have been killed in the United States. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community as a member of it or as an ally does make a difference, whether that means standing up for a coworker who’s silently enduring microaggressions at work or donating your time or money to worthy causes.
Supporting brands and businesses on the right side of equality also makes a difference, and there are many great LGBTQIA+-owned kitchen brands out there to discover. In the spirit of Pride, here’s a list of 50 LGBTQIA+-owned businesses you should check out during Pride Month and beyond!
Groceries
Diaspora Co.
Diaspora Co. is an inspiring company that makes you completely rethink spices and the way they’re produced and traded. All of Diaspora’s offerings are sourced directly from small family farms and shipped directly to you, thus creating a decolonized spice trade that redistributes power away from the trader and instead empowers farmers, laborers, and the earth.
Buy: Pragati Turmeric, $12 at Diaspora Co.
Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce
Shaquanda is the spicy, hilarious persona created by entrepreneur and drag queen Andre Springer. If you watch one of her videos, you’ll learn just how Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce blends all that peppery personality into an all-purpose hot sauce with a symphony of flavors. The sauce is based on the traditional habañero-heavy Bajan pepper sauce that can be found on every dinner table in Barbados, but with a twist of apple cider vinegar, ginger, and horseradish.
Buy: Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce, $10 at Shaquanda Will Feed You
Rancho Gordo
Rancho Gordo is the go-to source for heirloom beans that chefs adore. If you can’t find them at your local co-op, don’t fret! They have tons of varieties available to order online, from Scarlet Runners to those awesome Vaquero beans that (at least to me) look like tiny little moo-cows.
Buy: Vaquero Beans, $5.95 at Rancho Gordo
Peanut Butter & Co.
I used to live just down the block from Peanut Butter & Co.‘s sandwich shop and could not walk by without getting an Elvis sandwich. I’ve moved since then, but thankfully their peanut butter is now easy to find in stores and online, so I can sate my craving for a peanut butter, bacon, and banana sandwich any time at home. The company is family-owned and committed to using non-GMO and vegan-friendly ingredients.
Buy: The Bee’s Knees, $4.99 at Peanut Butter & Co.
Explorer Cold Brew
Explorer Cold Brew makes incredibly smooth-tasting cold brew concentrates that you just mix with water or milk for a cuppa cold brew that tastes even better than what you’ll get at most coffee shops, IMHO. They’re available in four different caffeine levels ranging from No Caf to Extra Caf, and their starter pack would make a great little gift for any cold brew-lover out there.
Buy: Starter Pack, $20 at Explorer Cold Brew
Five North Chocolate
Five North Chocolate is committed to Fair Trade, and is actually the first brand ever to feature the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce seal on a packaged good. While sold out online at the moment, you can find Five North’s chocolates in stores.
More info: Pistachio Sea Salt 3-Pack, $19.95 at Five North Chocolate
YEAH DAWG
Yeah Dawg became an overnight sensation when they started serving up plant-based, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free hot dogs from a food truck in Brooklyn, and now you can order them online. There’s a variety of brats, dogs, and even CocoNOT Bacon Bits to choose from.
Buy: Variety Pack, $25 at YEAH DAWG
Pipsnacks
You might not believe it, but even your cheddar cheese balls can be made from heirloom corn grown at family-owned farms! Pipcorn makes a great variety of snacks ranging from truffle popcorn to lime corn dippers, all made from heirloom grains.
Buy: Cheese Balls Variety Pack, $16 at Pipsnacks
City Saucery
City Saucery’s vegan tomato ‘nduja is one of those condiments that, once you try it for the first time, will make you wonder how you’ve managed to survive so long without it. It’s an umami-rich vegan version of the traditional and spicy Calabrian pork spread and, seriously, it’s like a Calabrian nonna knew there was an ‘nduja-shaped hole in your belly and made this to fill it!
Buy: Vegan Tomato ‘Nduja, $19.99 at City Saucery
Big Gay Ice Cream
Founders Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff somehow just knew that New York City needed a big, gay ice cream truck when they launched in 2009. And they were right! While you’ll have to visit a physical location of Big Gay Ice Cream in NYC or Philly to enjoy a fresh frozen treat, they do have merch available online including their famous coffee blend.
Buy: Big Gay Ice Cream Blend Coffee, $16.99 at Big Gay Ice Cream
The Gefilteria
Brooklyn-based The Gefilteria specializes in gefilte and other traditional Jewish foods, and their cookbook can teach you how to make them on your own. The book puts a modern spin on classic recipes for sour dill pickles, chicken liver pâté, and more.
Buy: The Gefilteria Cookbook, $35 at The Gefilteria
Cowgirl Creamery
After impressive stints working at Chez Panisse and other Bay Area restaurants, married couple Sue Conley and Peggy Smith started Cowgirl Creamery in 1997. They’ve since risen up the ranks in the world of artisan cheese, and consistently win awards for their delicious cheeses such as the triple-cream Mt. Tam.
Buy: Victory Cheese Box, $105 at Cowgirl Creamery
PB Love Co.
There’s peanut butter, and then there’s artisanal peanut butter. I’m not suggesting you get too snooty about your PB&J, but PB Love Co.‘s stone-ground nut butters and seasonal jams could take it to another level.
Buy: Salty Peanut Butter, $23 at PB Love Co.
Equator Coffees
Proudly served at The French Laundry and other ultra-fine dining establishments, Equator Coffees offer multiple fresh blends for coffee connoisseurs. Founded in 1995 by Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell, Equator is on a mission to make people’s lives better through great coffee.
Buy: The French Laundry Blend, $18 at Equator Coffees
Sauce & Destroy
Born in NYC, made in Maine, Sauce & Destroy offers a super-good vegan marinara sauce based on old family recipes. Their merch isn’t bad at all, either.
Buy: Marinara, $10 at Sauce & Destroy
Coolhaus
Sammie lovers, rejoice! NYC-based ice cream brand Coolhaus now sells ice cream sammies, pints, and other frozen treats online and in stores nationwide. They also now offer dairy-free options as well as some exciting limited-edition flavors on a regular basis.
Buy: Classic Vanilla Sammie, $15 at Coolhaus
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen started when Jim Stott and Jonathan King began selling homemade jams at a farmers market in Portsmouth, New Hampsure, in 1991. And boy, have they grown! The brand now offers everything from candles to glassware, but their Wild Maine Blueberry Jam is still a classic.
Buy: Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, $5.57 at Stonewall Kitchen
Seeking Kombucha
Seeking Kombucha founders Jeanette and Lyz started out by brewing, bottling, and delivering their homemade kombucha in the Seattle area, and they now ship nationwide. A variety of flavors made from local ingredients are available, as well as some delicious blends of loose teas.
Buy: Seeking Kombucha Variety Pack, $60 at Seeking Kombucha
Rogue Creamery
Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue was the first American cheese to win the World Champion Award at The World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy (basically the Oscars of the cheese world!). They offer various types of blue cheeses and a gorgonzola, as well as seven different types of cheddar.
Buy: Rogue River Blue Cheese, $75 at Rogue Creamery
Third Culture Bakery
Home of the original mochi muffin, Third Culture Bakery ships their signature muffins, single-estate teas, and other treats nationwide. The muffins are inspired by a traditional Indonesian treat that dessert chef Sam’s mom used to make, and are slightly crispy on the outside and decadently chewy on the inside.
Buy: Original Mochi Muffins, $24 at Third Culture Bakery
Beekman 1802
Chances are, you’re already familiar with Beekman 1802‘s natural skincare products. Founders (and couple) Josh and Brent started the brand with a line of artisan soaps made with milk from the goats on their farm in Sharon Springs, New York. Today, their product range includes artisanal condiments and sweets, most of which are made with ingredients sourced within a range of 100 miles from their farm.
Buy: Berry Wasabi Horseradish, $10 at Beekman 1802
Tools, Tabletop & Gear
MINNA
MINNA is a Queer-led online shop and storefront in Hudson, New York, that believes in doing business for good. You’ll find an expertly edited selection of tabletop accessories, decor, artwork, and even furniture in their shop.
Buy: Lago Stripe Napkin, $20 at MINNA
Otherwild
Otherwild is my absolute favorite place to shop for gifts for anyone who’s impossible to shop for. They carry ceramics, home goods, and accessories from a variety of cool brands, all of which are focused on sustainability. There’s an entire zero-waste kitchen section that has everything from stainless steel reusable take-out containers to gorgeous Swedish dishcloths.
Buy: Plastic-Free Clean Lunch Bag, $52 at Otherwild
(MALIN+GOETZ)
Despite the minimalist packaging, everything from (MALIN+GOETZ) offers an unrivaled sensory experience. Founded by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz in 2004, their classic packaging and products haven’t changed much over the years because they were just so perfect to begin with.
Buy: Bergamot Hand + Body Wash, $24 at (Malin + Goetz)
Boy Smells
Founded by real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, Boy Smells creates scents that go beyond the gender binary such as Fleurshadow and Polyamberous. Their candles and personal fragrances are designed for everyone, and they make great gifts for everyone, too!
Buy: Park Life candle, $39 at Boy Smells
Two Tree Studios
“Stunning” is the only word to describe Two Tree Studios‘ hand-carved wooden spatulas, chopsticks, and other utensils. Each piece is carved from reclaimed maple, beech, or walnut wood and designed to be as delightful to cook with as it is to look at.
Buy: Wide scooped spatula, $72 at Two Tree Studios
Darling Spring
Darling Spring offers a bright and cheerful collection of tableware and other home objects — all designed by independent women designers from around the globe. There are tons of rare and colorful designs that could add a special accent to any kitchen.
Buy: Kapka Flashback Small Enamel Colander, $56 at Darling Spring
Sapphic Apothecary
Philadelphia-based Sapphic Apothecary is a womxn-owned business offering organic soy candles and queer-centric apparel. Their Breakfast in Bed candle is a particular favorite, with notes of blueberry, coconut, vanilla, and sugar.
Buy: Breakfast in Bed Candle, $10 at Sapphic Apothecary
Delphinium Home
As a former resident of the gayborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen, I can tell you that Delphinium Home is the place to pick up a fun, affordable, and probably kitschy dinner-party gift. But if you can’t make it to West 47th Street, their wares are also available online.
Buy: Dolly Parton Rainbow Mug, $17.95 at Delphinium Home
Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler‘s show-stopping serveware could elevate any occasion while adding a good bit of whimsy to your table. There are tons of bowls, plates, and trays to choose from, all of which have plenty of personality.
Buy: Dora Maar Condiment Bowl, $48 at Jonathan Adler
Fredericks & Mae
Fredericks & Mae is almost more of a museum than a shop, with super-unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Their tabletop section has lots of fun kitchen items, including this citronella spiral that’s both sculptural and practical for al fresco summer dining.
Buy: Citronella Incense Coil, $18 at Fredericks & Mae
Humboldt House
Humboldt House has a little bit of everything, including olive oil decanters and dog toys. With deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community, everything on their site and in their shop is thoughtfully sourced from minority-owned brands.
Buy: Ceramic Face Spoon Rest, $29 at Humboldt House
Ladyfingers Letterpress
Based in Colorado Springs, Ladyfingers Press offers a delightful selection of stationery and printed home and kitchen accessories all designed in-house and printed on-site.
Buy: Golden Girls Cambro Tray, $20 at Ladyfingers Letterpress
Lyon Lips
Lyon Lips is a queer- and woman-owned ceramics brand from Portland, Oregon, offering beautiful hand-thrown cups, mugs, plates, and bowls. Simple, organic, and modern, each piece is unique.
Buy: Simple Mug, $40 at Lyon Lips
Rheal
Based in Oakland, California, Rheal offers beautiful handmade coasters, bowls, and other kitchen accessories. Their mortar and pestle is perfect for grinding spices, but also just a great decorative accent for your kitchen.
Buy: Charcoal Small Mortar and Pestle, $28 at Rheal
Ashley Nicole Pottery
Ceramicist Ashley Nicole says her pottery is “a reminder to slow down, take a few breaths, and simply be your best you.” Her hand-thrown cups and bowls make anything served in them feel especially special.
Buy: Solid Color Pattern Juice Cup, $32 at Ashley Nicole Pottery
Wine & Spirits
Aplós
Aplós is a hemp-infused non-alcoholic spirit that’s calming and uplifting with notes of ginger and rosemary. It’s delightful simple mixed with a splash of soda or in more complex cocktails such as the Taro and Tahitian Gardenia, which is just right for summer.
Buy: Aplós, $48 at Aplós
18.21 Bitters
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, 18.21 Bitters has a wide variety of bitters, shrubs, and syrups on offer to take your cocktails to the next level. Their Watermelon Mint Shrub is refreshing and crisp when mixed with rum, seltzer, and fresh lime for a next-level mojito, but it can also be enjoyed with just sparkling water for a delicious non-alcoholic treat.
Buy: Watermelon Mint Shrub, $22.99 at 18.21 Bitters
Patricia Green Cellars
Patricia Green Cellars produces some of the best wines from the Willamette Valley. You can find all of their prized wines online, including the award-winning 2018 Marine Sedimentary Pinot Noir.
Buy: 2018 Marine Sedimentary Pinot Noir, $42 at Patricia Green Cellars
Equality Vines
Equality Vines support a variety of LGBTQ+ and immigrants’ rights organizations, and their wines reflect that. Whether you choose to go with Love Wins Sparkling Rosé or The Migrant Cabernet, rest assured that anything you buy from Equality Vines will help support their mission to further equality on all levels.
Buy: Love Wins Sparkling Rosé, $30 at Equality Vines
Wreck Beach Spirits
Wreck Beach’s Boozie Freezies are the adult version of Otter Pops, and are sure to become a summertime staple at pool parties and backyard BBQs. Their freezies come in quite a few flavors ranging from margarita to daiquiri, all of which are delicious.
Buy: Wreck Beach Boozie Freezie, $12.95 at Wreck Beach
Future Gin
Notes of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and grape leaf open up all kinds of new possibilities for creative cocktails with this gin from Los Angeles. It’s designed for maximum enjoyment, and is also a reflection of the city of angels itself, in convenient bottle form.
Buy: Future Gin, $39.96 from Astor Spirits
Supergay
Supergay‘s craft vodka is a “farm to disco” spirit that’s made from organic ingredients, and a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold goes to supporting hospitality workers who haven been impacted by the pandemic.
Buy: Supergay Vodka, $37.99 at Supergay Spirits
Gay Beer
Gay Beer is a delicious golden lager made with malt grains and Bavarian hops, resulting in an easy-drinking, light-tasting craft brew. A portion of proceeds supports LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, so you can also feel good about what you’re drinking.
Buy: Gay Beer, starting at $2.50 at TapRm
Remy Wines
Oregon native Remy Drabkin apparently knew she wanted to be a winemaker when she was just 8 years old. By 14 she was working her first grape harvest and by 17, she was already studying winemaking abroad. You can join the club to get special shipments, discounts, access to events, and more.
Buy: Remy Wines Bell’Amici Wine Club, $220
Gentleman Farmer Wines
Gentleman Farmer‘s 2020 Napa Valley Rosé has aromas of white strawberries, red grapefruit, and watermelon, making it an easy-drinking summer wine. It’s dry and refreshing, and pretty much the perfect wine for any summer BBQ.
Buy: Napa Valley Rosé 2020, $35 at Gentleman Farmer Wines
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
Winemaker Gary Farrell was making award-winning chardonnays and pinot noirs before the Russian River AVA even existed, and today his wines are consistently rated as some of the best in the region.
Buy: 2017 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay, $55 at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
Gardening
Arium Botanicals
If you could use some new plant friends, Arium Botanicals has a great selection of “collector plants” that are hard to find. Their selection includes lots of affordable and rare plants that all do well indoors.
Buy: Begonia “Escargot”, $10 at Arium Botanicals
Truelove Seeds
Truelove offers a bunch of hard-to-find heirloom seeds to make your garden a little more interesting. They have seeds for pretzel beans, tomatillos, and more heirloom vegetables that are impossible to find elsewhere.
Buy: De Milpa Tomatillo, $4 at Truelove Seeds
Hudson Valley Seed Co.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, Hudson Valley Seed Co. is a great place to shop for seeds and seedlings to help it bloom. They have lots of herbs, flowers, veggies, and more to make your garden a productive one throughout the growing season.
Buy: Bee Friendly Meadow Mix, $9.95 at Hudson Valley Seed Co.
Of course this list is just a starting point. Add more of your favorites in the comments below!