Thursday morning, I was scrolling Instagram stories on my way to work and rolled my eyes when I saw that Youth To The People had a Pride Edition Dream Mask – not because I’m anti pride products, but because I’m wary of rainbow-washing. Rainbow-washing is practice where businesses that do not support, or who actively work against, the LGBTQ community take the opportunity of Pride Month to change their profiles to something rainbow or come out with a rainbow product for their own gain and nothing else.
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw on the next slide of the story that 100% of the profits from the Pride Edition Dream Mask will be donated to diverse nonprofit organizations empowering the LGBTQ community and working to build a representative future. THAT is putting in work and THAT is how to do pride month. I decided to round up some businesses with similar practices, as well as LGBTQ-owned businesses, so that you can feel good about pride purchases and avoid rainbow-washing this month.
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Shake Shack Pride Shake
I pass a sign for this on my way to and from work. I actually put it on the list to research to see if it meant anything. For the month of June, Shake Shack is donating 5 percent of the sales price from their pride shakes to The Trevor Project, with a minimum donation of $50,000.
Chocolate Covered Pride Oreos
The Capital Candy Jar
I received Capital Candy Jar’s chocolate covered Oreos in a gift basket and MY GOSH they are delish. Even sweeter that they’re locally made by an LGTBQ business!
Pride Chuck 70
Converse
Converse has been releasing extensive Pride collections every year since 2015. Since that time, the company has donated over $1.3 million to various LGBTQ organizations around the world. The 2021 collection, which will benefit partners like the Ali Forney Center and It Gets Better Project, was inspired by five All-Stars from around the world who shared their journeys to joy and self-acceptance. These efforts are made possible due to the company’s overall commitment to diversity and inclusion. Converse has worked to recruit more inclusively and considers “using their products to enable social commitments” as a core activity. They also offer several employee resource groups to bring people together, including the Converse Pride Network.
Republic Restoratives
Republic Restoratives is both women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned (in a traditionally male-led business!), specializing in spirits. I had the privilege of getting to hang out at the distillery for a Bubbles & Bloggers event a few years ago, where they custom made delicious drinkies for the evening. Although they are still closed for tastings, they are open for pick-up 11am-5pm every day.
Tote 42 With Rainbow Signature Rexy
Coach
The Coach Foundation has made donations to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Albert Kennedy Trust, and new partners Point Foundation and CenterLink Community of LGBTQ Centers. All four organizations create empowering spaces, both online and IRL, to ensure LGBTQIA+ young people have access to their chosen family.
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Miss Pixies
Miss Pixie’s (another LGBTQ/woman-owned business) is one of my favorite shops in the city – I can’t go there too often or I’d be in BIG trouble. Dani and I are constantly tagging each other in their vintage finds on Instagram. Two of my favorite pieces hanging on the walls in my apartment are from there. The products are always changing so if you love something, snag it fast!
Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
My only experience at Annie’s was a great one. Or ended up being one. I was on a terrible date who inexplicably left me alone at the bar for about 20 minutes. A sweet couple celebrating their anniversary and their party came over to me, told me I was too cute for my date, and bought a round of shots for us all to do together. I will never forget that kind of raucous moment of inclusivity and kindness from a bunch of strangers.
George Katinas , the son of Greek immigrants, opened Annie’s in 1948, under the name Paramount Steak House. George renamed the restaurant Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse in the early 1960’s in honor of his sister’s devotion to her customers. Her commitment to impeccable service and unwavering support of the LGBTQ community set a high standard for the entire restaurant to follow.
Family-owned to this day, by Paul Katinas (George’s son and Annie’s nephew), Annie’s has always put its customers first and is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all.
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