Midway through pride month, we take a look at brands that are owned or run by queer people. Our list has offered more than just clothing, accessories, and other items but also a free space for those who identify as LGBTQ+. These brands create a sense of community for their patrons through their numerous projects and initiatives. Some of the noteworthy offerings by the brands mentioned on our list include sustainability, inclusion, discrete packaging, news, events, a supportive helpline, and carefully prepared items that are not just about the colors of the rainbow.
Find a list of queer and LGBTQ+ brands picked for their unique offering, brand vision, and overall contribution to the LGBTQ+ community.
Queer In The World
Queer In The World is an LGBTQ+ clothing and lifestyle brand based in Auckland, New Zealand. Its philosophy is to increase queer visibility and help to spread pride through its clothing, accessories, household products, informative blogs, and travel guides.
In addition, the company has partnered with the environmental conservation organization, Ecologi, to plant a tree in each order to help offset carbon emissions. Along with a product display, the brand’s website offers the option to shop by identity.
Follow Queer in the World on Instagram HERE
Click here for their website
Jannike Sommar
Jannike Sommar is a non-binary lesbian designer based in Paris, France. She is originally from Stockholm, Sweden. Her work was featured at Incufashion, a platform for emerging designers that organizes fashion shows. Her designs feature clothing apparel with bold colors, designs and abstract shapes. The brand includes a range of loose t-shirts, tops, sweatshirts, and other accessories.
She created the red carpet gown for Swedish drag queen Admira Thunderpussy at the QX Gala 2019 – Sweden’s annual event to award awards for LGBT achievements. As mentioned on her website, her ambition is “to create her own queer universe in fashion.”
Follow Jannike Sommar on Instagram HERE
Check out their line of products on their website HERE
Phlemuns
Fashion designer James Flemons founded Phlemuns, a Los Angeles-based fashion label, in 2013. The unisex brand was founded with the goal of bridging the gap between haute couture and everyday communities. It approaches clothing in a ‘slow-fashion’ manner, creating interesting and unique shirts, trousers, and dresses for all gender identities. The brand is also concerned with sustainability, gender equality, and equality at work practices.
James Flemons has collaborated with artists like Jaden Smith, singer-songwriter Solange, alternative R&B singer Blood Orange, film producer Alana Mayo, musicians Lizzo, Rico Nasty, Kelsey Lu, Lil Nas X, and Kali Uchis to exhibit his clothing. In a 2018 interview with fashion and culture magazine Flaunt, Flemons said, “Our clothing is a reflection of ourselves, and I just aim to be expressive which very much comes through with being part of the queer community.”
Follow Phlemuns on Instagram HERE
Click here to visit their website
Rainbow Roo
Rainbow Roo is an Australian shopping and retail brand that celebrates and advocates for the entire LGBTQ+ community. They were founded in 2017 with the goal of raising awareness and promoting acceptance of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Along with their clothing and accessories products, the brand provides custom LGBTQ+ themed designs ranging from single to multiple items.
Besides apparel, Rainbow Roo’s page on Instagram shares daily positive quotes, news from local LGBTQ+ communities, and information on events, festivals, and pride celebrations. On their website, you will also find insightful and informative news articles as well as a slew of coming-out videos that share positive messages and words of encouragement and acceptance from lesbians, bisexuals, gay, and non-binary people who have previously come out.
Find Rainbow Roo on Instagram HERE
Click here to visit their website
Gay Pride Apparel
Gay Pride Apparel is a Mexican-American and LGBTQ+-owned brand that was established in 2019. For year-round pride, the brand focuses on empowerment, pride, and authenticity. They have a high-quality product line of clothing, home decor, pride gear, gift cards, and other accessories for all identities. They have received over 31,000 orders since its inception. Gay Pride Apparel also provides completely discreetly packaged for the safety of those who are still in the closet.
Sergio Aragon and Jesus Gutierrez, friends since sixth grade, founded the brand. It has been featured in the LA Times, on Buzz Feed, and on AZ central. ‘Through The Queer Lens’, is an audio podcast that was launched by the brand where they discuss different issues and interview LGBTQ+ people from all over the world. Gay Pride Apparel also posts regular news and updates about the LGBTQ+ community on Instagram.
Find Gay Pride Apparel on Instagram HERE
Click here for Gay Pride Apparel’s official website
QUCCIBERRY
Qucciberry is a queer-owned fashion and lifestyle brand established in 2018 and based in New Delhi, India. The brand began with the goal of carving out a niche in the fashion and accessories industry for the LGBTQ+ community, offering clothing, watches, wallets, belts, and other items.
Qucciberry’s brand mission is to educate and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in society while also developing a solid and competent foundation for the community. The organization is also dedicated to charities such as HIV/AIDS awareness, empowering leadership, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Follow Qucciberry on Instagram HERE
Click here for their website
Heckin’ Unicorn
Heckin’ Unicorn is a Singapore-based queer brand created by and for queer people founded in 2018. The brand is on a mission to assist the LGBTQ+ community in expressing themselves in ways not limited to rainbows and flags. Heavily researched and thoughtfully curated stationery items, enamel pins, socks, backpacks, earrings, and other accessories are items available. Product designer Teo Yu Sheng is the founder of the company.
Heckin’ Unicorn has also donated to and supported LGBTQ+ community organizations and initiatives. They collaborate with The T Project – a social service for the transgender community in Singapore on its first trans pin and donations. The company has also promised to donate 10% of its profits to The Greenhouse for the entire month of June 2022. The Greenhouse is a substance abuse treatment center for marginalized communities that are reluctant to seek help due to shame or fear of prejudice.
Find a list of initiatives on collaborations by Heckin’ Unicorn on its website HERE
Follow Heckin’ Unicorn on Instagram HERE
