Vancouver is home to a fabulous and prevalent queer community, with many drag shows, queer creatives and local businesses for and by 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals.
There are many reasons to be proud, and the city is celebrating queer pride with just as many events (so many, in fact, we've put together a mega list of Pride events!).
In a city that loves to shop local just as much as it is proud, there are plenty of 2SLGBTQAI+ owned businesses to support during Pride season. We've rounded up a few local businesses to support, from apparel to accessories to other!
Nima Apparel
The idea for this slow fashion brand was born when Nicole realized that there was a need for scrubs that were both stylish and functional after Nicole's wife, Marissa, who works as a nurse, couldn't find scrubs that fit these requirements. The scrubs are made locally in small batches.
PHRSH Threads
Queer streetwear to empower everyone and not exclude anyone! The queer POC-owned brand makes quality inclusive streetwear from T-shirts and sweaters to tote bags and stickers to hats and pins.
Pork-Pie Brand
Who doesn't love a graphic tee? Queer storyboard artist and illustrator, Luc Latulippe (he/him), creates his own T-shirt designs "inspired by old cartoons and comics, science fiction, BDSM & porn, and gay iconography of the 1970’s and 80’s," reads the website.
HEX Metals and Minerals
Created in Vancouver and owned by Adrienne Yeung (they/them) who is non-binary and of Chinese-Canadian descent, HEX creates gender-inclusive, handcrafted dichotomy jewellery from semiprecious stones and raw brass. The result is a minimalist accessory that adorns everyone.
Little Sister's
The book and art emporium first opened in Vancouver in 1983 and still stands today, surviving years of government harassment and three anti-gay terrorist bombings. The iconic queer bookstore has books for everyone of all ages, information and advice on coming out, greeting cards, adult toys, and supplies such as binders and packers. It is often referred to as as Vancouver's 'grown-up general store' for the queer community.
Proud Zebra
This queer-owned small local boutique business aims to empower the queer community through embellishments and accessories. Their inclusive pins cater to 31 different identities in the LGBTQ+ community.
Your Open Closet
Found inside Womyns'Ware on Commercial Drive, this sister brand supplies gender affirming undergarments such as binders and packer-accommodating underwear.
