Pride Month is a wonderful time to really place an emphasis on supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Of course, we need to be celebrating and showing love to all people all year long, but we can take this as a reminder to reflect. We’ve rounded up our fave LGBTQ+ locally-owned businesses that you can browse and check out. Feel free to DM us on Instagram for any additional recommendations!
Here are LGBTQ+ Canadian-owned businesses to support all year long.
Craig’s Cookies
Craig’s Cookies are definitely a staple in every cookie lover’s dream. There are now five locations in Toronto which include The Village, Parkdale, Leaside, Leslieville, and Yorkdale.
SOAP
SOAP is a Canadian queer-owned apparel company with a social mission to give back to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Not only does it sell premium quality apparel, but 5% of all profits go toward supporting queer charities and advocacy groups.
Toni Marlow
Toni Marlow is a statement undergarment brand founded by Jaymin (Jalisa) Luces-Mendes in Toronto, Canada back in 2015. It places a major focus on using high-quality fabrics and paying attention to detail so that your body is getting exactly what it needs. Toni Marlow is all about inclusivity and finding the right pieces to feel confident.
Bean Around The World
Native to British Columbia, Bean Around The World has 23 locations all around the province. It seeks out the best beans around to offer a delicious cup of joe.
Dew of the Gods
Dew of the Gods is definitely a beauty brand to keep on your radar. Browse all of its products to get your glow on all day every day. It purchases carbon offsets for the air and ocean transport of products, as well as selects packaging made with previously-recycled components and materials. Dew of the Gods promises to always feature LGBTQ+ people in all of its marketing to partnerships—how awesome is that?
Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop is the first queer-focused Canadian bookstore and the oldest queer bookstore worldwide. It first opened in 1970 and continues to offer the widest possible selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer literature.
Little Rainbow Paper Co.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Little Rainbow Paper Co. welcomes all people. The business also focuses on queer and quirky, LGBTQ cards and prints that help us celebrate our lives and relationships in meaningful ways. Plus, check out the super cute pins that are available too!
TRU Tattoo
TRU Tattoo Studio’s objective is to create a safer, sustainable, and functional space for Black, Indigenous, racialized, Queer, and Trans tattoo artists. The studio provides a space where anyone and everyone can feel safe getting tattooed. The shop’s artists also specialize in tattooing Black and dark skin.
Ladies Love Units
Ladies Love Units, founded by Kevin and his partner Willie, was founded on a mission to provide Kevin’s sister, who was diagnosed with cancer, a realistic-looking wig or unit that didn’t need glue to stay on to help her regain confidence. The duo put their heads together and handcrafted a one-of-a-kind wig, fully customized for the wearer – and soon after, Ladies Love Units was born. Today, they continue to offer clients an exclusive, full-service experience that is unmatched in the industry.
Articles You May Be Interested In
Shop Our Fave Pride Month Collections
5 Canadian Women-Owned Small Businesses Whose Products We’ve Tried
20 Female-Owned Canadian Businesses To Support
16 Of Our Favourite Canadian Etsy Shops To Check Out
80+ Canadian Shopping Websites To Have On Your Radar
Pride month is officially here! Each year a bunch of brand’s release limited edition pride collections in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Not only do we get to enjoy and express ourselves through the merchandise, but all of the companies below either donate a portion of the proceeds or are continuously working with LGBTQIA+ organzaitons year round. Show off your stripes and have a happy Pride month!
Here are our fave pride month collections to shop.
Our Place—Full of Pride Mugs
Casetify Pride Collection
COACH Pride Collection
SodaStream—Pride Special Edition Sparkling Water Maker
Levi’s Pride
Fossil Pride Collection
Articles You May Be Interested In:
5 Canadian Women-Owned Small Businesses Whose Products We’ve Tried
20 Female-Owned Canadian Businesses To Support
16 Of Our Favourite Canadian Etsy Shops To Check Out
80+ Canadian Shopping Websites To Have On Your Radar
Pride month has officially commenced! Although Toronto is known for extensive celebrations that bring people together from all over the world, it’s no surprise that this year’s pride will be different. We may be celebrating in small groups, but that doesn’t mean we can celebrate in style by wearing our stripes. Like every year, our favourite brands have released collections with items to suit your every wardrobe need and more. Each year, brands release these limited-edition collections in celebration of our LGBTQ+ community that we know, love, and strongly support. The best thing about sporting those stripes? Many of these products have a charitable aspect, meaning a donation will be made to an LGBTQ+ organization with your purchase.
Here Are The 10 Products buy To Celebrate Pride Month!
Articles You Might Be Interested In:
A Virtual Drag Show Is Happening This Month In Toronto
10 Toronto Retail Stores That Have Reopened
10 Black-Owned Restaurants In Toronto To Order From
10 Outdoor Accessories Under $50 To Upgrade Your Backyard
16 Celebrity Outfits We’re Loving This Week
This year’s Pride is a special one as it’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement. Every June, around the world, people come together to celebrate their LGBTQ+ community. But this Pride is more than just rainbows, a parade, and a party. It has been about the celebration of life and the fight for human rights and equality. Which is why brands are trying to put their money where their mouth is this month when it comes to showing up for the LGTBQ2+ communities.
Here are 6 brands who are showing support this Pride Month.
Bud Light
Instagram/@budlightliving
Bud Light is partnering with the Canadian-based human rights organization to pledge up to $100K toward Rainbow Railroad’s work to help persecuted LGBTQ+ people escape harassment and violence. By donating up to $1.45 for every limited-edition case of Rainbow cans, the beer company hopes to help Rainbow Railroad, assisting in its efforts to help people flee state-sanctioned persecution and find pathways to safety.
The Drake Hotel
Instagram/@pinkmarketto
On Monday, June 17th, The Drake Hotel hosted 86’d Mondays alongside Danielle Finestone of T.O. Foodies. For this event, they partnered with queer craft vendor Pink Market to showcase LGBTQ artisans. While 86’d Mondays are typically free to attend, this time, funds were collected at the door and by selling raffle tickets, to give away a donation to SOY Toronto, a program for LGTBQ2+ youth ages 29 and under. How rad!
IKEA
Instagram/@ikeausa
IKEA recently announced that it’s recognizing Pride Month in a few different ways in store. But the one that has people talking? The release of a limited edition kvanting bag in the colours of the rainbow flag. The idea of the bag was actually pitched by a Canadian co-worker who came up with the idea to merge the iconic frakta bag with the colours of pride, and the rest they say is history. All profits from sales of the bag will be donated to Pflag – Canada’s national organization that offers peer-to-peer support for those within the LGBTQ2S community.
Consonant Skincare
Consonant Skincare
For fans of Consonant, you’ll be happy to hear that the lip conditioner Peace, Love, Lip is back. The best part? Being sold on a limited run, the conditioner is benefitting Bill 7 Award Trust, a Canadian charity that provides scholarships to disadvantaged LGBTQ students pursuing post-secondary education. When purchasing the conditioner (which comes in three separate pricepoints: $7, $12, or $20) beauty buffs can pick how much you want to donate — love it!
Lyft Canada
Honestly, who doesn’t love Lyft? As part of its new program, Because Two is Too Few, Lyft is the first rideshare app in Canada and the U.S. to offer a range of optional pronouns to include transgender and non-binary riders. But that’s not all Lyft is doing this Pride Month! For every ride taken during Pride, the company will be donating $1 (up to $5,000) to Casey House, Canada’s first and only stand-alone hospital for people with HIV/AIDS. For those who want to support the initiative and use Lyft, use code PRIDEYYZ19 to get $5 off your next two rides to or from Pride Toronto between June 21st and 23rd.
Skittles
Instagram/@tofu.tits
Who doesn’t want to taste the rainbow? Well, during Pride Month, Skittles is hoping you’ll do just that. For the first time ever, the brand is removing its signature rainbow colouring from its packaging and candies. A portion of the sales from these limited edition packages will help the three LGBTQ2+ summer camp programs that Skittles has partnered with: Camp Rainbow Phoenix in Ontario, British Columbia’s CampOUT, and the Youth Project in Nova Scotia. Plus, on June 22, the brand is helping four LGBTQ2+ couples get married in first-ever Skittles Hall of Rainbows but none other than Preacher Shangela of RuPaul’s Drag Race — can I get a HALLELOO?!
Featured Image: Instagram/@tiaraa_rock
Articles You May Be Interested In:
The 10 Best Free Toronto Events To Check Out This June
The 8 Best Clothing Stores In Toronto By Neighbourhood
8 IKEA Shopping Secrets To Know The Next Time You Shop
Bold Collaboration Between Designer Alexander Wang and Trojan Condoms
How I Got My Job As The Director Of A Popular Toronto Art Gallery
We all love a good old fashioned sports event, right? Now don’t get us wrong because we’re all supportive of our home teams, but sometimes sportswear can be unflattering and, well, unfashionable. What about those of us who strive to look cute no matter where we go? In recent years, so many local and trendy brands have partnered with the sports clubs of Toronto and the result is some majorly cool collabs.
The next time you’re going to a big league game, show your support by rocking one of these 9 pieces and cheer the team on!
TISSOT Chrono XL NBA Collector Watch
Photo via TISSOT
Whether you’re using it to count down the final minutes in the game or are just a watch connoisseur, the Tissot x NBA Collector Watch is a showstopper. With the strap formulated from official Spalding basketball leather, this is a must-have for the basketball fan in your life!
Herschel NBA Superfan Raptors Backpack
Photo via Herschel
Show your hometown pride no matter where you go with the Herschel x NBA Settlement Backpack. This carry-all can be customized with 59 different teams plus there’s even a hidden logo on the inside. Iconic and sleek, the backpack also comes with a laptop sleeve and media pocket too.
Stance Blue Jays Socks
Photo via Stance Socks
Looking to show your Blue Jays pride from head to toe? Grab a pair of these unisex Stance Blue Jays socks and wear ’em to the next home game.
Raptors Frank + Oak Collection
Photo via RealSports
Remember a few years back when Frank + Oak released their Raptors line? Well we do and we’re still obsessed with it. Some items are hard to find now but we scoured the web and found a few pieces that are still available for purchase at RealSports. The collection originally consisted of 9 items that all show Raptors pride but with a more modern and contemporary twist. Shop now because these pieces are all on sale, too!
Peace Collective’s Fan Collective
Photo via Peace Collective
Proudly Canadian, Peace Collective is known for its constant local support and that includes Toronto’s sports teams. The brand’s Fan Collective includes collaborations with teams like Toronto Blue Jays, Raptors, Maple Leafs, Hockey Canada, NBA, and Canada Basketball. Wondering which team to support? You could always rock the brands iconic ‘Toronto vs. Everybody’ sweater and cover all your bases!
Stance Raptors Socks
Photo via Stance Socks
We might be a little sock obsessed but for Stance Socks, we’ll make an exception because the brand’s Raptors socks are seriously cute. Since fashion is a major player at basketball games, we suggest pairing them with an all black outfit for full effect!
Leeloodles Raptors T-Shirt
Photo via Drake General Store
Want to experience the world through the eyes of a kid? Well, you kind of can when you wear a Leeloodles piece. All the items are designed by local 10-year old aspiring artist Leeloominai Monleon, aka Leeloo, herself. Her parents took it upon themselves to print t-shirts as they loved Leeloo’s interpretation of classic logos. Her designs, including this Raptors t-shirt, have become a worldwide hit.
Drake General Store x New Era Baseball Cap
Photo via Drake General Store
Why wear a regular ‘ol baseball cap when you could wear a hat that shows your support for not only the Blue Jays but also our city? A collab with Drake General Store and New Era Caps, this hat is perfect for wearing at the game or for strutting about town.
Retro CBC Hockey Night Toque
Photo via Drake General Store
Even though the cold weather is (almost) behind us, it will be back again in a flash. Get prepared for those winter blizzards with this Retro CBC Hockey Night Toque. No matter if you’re showing hometown pride watching Hockey Night on TV at home or braving the cold at a local game, this is the hat to wear!
Featured Image: Instagram/@coryleemusic
Articles You May Be Interested In:
You Can Get FREE Fries From McDonald’s Every Time The Raptors Score Big
An Awesome Blue Jays Art Exhibit Just Opened in Toronto
The Best Merch to Cheer on the Blue Jays with this Season
Canadian Brands to Help You Cheer in Some Blue Jays Win
A Canadian TV Channel Will Be Broadcasting Blue Jays Games In Tagalog
You Can Get FREE Fries From McDonald’s Every Time The Raptors Score Big
An Awesome Blue Jays Art Exhibit Just Opened in Toronto
The Best Merch to Cheer on the Blue Jays with this Season
Canadian Brands to Help You Cheer in Some Blue Jays Win
A Canadian TV Channel Will Be Broadcasting Blue Jays Games In Tagalog
It’s finally here: A chance to unite, celebrate, and – naturally – party. The Rainbow flag has been raised at Toronto City Hall and Pride Toronto month has officially kicked off in all of its colourful glory.
Of course, all month, the streets and bars in Toronto’s Gay Village will all be alive with celebration on any given night – especially come Pride Weekend on June 22-24 – but there are naturally tons of other fun events taking place throughout the city.
Here are some of the best Pride Toronto parties.
AGO First Thursdays
Toronto’s biggest weekly art party celebrates the launch of Pride Month for the third year in a row with music, performance art, and speakers. Inspired by Pride Toronto, the gallery is completely taken over with music, dance, stories and art, told through the eyes of this year’s featured artists.
When: Thursday, June 7, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
U of T Pride Pub
Kick off the weekend with an outdoor party on the sprawling grounds of the University of Toronto (U of T) at the U of T Pride Pub. The two-part affair includes both a BBQ/fair and a breezy late-night dance party under the stars.
When: Friday, June 8, 4:30 pm to 1 am
Where: Hart House Quad, U of T
Cabana Pool Party
Shake off the workday and show off the results of all that pre-Pride gym action with a massive Pride party at Cabana Pool Bar, where perks include flowing cocktails, photo-worthy backdrops, and – of course – a chance to party in the pool.
When: Thursday, June 14, 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cabana Pool Bar
Friday Night Live: Colour ROM Proud
Party among dinosaur bones in Toronto’s famed Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for the Pride Toronto edition of the ROM’s event series, Friday Night Live. Guests can expect a night of queer art, expression, music, dancing, food, and performance.
When: Friday, June 15, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
Til Sunrise
’Til Sunrise is an all-day dance party and celebration that takes over Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Island. Guests will take a chartered ferry to the lighthouse and follow the tiki lights to a hidden tropical paradise, where perks include DJs, cocktails, a special guest, art installations, and swimming.
When: Sunday, June 17, 1 pm to 9 pm
Where: Artscape Gibraltar Point, Toronto Island
AX Pride 2018
Celebrate Pride with AX Pride2018 (#gaysianpride) at Maison Mercer. Guests can expect fun shows, Instagram-worthy visuals, and the sound of DJ SUMATION spinning his eclectic mix of Top40/Kpop/Rnb
HipHop/Vocal House/EDM/Circuit.
When: Friday, June 22, 10:30 am to 3:30 am
Where: Maison Mercer
Opening Night at Yonge-Dundas Stage
Pride Weekend kicks off with a massive party right in the middle of it all at Yonge-Dundas Square. The massive free show will include drag queens, DJs, and – the highlight – a live performance from Brandy.
When: Friday, June 22, 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Sweat Yes Yes Y’all
Dance your heart out in celebration of Pride Toronto at one of the most inclusive dance parties the city has seen.
When: Friday, June 22, 7 pm to 2 am.
Where: Wellesley Stage
Cherry Bomb Pride: Love is Electric
Toronto’s most explosive party for queer women and friends celebrates our love electric at this Official Dyke Day after party. Guests can expect DJs Cozmic Cat, Denise Benson, LL Cool Wei, Recklezz plus Spin Starlets and more.
When: Saturday, June 23, 10 pm to 3 am
Where: Mod Club Theatre
Blockorama
Hit Blockorama for a celebration of black queer and trans culture, art and music. Located on the Wellesley Main Stage, the event unites communities through 11 hours of musical performances, words, visual art, images, DJs, and dance.
When: Sunday, June 24, 12 pm to 11 pm
Where: Wellesley Stage
Find a complete list of events on the Pride Toronto website.