This year’s Pride celebrations mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, when activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera fought for LGBTQ+ rights and helped birth the gay liberation movement. These badass pioneers changed the face of queer and trans activism forever, and as a queer female-identifying person, I am damn grateful for for the path they paved.
Five decades later, LGBTQ+ people are having a hard time being accepted for who they are. One in four LGBTQ people report experiencing employment discrimination, while transgender people have twice the unemployment rate of non-trans people. In 28 states, queer people can be legally fired for their sexuality. In 30 states, transgender individuals can be legally fired for their gender identity.
Pride Month is a month of remembrance, for sure, but also an opportunity to teach inclusion and advocate for these underrepresented - and often silenced - communities.
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The bottom line: We need to scream from the rooftops that love and family come in all forms and let LGBTQ+ people know they’re supported. These fun products can help you do it all year long.
So, after all the super-fab parties, parades and concerts this month, please support queer-friendly businesses and spend your hard-earned money accordingly. Here are 10 ways to show you care.
Blush Avant Pride PI Freedom Dildo, $45.10
Sure, the retail market is flooded with glitter and rainbow merch this month, but this multicolored dildo is a must-have. This penetrative silicone toy snugs safely outside your body and works well with a harness to peg your partner. Plus, it's super cute!
Support Trans Youth Cap, $26
We love this KIDDBELL/Yves Mathieu collaboration. Safe spaces, support and education are scarce for trans kids, and we desperately need to cultivate a more inclusive world for the next generation. Plus, 10% of net proceeds benefit HAIR ON PURPOSE, a nonprofit that works to empower black girls and foster self-love through hair, beauty and health education.
Sephora eGift Card, any amount at Sephora
For transgender women, gender fluid or transitioning friends, fragrance, makeup, skincare, and hair products are a thoughtful gift.
Womanizer Classic, $129
Pleasure is your birthright and there’s nothing sexier than owning your orgasm. Sometimes, a vulva-haver needs to get off – pronto. The Womanizer uses PleasureAir technology to tease the almighty clit via gentle vibration and suction. Orgasm is a reflex, and some women need more time than others to ramp up arousal. That's OK. But if you're looking to step up your response time – whether oral sex, intercourse or masturbation is next on the agenda – the Womanizer Classic can help get you from Point A to Point B lightning fast. Orgasms release the happy-inducing hormone oxytocin, which has been shown to relieve tension – and spark real below-the-belt joy.
Julie Mollo Rainbow Clutch, $28
Fun fact: The LGBT rainbow and Pride flag was invented in 1978 by gay activist Gilbert Baker, who made the flag for the Gay Freedom Pride Parade that year in San Francisco at the request of Harvey Milk. The rainbow has become an iconic Pride symbol, and designer Julie Mollo embraces it with her glittery vinyl clutches.
b-Vibe Rimming Plug, $150
The butt is often referred to as an "equal opportunity" orifice. For beginners to butt play, this is a reliable go-to plug. If you want to get frisky with a partner, it can be worn everywhere from the bedroom to the bar – and controlled by via wireless remote.
ENO DoubleNest Pride Hammock, $79.95
Who doesn’t love an easy, breezy hammock in the summer? This bright and colorful version can accommodate two people and packs to the size of a grapefruit, so you can take it on the go. Impromptu naps? Check. Comfort? Check. Cute color scheme? Hella, check. This hammock has rainbows and relaxation written all over it.
Unicorn Horn Dildo, $60
Geeky Sex Toys (makers of the brilliantly named Pokémoan dildo line) have outdone themselves with these handmade dildos. Available in white, pink, or purple pearl hues, these toys measure in at a magical 7.5 inches long and 5.5 inches wide at the base, narrowing to 2 inches at the tip. This Pride Month, create your very own fairy tale ending.
Teva Flatform Universal Pride, $80
There really are no words for just how fabulous these rainbow platform sandals are. What’s even more amazing is that Teva is donating $15 per pair sold to the Tegan and Sara Foundation, with a guaranteed donation of $30,000. Buy a pair and go get your fierce on.
INKED by Dani Psychedelic Glitter rainbow temporary tattoo, $1.50
If you want a subtle bit of Pride flair, pick up some temporary tattoos, hand-drawn by fine artist Dani Egna. INKED is donating 15% of proceeds from the sales of its Psychedelic Glitter set to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ people under 25.
Foria Explore, $72
This is latex-friendly suppository (available where weed is legal) has almighty THC rectum-relaxing and nerve-calming powers. It’s great for practicing safer sex since unprotected anal sex has a higher risk of HIV transmission than oral or vaginal sex. Pro tip: Stick the suppository in the freezer for a few minutes before insertion, since it can get kind of mushy. If you live outside of Colorado or California, a CBD version is available to buy online.
Pronoun Lapel Pin, $12.50
Pronouns are just as important as learning someone’s name. Using them correctly is a mark of respect and makes for good communication. Own yours (he/she/they) with this cute color-wheel-style pin.
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