14 Pride Purchases That Support LGTBQ+ Communities

Hello, my queer loves and straight allies! As I'm sure you know, it's Pride Month! This year, as more and more states propose bills to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, it's important for LGBTQ+ communities to come together, to fight like hell for our rights and existence - and to celebrate and also honor the unsung heroines, the lesbians and transgender women of color, who fought for our rights, acceptance and equality. And, it's important to remember that the first Pride was a riot against injustice faced and led by LGBTQIA+ people of color. (To learn more, check out Stonewall Forever, a documentary that brings together voices from over 50 years of LGBTQ activism to explore the ongoing legacy of Stonewall.)

As we rally together and reflect on this month's history, whenever possible, support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. Say no to rainbow capitalism, and don't give money to corporations who slap a rainbow on their brand for a brief moment of virtue signaling. Performative allyship isn't allyship; instead, donate to LGBTQIA+ charities such as The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline and, when you can, contribute directly to queer folks' crowdfunding campaigns.

This month, and every month, let us be our fiercest, most loving and most radical selves. To that end, here are 15 items to help you celebrate and support.

Read: 10 LGBTQ+ People on Pride, Politics and Being an Ally

"Nonbinary is Beautiful" Hoodie, $45

Image: Transpainter.com

This soft, heavy blend hooded sweatshirt is pure comfort. Designed by transgender, non-binary artist, Rae Senarighi, whose shop also includes art, totes, drinkware and other apparel that embodies trans magic.

BI AMOR, the beloved dildo from FUN FACTORY, got a big bisexual makeover in collaboration with Zachary Zane's book, "Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto." It's the perfect size for riding and grinding, plus its slight curve strokes the G-spot or prostate. The limited-edition dildo is 15% off when you bundle it with Zane's hilarious and helpful must-read book at FUN FACTORY.

Redefining Love and Family Beanie, $25

Image: Transfigure Print Co.

This 100% acrylic beanie from Michigan-based LGBTQ+ screen printing company Transfigure Print Co., is embroidered with beautiful words by Rhiannon Salt: "Redefining love and family is a very brave thing in a word so afraid of the act." It's available in black, maroon or navy.

MIMOSA by Archie Bongiovanni, $24.24

This graphic novel from illustrator Archie Bongiovanni gives a sweet, heartfelt peek into the lives of queer adults grappling with the chaos and responsibility of being chosen family. Bongiovanni is also the co-creator of the award-winning "A Quick and Easy Guide To They/Them Pronouns" and the creator of Grease Bats, a serialized comic about two queer BFFs navigating dating and late-stage capitalism.

Carmen Liu Lingerie

Image: Carmen Liu Lingerie

Carmen Liu is the first lingerie company offering products designed specifically for the needs of the LGBTQ+, trans, and non-binary communities. Carmen, a trans woman herself, created the brand out of frustration with the lack of options for trans people when it comes to lingerie and to push the social binaries of femininity to higher bounds. So, whether you shop for flattening/tucking underwear, bralettes, or bikini briefs, Carmen Liu offers plenty of fashion-forward, gender expansive undergarments.

GayBingeTV.com, $39.00/year

Image: GayBingeTV

For the gay man in your life, buy an annual membership for GayBingeTV, the out and proud streaming service for gay men. Watch unlimited gay movies and LGBTQ+ films online on Roku, Android, Fire and Apple TV. Or, pay for a couple of months at $3.99/mo.

pink House Alchemy Syrups and Cocktail Kits, $14 and up

All the best Pride month cocktails and mocktails start with Emily Lawson's simple syrups, bitters and shrubs. So, whether you opt for the cardamom, lavender, or toasted caramel syrup, expect incredible flavors from this LGBTQ+-run and owned company.

"A Quick Guide to They/Them Pronouns" by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson $8.50

Longtime best friends, genderqueer artist Archie Bongiovanni, and cisgender dude Tristan Jimerson teamed up to create this short and fun comic. This quick-and-easy resource helps explain gender-neutral pronouns, why they matter, how to use them, and what to do if you make a mistake. There are also some tips for those who identify outside of the binary.

Read: Kink My Words: Gender Neutrality in BDSM

Origami Customs Underwear, Swimwear and Other Intimate Apparel

Origami Customs sells handmade, customized lingerie and swimwear for all genders. In addition, the queer/trans-owned and operated company (and staff, too!) specializes in gender-affirming products like gaffs, binders, and strap-ons for the trans and gender-diverse community.

Rainbow Dick Suckers $13

Image: Goodvibes

OK, so this item is pretty silly. But I think we can all agree that the world could use more whimsy and blowjobs. Besides, bachelorette parties don't own the market on pecker pops.

Twisted Monk Hand-Spun Bamboo Rainbow Rope $44.99

Image: Twisted Monk

Since 2004, Twisted Monk rope has been the gold standard for bondage play. This satiny, 100% bamboo rainbow rope features all six colors of the spectrum. It's a great rope for "messy" ties like crotch, gag, CBT, and more. Ten-foot lengths are sold only in pairs (two ropes) and are not suitable for rope suspensions.

Wet for Her Strap-On Sex Toy Fusion ($69.95) with the Tomboi Brief Strap-On O-Ring Harness ($89.95)

Image: Wet For Her

Created by vagina havers for vagina havers, this strap-on sex toy allows the wearer to experience almighty clitoral stimulation while at the same time (hopefully) satisfying a partner. We love the simplicity of the harness. It's pretty much a super comfy pair of underwear with a snug opening for a sex toy.

Read: How to Build Your Own, Customized Strap-On Kit

Asexual Flag Tumbler $34.99

Image: Etsy/PolaradoGraphics

Asexuality - defined generally as not experiencing sexual attraction – has been called "the invisible orientation." Although rare - less than 2% of the population identifies as asexual - it's an emerging sexual orientation that warrants representation. So show your Pride with this asexual flag tumbler. Cute, right?