June’s Top 13: LGBTQ+-owned Brands We Love

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t stop at Pride Month, but it’s certainly an important time to do so. While there are programs aimed to help minority- and women-owned enterprises, LGBTQ+-owned businesses aren’t always offered the same resources. Showing support for a LGBTQ+ business isn’t limited to purchases. Follow them and comment/share on social media. Recommend their products/services. 

Here are some of our favorite LGBQT+ owned brands and businesses to support year-round. You can find even more at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). We’d love to hear about your favorites as well.

Dava’s Picks: Founder and Chief Creative Officer 

• Peace Out skincare makes amazing puffy eye patches and acne dots, both are key to a good video call face. We love their support of people and the planet, as well as their fun branding.
  IG: @peaceoutskincare 
• Ok yes, we are all still buying plants, and if you are in SF you have to check out SF Plants on Polk Street. From plants to pots they have something for every nook and cranny.
  IG: @sfplantsandflowers
• The sun is coming out and it’s time to treat yourself with some secret breakfast ice cream from Humphry Slocombe. But really ice cream is good all year long and we love this little shop in the Mission and their pints in local groceries. Ice cream with attitude.
  IG: @humphryslocombe

Andre’s Picks: Associate Creative Director 

• Wildfang – How can someone pass on the graphical prints of this queer-owned clothing line? From the coveralls to suits the brand exudes graphic design brillance and style greatness. 
  IG: wearewildfang 

Jane’s Picks: Sr. Engagement Strategist

• In a state where so many personal rights are being challenged, Texans are driven to tell their stories and to not be silenced by bigoted lawmakers. Thank goodness Gusto Graphic Tees offers the gear we need. Help owner Kelli Holtman really “go for the gusto,” and support this proud business that refuses to be silenced.
  IG: @gustographictees

Eugenia’s Picks: Creative Project Manager

• Babeland! Since the first store-front opened way back in 1993 when Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning found a lack of women-friendly sex shops in Seattle, they’ve become an e-commerce sex toy empire for all genders and sexualities. They were also the first to introduce sex positive education to the masses via their retail stores.
  IG: @babeland_toys

Haley’s Picks: Creative Project Manager

• Boy Smells – Matthew Herman & David Kien co-founders of a new cult “genderful” classic, Boysmells. Boysmells started in late 2015, and quickly became one of the most sought out candles and has since expanded into intimate apparel. If you haven’t got your hands on one yet, now is your chance!
  IG: @boy__smells

Suzanne’s Picks: Operations Leader

• Helen Russell and her partner Brooke McDonnell are the co-founders of Equator Coffees, which they’ve run together for 26 years. We love their chocolatey, nutty, spicy flavor and commitment to giving back to the LGBTQ+ community.
  IG: @equatorcoffees
• Fluid co-op cafe is owned by Shannon Amitin, Santana Tapia and JoJo Ty, 3 trans San Franciscans who want to foster an inclusive place for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming customers and staff. Fluid aims to be the place for people to relax, have something to eat and drink, showcase their art, and connect with others.
  IG: @wearefluidsf

Elaine’s Picks: Designer 

• Noto Botanics is a clean, natural, unisex make-up brand perfect for all cosmetics minimalists. Noto Botanics goes beyond appearance; the company gives back to organizations they believe in including Planned Parenthood and the Okra Project.
  IG: @noto_botanics

Zili’s Picks: Designer 

• The brand is more than clothes. Revel & Riot is a non-profit organization whose online shop also doubles as an educational resource, with blog posts and links to information on topics like marriage equality, internalized homophobia, hate crimes and how to be an ally.
  IG: @revelandriot

Xiaoxiao’s Picks: Junior Designer 

• Malin + Goetz was founded by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz. The brand combines trusted natural ingredients with advanced technology to create uncomplicated luxury skincare and fragrance for the modern, design-conscious individual.
  IG: @malinandgoetz

• The young Paris fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus recently announced his brand Jacquemus. Simon openly showcases the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and is an advocate of inclusivity of all forms, from diverse races to body types and ages. He has described his design as “naive, raw and smiley”.
  IG: @jacquemus

As always, if you’d like to collaborate with us, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to info@noise13.com to connect.