Eight queer online stores to support this year with your Christmas shopping
Amid calls to boycott brands over inclusivity there’s no better time to support queer brands. (Getty Images)
Christmas is around the corner and, if you’re like us, you’re probably still searching for gifts your loved ones will adore, and where better to spend your cash online than with queer shops?
Following a year of brands being boycotted just for being inclusive, there’s no better way to support queer businesses than buying your festive gifts from them.
From gay bookshops to queer-led and pro-LGBTQ+ brands, here are PinkNews’ top picks to show support for over the festive period.
Gay’s the Word
Gay’s the Word is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, brimming with titles that those closest to you will cherish.
The shop on Marchmont Street, close to London’s Russell Square Tube station, was founded in 1979 when gay literature was not widely available in ordinary bookstores. In recent years, it has suffered attacks, but that hasn’t stopped them continuing to stand against hatred.
In a bid to make Christmas shopping easy, a page on the website named “Christmas gift ideas” features classics such as Heartstopper, by Alice Osman, and more provocative reads, including Kink: Stories, edited by R.O. Kwon and Garth Greenwell.
Shop online at www.gaystheword.co.uk
Zoah
Inclusive underwear brand Zoah provides the perfect gift for the trans women, non-binary and gender-non-conforming folk in your life.
The brand’s founder, trans activist, model and designer Danielle St James, previously told PinkNews: “My number-one priority in everything we have done is comfort, and I’m proud that we stay true to that.”
In 2022, the entrepreneur introduced a swimwear line, with flattering and fashionable designs, which boasts five-star reviews.
Shop online at www.zoah.shop
Made With Love By Tom Daley
Olympic diving champion Tom Daley took up knitting and crocheting three years ago – and has turned his passion into a business, launching Made With Love By Tom Daley in late 2021.
He previously described his hobby as his “saviour”, particularly during lockdown, labelling it a “form of mindfulness in between training and competing”.
His brand offers great Christmas gifts, from snood knit kits to branded t-shirts and jumpers. Who wouldn’t want a gift from Tom?
Shop online at www.bytomdaley.com
Lucy & Yak
A Lucy & Yak gift is bound to be appreciated. The inclusive brand serves up unisex fits, with a favourite being dungarees, and because the shop focuses on supporting the LGBTQ+ community, it’s even more fun to fill your basket.
In 2020, the brand launched its vulva print clothing, to start a conversation around topics considered taboo, such as vulva diversity and period poverty.
Today, the brand continues to start important conversations.
Shop online at www.lucyandyak.com
Snag
Pro-LGBTQ+ company Snag is a brand that believes in making clothing accessible to everyone.
The community-led brand is strong on inclusion, regardless of size, gender, race or ability.
Its products are the perfect gift for people who can be difficult to buy for, with a PinkNews favourite being the Pride tights – inspired by the Lesbian Pride flag.
If you don’t have time to browse the website’s hundreds of products, head to Snag’s “Christmas Shop” to find affordable gifts for all.
Shop online at www.snagtights.com
Queer Lit
Manchester’s award-winning LGBTQ+ bookshop Queer Lit serves up thoughtful gifts in the form of literature that best reflects queer experiences.
The bookshop, which won best new business at the LGBTQ+ Business Awards in 2021, previously donated 300 copies of Trans Britain: Our Journey from the Shadows, by Christine Burns, to MPs – in a bid to give them a better understanding of a community too many of them continue to target.
If you’re looking for something other than a book, Queer Lit also has you covered, with Pride accessories and clothing that will be loved for years to come.
Shop online at www.queerlit.co.uk
Heycolanda
Run by a non-binary artist, Heycolanda is a great way to support creatives in the community.
Gorgeous hand-designed t-shirts, with slogans such as “Yeah, I support gay rights. Go ahead say something”, are presents that will make an impact.
Should you fancy buying a stocking-filler, stickers with pronouns would be a good shout. PinkNews thinks the “Normalise asking for pronouns” one is a must-buy.
Shop online at www.heycolanda.com
MegEmikoArt
Actor Elliot Page is a fan of MegEmikoArt. Do you need any more reasons to shop here?
Run by independent artist Meg, who’s trans and non-binary, the brand creates pieces that are a must for supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2021, Page melted hearts after posting a photo of himself wearing the “Protect Trans Kids” sweatshirt, with 30 per cent of proceeds being donated to the Marsha P Johnson Institute, which supports Black transgender folks.
Shop online at www.megemikoart.com
