A Look at Some Brands That ACTUALLY Give Back to the LGBTQ+ Community

Every June, a whole slew of companies bring out their best and Queerest ads, as well as some pretty cringe-worthy ones. Every Pride Month, we know there are plenty of companies that talk a big game, but how many of them actually put some of that money back into the Queer community or LGBTQ+ non-profits? We're thrilled to say, at least a few of them show up big time! Here's a look at some the best.

Funko Pop

 

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Look, I am fully content not knowing exactly what a FunkoPop is, but I know that my nieces' and nephews' generation flips for them. So to have such a major brand dedicate one of their products to a Pride collection is a major deal. And Funko has teamed up with Loungefly to create a limited edition Star Wars BB-8 Pride Bobble-Head Pop! and Bag Bundle with $65 from each purchase going to the It Gets Better Project. Meanwhile, my Tamagotchi REFUSES to go to Pride this year because I haven't fed it in 25 years.

IKEA

 

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With the exception of Trader Joe's totes, there are few shopping bags more iconic in this country than IKEA's big, blue Storstomma bag. The company has also notably released a rainbow-colored version of its bag, and this year they are donating 100% (yep, you read that right) of the advertised retail prices of these bags to True Colors United, an incredible organization that works to fight houselessness in the LGBTQ+ community. They're donating up to $50,000 and a minimum of $25,000. I looked up how to say "bravo" in Swedish and it's unsurprisingly "bravorop."

Happy Socks

 

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"Do you mean gay as in gay, or gay as in happy?" Well, in this instance I mean both! Because Happy Socks donates 10% of the global sales of their Pride Collection to InterPride, a global organization that helps to empower Pride organizers around the world. The socks are kewt as fuck, and the organization they donate to helps to make sure we all have a place to dance and be free every year. And unlike other June-specific campaigns, Happy Socks keeps their Pride available 365 days a year.

Tribini

 

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The only thing Queerer than alcoholic seltzers? Ready-to-drink high-end espresso martinis from an LGBTQ+-owned company. This Pride Month, Tribini will donate a portion of every sale in June to Waltham House. If you're unfamiliar, the Waltham House was the first group home for Queer youth in New England and continues to do amazing work for our community every year. I'll drink to that!

Macy's

 

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Target may be pulling Pride merch from their shelves because of complaints from hate groups, but Macy's is leaning in, bish! Partnering up with the Trevor Project, Macy's is shining a light on Queer products all June. In addition to donating to Trevor, Macy's is also celebrating brands like Michael Aram, the Phluid Project, and their line of gender-neutral products (which they advertise as such). From Thanksgiving to Pride, Macy's knows how to support a good parade!

Dockers

 

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For the sixth year in a row, Dockers has launched their Pride collection which celebrates not only Queer love but also puts a great emphasis in their ad campaigns to focus on a diverse group of people. We love intersectional support! And for the sixth year in a row, the company is also partnered with the Stonewall Community Foundation. And not to be a fair-weathered June ally, Dockers continues their work supporting the LGBTQ+ community throughout the entire year. When not focusing on their Stonewall Community Foundation partnership, Dockers also donates to "Casa Frida, a Mexico City-based shelter that provides health services and accommodations to members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are escaping from extreme violence and displacement." Note: Dockers is not the same as "docking" (IYKYK).

Fossil

 

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Not to be outdone, iconic watch brand and jewelry maker Fossil has donated over $275,000 to The Trevor Project. And their Pride collection of watches doesn't just support incredible causes, but they're also super chic imho. And the company doesn't just speak up for its Gay customers. They've got products sporting Trans flag colors, as well, which in 2023 is proper allyship. They're partnering with Trevor for the third year in a row, and I'm legitimately thinking I'm going to get an Everett Pride Watch.

In a world of "talkers," it's really nice to see companies that are "doers." We need more and more "doers" to actually put their money where their mouths are. Cheers, Queers!

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