Image via Publicist
Happy Pride Month, Canada! Celebrating our LGBTQ+ community is extra sweet this year, as Pride parades and festivals are finally back in full swing after a grueling two years.
Despite how much progress we’ve made, there’s still much work to be done. LGBTQ2+ individuals were more susceptible to economic vulnerability throughout the pandemic, according to Stats Canada. Beyond some of the harrowing statistics queer people face, last month, students at a high school in Labrador walked out of class to protest a trans student who was told they could only use a specific bathroom. It comes to show that instances of homophobia and transphobia—both covert and intentional—still happen far too often in this country.
Every June, big corporations profit off of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ people by putting rainbows on their products and buildings, all for said iconography to be torn down at the end of the month. If you’re as tired as we are of meaningless gestures, there are a plethora of small businesses to choose from that directly support queer business owners and the causes that they back. While there’s no lack of openly LGBTQ+-owned restaurants, shops and retailers in Canada, here’s ten of our favourites that we’re sure will keep their Pride flags flying year round.
Lox + Schmear
Founder: Lev Levine
Location: Toronto
Website: loxandschmear.com/
Lox, anyone? Specializing in kosher-style smoked salmon, this St. Clair West staple is no nonsense, focusing solely on the fish. They source their bagels from none other than St. Urbain, because who could do it better? While they focused mostly on build-your-own-bagel kits and catering during the pandemic, they recently reopened for weekend sandwich orders, making it easier to get your hands on some of Toronto’s most well-renowned lox.
Chubby Fem Thrift
Founders: London and Spencer Blackwood
Location: Edmonton
Website: chubbyfemthrift.com
The partnership of London and Spencer Blackwood is what makes Chubby Fem so strong. They specialize in thrift finds for plus-sized bodies, with sizes ranging from L-6XL. All of their art and custom t-shirts are made in house by Spencer, an artist specializing in themes of body positivity and queer and trans culture. Chubby Fem are also killing it with their TikTok game, spreading their message of body acceptance with tact.
Badger and Burke
Founders: Holton Brock, Jamie Armstrong
Location: Vancouver
Website: badgerandburke.com
Instead of impulse buying too many knick knacks next time you’re at a big box home goods store, why not support a small business instead? Inspired by mid-century design, bright colours and puppies, Badger and Burke creates home and paper essentials to spruce up your living space. Their tea towels are fun enough to make you actually want to do your dishes, and their greeting cards are so eye-catching that no one will judge if you never know what to write inside.
Heartstrong Tattoo
Alysia Myette
Founder: Alysia Myette
Location: Toronto
Website: alysiamyette.com
Fashion educator Alysia Myette brings queer culture to the forefront in all of her creations. Their background in costume and bridal design is apparent, as their chokers, bags, and gracefully sparkly apparel make for the perfect statement pieces. Just in time for festival season, Alysia has been dropping a few collections worth of fanny packs—as well as a few custom pieces that bring together personal style and identity.
Bean Around the World
Your Open Closet
Sweaty Betty’s
Founder: May Brand
Location: Toronto
Website: sweatybettysbar.com
May Brand took over as owner of the Ossington Strip’s least pretentious bar in 2018, adding flairs of queer iconography and nods to women’s musicianship—all while maintaining the bar’s authentic feel. Cocktails with a unique twist sit alongside their list of craft beers, which can be enjoyed year-round on their heated patio. On top of which, they have a strict no racism, sexism, homophobia or transphobia policy, and pride themselves (no pun intended) in being a safe space for everyone.