Tis the season to be gay! As we open our hearts and our wallets this holiday season, let’s give back to our community by buying gifts that celebrate our LGBTQ identities.
Following is a list of my suggestions for LGBTQ-owned and -friendly places to find great holiday gifts:
Queer-Owned Businesses
Kiss and Ride — a gift for your partner(s)
Located in Little Five Points, this sexual wellness store is an inviting and safe space. Self-described as “queer-centered and disability inclusive,” this store specializes in instruments of adult pleasure.
Charis Books and More — a gift for the feminist in the family
One of the only feminist bookstores in the South, Charis holds a 50-year history of creating space for intersectional and queer activism and literature. Located in Decatur, the titles on this store’s shelves span a wide range of topics, including LGBTQ rights, histories, and experiences.
Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore — a gift for your spiritual family and friends
Another bookstore with a large variety of topics, this store centers spiritual teachings, tools and workshops. Celebrating spiritual diversity and LGBTQ representation, this store is nestled in Sandy Springs. Also, they have cats.
Lost-N-Found Youth Thrift Store — a gift for your friend with style
Located in Atlanta, this thrift store is operated by local charity Lost-N-Found Youth, which provides services to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Thrift shopping is always a great bargain, and this store features furniture, decor, clothing, accessories, and more. More importantly, it’s for a cause directly helping the local community.
Pansy Ass Ceramics — for your partner, art-loving and sex-positive friends
Based in Toronto, this art shop consists of unique art celebrating queer sexuality and culture. Made by romantic couple and ceramic artists Kris Aaron and Andrew Walker, this art is unabashedly queer and largely adult only. It’s pricey, but deservedly so for stunning, one-of-a-kind queer art.
Barry Lee Art — for your friend who loves colorful art and positive affirmations
A local artist with an impressive portfolio, Barry Lee makes art that is beautiful and unique, rooted in kindness and queer activism. They are also the creator of the Gentle Reminders Oracle Deck, an inspirational spiritual and artistic self-care tool.
Amanda Lovelace Poetry — for the poet in your family
Well known for her feminist, queer, and witchy perspective in poetry, Lovelace’s work makes excellent gifts for anyone needing inspiration and encouragement, especially for the empowerment of young women. She has books on witchcraft, an Oracle deck, and of course, several collections of poetry.
Other Suggestions
Queer publications — for the news buff in your friend group
There are so many amazing queer magazines, newspapers, and digital news outlets. Local publications like Wussy magazine, David magazine, and, of course, Georgia Voice highlight local issues, while publications like Out magazine, The Advocate, PinkNews, Queerty, Pride.com, and so many others offer national and global news. Several publications offer physical magazines and subscriptions, while others offer digital subscriptions and even merchandise.
LGBTQ Books —– for the reader in the family
There really is a book for everyone, be it a biography of a historical queer figure or celebrity, a book on LGBTQ history, or a fictional piece centering a queer protagonist. There are simply too many to name! I enjoy biographical comics like GenderQueer, a book being subjected to bans in conservative spaces.
Drag Merch — for the drag fan in your family
Support your local queens! So many drag artists have merchandise for sale linked on their social media pages. Merch can include T-shirts, enamel pins, hats, stickers, hoodies, socks, keychains, signed Polaroids, art, and so much more. In fact, hundreds of drag artists have merch for sale online, from your Drag Race and Dragula favorites to local artists across the globe. Still, prioritize your local kings and queens!
These are my best suggestions for gifts this holiday season! Of course, the best gift is being with those you love — be they romantic partners, biological or adoptive families, or chosen families. Happy holigays!