Vancouver is home to a fabulous and widespread queer community, with many drag shows, queer creatives and local businesses for and by 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals.
There’s plenty to be proud of, and the city celebrates queer pride with so many events (so many, in fact, we’ve put together a mega list of Pride events!).
In a city that loves local shopping as much as it prides itself, there are plenty of 2SLGBTQAI+ owned businesses to support during Pride season. We’ve rounded up a few local businesses to support, from clothing to accessories and more!
Nima Clothing
The idea for this slow fashion label was born when Nicole realized there was a need for scrubs that were both stylish and functional after Nicole’s wife, Marissa, who works as a nurse, failed. couldn’t find any scrubs that meet these requirements. The scrubs are made locally in small batches.
PHRSH Discussions
Queer streetwear to empower everyone and exclude no one! The POC-owned queer brand makes quality inclusive streetwear, from t-shirts and sweaters to tote bags and stickers to hats and pins.
Brand Pork Pie
Who doesn’t love a graphic t-shirt? Queer screenwriter and illustrator Luc Latulippe (he/him) creates his own t-shirt designs “inspired by old cartoons and comics, science fiction, BDSM and gay porn and iconography 1970s and 80s,” the website reads.
HEX Metals and Minerals
Founded in Vancouver and owned by Adrienne Yeung (they/they) who is non-binary and of Chinese-Canadian descent, HEX creates gender-neutral handcrafted dichotomous jewelry from semi-precious stones and raw brass. The result is a minimalist accessory that adorns everyone.
Little Sisters
The book and art emporium opened in Vancouver in 1983 and still exists today, surviving years of government harassment and three anti-gay terrorist attacks. The iconic queer bookstore offers books for all ages, information and advice on coming out, greeting cards, adult toys and supplies such as binders and packers. It is often referred to as Vancouver’s “adult general store” for the queer community.
proud zebra
This small local gay-owned boutique aims to empower the gay community through embellishments and accessories. Their inclusive pins cater to 31 different identities in the LGBTQ+ community.
Your open closet
Found inside Women’s items on Commercial Drive, this sister brand provides gender-affirming underwear such as binders and packer-friendly underwear.