Holiday Shopping: Social Justice Style (LGBTQ+ Edition)
By: Max Micallef
Tags: Queer, LGBTQ, Holidays, Social Justice, Politics

The Phluid Project

As stated by Phluid Project Founder Rob Garrett Smith:

“The Phluid Project launched in March of 2018 in NYC, and online for access worldwide as a gender-free fashion brand. We joined a movement of humans committed to challenging the ethos of traditions past that inhibit freedom and self-expression. Our world is grounded in purpose and humanity through fashion, community, activism, and education. The rising voice if today’s youth reject gender binaries and desire an all-encompassing space, both physically and virtually, that allows us to wear what makes us feel good and express ourselves with freedom and authenticity.”

From tops and bottoms (clothes speaking), footwear, accessories, and skin & body products, everything the project sells is made with the direct intention to provide Queer people products that acknowledge our existence and dismantle heteronormativity.

I love their heeled “Graffiti Boot” which is currently on sale for $99. Of their tops, they sell an awesome “They Power” and a “Marsha P. Johson” T-shirt, both $35 each, and an adorable “Be Kind” hoodie for $65. They also sell a powerful “Woman Up” sweater for $50. Face masks are also for sale, with 20% of the profits made from them going to the Ali Forney Center to support LGBTQ+ homeless youth.

The Phluid Project is partaking in the structural change we so desperately need, through the angle of fashion for all. You can look through their shop and the products they offer here.

Lambda Legal

Speaking of GLSEN, the founder of the LGBTQ+ educational nonprofit is now the CEO of another great Queer nonprofit: Lambda Legal.

Doing the hard work towards full, unreserved Queer rights since 1973, Lambda Legal holds the mission of achieving “….full recognition of the civil [and human] rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.” Their efforts of course extending to all within the Queer community, including but not limited to gender nonbinary, intersex, asexual, aromantic, and individually Queer identifying people.

I really like how they have set-up their merch. shop because it’s still rainbowy, but not just blanket statements of equality.

Going right into the policy intersections that directly affect Queer people, Lambda Legal sells an adorable “Science not Stigma” mug for $19.95, made to address discrimination and ignorance against those living with H.I.V. They also sell pronoun buttons for $12.95 with the option to buy a variety pack, and a “ask me about my pronouns” tote bag for $17.95. Another one of the five tote bag message choices being, “the first pride was a riot.”

This is only a few products of only a few variations the Lambda Legal shop offers. They also sell “back to school” items like notebooks, pens, pouches, reusable water bottles, and even clocks. Check out their full shop here to see everything they’re selling.

Queer-Owned Small Businesses

For the sake of promoting COVID-19 safety guidelines, I wanted to spotlight two online, rather than in-person, Queer-owned/operated small businesses that sell products on Etsy.

First, I want to state that I am a big fan of FabulouslyFeminist. Stated as an endeavor of “Art For Social & Eco-Justice”, owner Callie Garp combines her passion for feminism and gender studies with her artistic talents to create beautiful paintings and prints. Her emphasis on intersectionality is what drew me in. I personally have already bought her “Queer Magic” print, and just a week ago bought the mug version you can see as this article’s image. Callie has many more amazing pieces you need to check out, including an AOC sweater, mental health art and items, as well as stocking stuffers and ornaments.

Last but not least, another Queer shop I love is EssentiallyCharlie. Owner Charlie Ferrusi sells a wide range of candles, all individually unique, made with beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils. I recently bought their “Daddy” candle (in an attempt to manifest one) which is made with fir needle, cedar, cypress, and orange. It’s burning as I write this and it’s just lovely. But don’t you worry, they also have a “Queen” candle, “Masc” and “Femme” candles, as well as candles for sustainable “Empowermint” and simply to be “Grounded”. A truly progressive shop, and I will be a returning customer.