Pride is here, and throughout the month of June, you’ll see LGBTQIA+ pride displayed everywhere, in the form of the rainbow, and its hues, empowering messages for the community(ies), and brands showing their love and support. In addition to brands that show solidarity as allies, many brands are created by, and for, LGBTQIA+ people. And several of those are from Latinx folks.
We want to help you celebrate Pride today, this month, and every day after that. And what better feeling than to rock an LGBTQIA+-brand T-shirt, phone case, or hat, knowing that it also came from someone who is Latinx, just like you? We found several brands that are not only LGBTQIA+ but also Latinx, and we are definitely here for that. Have a fabulous Pride Month, everybody!
Jen Zeano Designs
Jen Zeano Designs, home of the Pink Latina Power tee, is a popular Latinx brand that numerous Latinx publications have written about. It was created in 2014, of course, by Mexican Jen Zeano; Chicana wife Vero joined the company as a full-time employee in 2018. One of their cutest designs is a rainbow-colored tee that shows the world that you are “bien supportive” of the LGBTQIA+ community; there’s also one that proudly lets the public know you are “bien gay.”
Bien Supportive Pride Tee, Available at jenzeanodesigns.com, $34-$36
Escándalo XYZ
Ramiro Alexis Gonzalez got online buzz for his clothing that was sold under the name Jotx Wear. But now it’s time for Escándalo XYZ, and its fun finds. You’ll find “everyday performance wear” here, in the form of sequined gloves, imaginative tops, fabulous ornate robes and coats, and party-worthy ruffled dresses. Everything is sold out right now, but keep an eye out for new items that Ramiro makes himself at his home with a Singer sewing machine.
Available at escandalo.xyz; (everything is currently sold out but check back!)
A Tribe Called Queer
LGBTQIA+ brands are all about inclusion and celebration and creating a safe community that many can be a part of. A Tribe Called Queer was created by Sabine Maxine Lopez, a “queer Black Indigenous hard femme from Los Angeles, California.” Her work includes a podcast, blog, virtual events, a zine, and “a gender-neutral and size-inclusive clothing line.” A Tribe Called Queer is a substantial world for LGBTQIA+ people all onto itself, so definitely give all these different categories a visit. A shirt from the brand we loved is their Women of Color tee, which boldly–and truthfully–states that “women of color are the backbone of America.”
Women of Color T-shirt, Available at atribecalledqueer.com, $35
Brown Badass Bonita
Kim Guerra is the artist, entrepreneur, and writer behind Brown Badass Bonita. On the company’s Instagram account, she describes it as being “for mariposas giving themselves wings: you are the revolution. Advocating for justice & liberation through writing, creating, amor y ganas.” Here is where you go to feel empowered and uplifted. Whether it’s on a T-shirt, sticker, or the pages of one of Kim’s two books of poetry (Mariposa, and Mija, respectively), you will feel like a more bold version of yourself with the words you encounter. Kim Guerra created this pretty, Pride-worthy, Equal Love T-shirt in collaboration with Muy Cute Merch.
Equal Amor Tee, Available at brownbadassbonita.com, $30
Muy Cute Merch
Speaking of Muy Cute Merch, it’s a Latinx LGBTQIA+ brand you should know about. Founded by graphic designer Danny Ramirez, Muy Cute Merch brings together things that “Danny…personally loves in regards to Latinx pop culture, the LGBTQIA+ community, positivity, humor, and inclusivity.” The result is an adorable pop of pink everywhere, a funny face mask (“too cute for COVID”), cheeriness, and plenty of Latinx pop culture remixed for LGBTQIA+ peeps.
Cumbias and Coronas Tote Bag, Available at muycutemerch.com, $15
Bianca Designs Co.
LGBTQIA+ brands like Bianca Designs Co. ensure that there isn’t just one type of tee or cap to celebrate Pride in. There is something created for everybody, as diverse as the colors on the LGBTQIA+ flag. Queer Latinx artist Bianca Negron is the founder of Bianca Designs Co., and when you visit the brand’s website, you’ll be greeted by fun clothing, accessories, patches, pins, and stickers emblazoned with rainbow hues, positive messages (“the future is inclusive,” “beyond gender”), products for our ASL folks, pronouns buttons, and a pin for the proud parents of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Inclusive Rainbow Future Pride Embroidered Dad Hat, Available at biancadesigns.co, $29.95 (pre-order; “expected to start shipping the week of June 4”)
Gay Pride Apparel
“Be you. Be proud. Year-round.” That’s the powerful message behind the Gay Pride Apparel brand. Created by couple Jesus Gutierrez and Sergio Aragon, the company, which makes apparel, accessories, and home goods, is all about celebrating being LGBTQIA+. Need a hat that says “love is love?” A throw blanket with the progressive pride flag on it? Or a cute kid’s tee that says, “I love my two dads?” Gay Pride Apparel has that and more. There are also items for allies of the LGBTQIA+ community(ies).
Phone Cases, Available at gayprideapparel.com, $24-$26
PAY’S
PAY’S makes bright, bold, look-at-me “premium knitted goods for everyone.” We’re talking a matchy-matchy pink and white checkerboard set, an orange-to-blue ombre sheer LGBT Pride Crop Top, a vintage-video-game-like Mexican D.F. poncho, an optical illusion blanket, and of course, this summer-worthy striped Pride Kimono (there’s also a matching tank and shorts). The garments are designed by Raul and Molo and come from Mexico City, where there is also a PAY’S boutique.
Pride Kimono, Available at ppaayyss.com, $97
Kalani + Wolf
The beauty of Kalani + Wolf is that it is Afro-Latina and LGBTQI+ owned. It also focuses on sustainability, where designer Joanis Duran and her team of seamstresses (all local) create and design pieces using top-grade, dead-stock fabric. As if it couldn’t get any better, her company places great emphasis on being zero waste and utilizing conscious packaging.
Olivia Pocket Maxi Dress, Available at https://kalaniandwolf.com/, $185
