With the rising amount of anti-trans legislation in the United States, the trans community needs to be uplifted now more than ever. The most powerful thing you can do to support trans people is to directly uplift trans entrepreneurs, especially those who give back to the community. Shop these 8 small businesses not only during the month of Pride but year-round!
Automic Gold
One size doesn’t always fit all – that’s where Automic Gold comes in.
Created by an indigenous, queer, non-binary refugee, AL Sandimir (they/them) created Automic Gold when they couldn’t find jewelry to fit their own genderqueer style. Today, they’re making jewelry for any and all people with a gender-neutral and size-inclusive inventory. They also source their materials ethically and locally so you can look good AND feel good about your new treasures.
Transpainter
For the Transpainter, art is celebration of life and radical self love.
Appearing on platforms like TedTalk and Netflix, Rae Senarighi (he/him) is an activist and cancer survivor who creates storytelling through art. His artwork prominently features portraits of the trans and nonbinary communities as well as affirmational murals and illustrations. In 2023, Rae began to sell his works on Etsy in a wide range of designs on apparel, prints, mugs, pins, and much more.
Ash + Chess
Owned and operated by Ashley Molesso (she/her) and Chess Needham (he/him), this queer and trans couple run a colorful stationary and gift company that can be found all over the country.
But that’s not all! Ash and Chess also authored several books and their illustrations have appeared on brands like Skittles, Smartfoods, and Nooworks. The card in the cover photo of this article is also from them! Should you find yourself in Kingston in Upstate New York, pop into their brick and mortar store, Everywhere Shop.
Queer Candle Co
Candles for trans liberation? Spectacular, give me 14 of them!
What began as a hobby transformed into a candle operation that retails in nearly 20 storefronts around the country. Philadelphia-based couple Al and Ab of Queer Candle Co aim to not only delight you with their candles, but they also seek to amplify all voices of the community. This especially includes QTBIPOC folks. Furthermore, each sale donates 10% of profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.
Flvnt Streetwear
Co-founded by trans man Chris and his twin sister Courtney, Flvnt Streetwear (pronounced “flaunt”) makes clothing that promotes self-confidence and self-love. This Austin-based independent clothing brand sells prideful clothing and chest binders including the Bareskin Binder, the first binder created in a range of skin tones for a “shirtless” experience.
Regardless of who you are, Flvnt aims to be for everyone within and anyone who supports the LGBTQ+ community. If you’ve got it, Flvnt it!
MegEmikoArt
Mind your own gender and protect trans kids! That’s the message Miko (they/he) wants to spread to the world.
An Asian American, Miko is a trans nonbinary activist and content creator who creates shareable art. Part of that art extends to their apparel that has become a favorite amongst the LGBTQ+ community both online and in-person. When they’re not posting about art, Miko creates content centered on their HRT journey to help educate and bridge connections to help folks feel seen and represented.
Transfigure Print Co
This Michigan-based inclusive studio is changing lives one print at a time!
You can’t mistake Transfigure Print Co. shirts with their well known screen printing design of “Protect Trans Folks”. Here, you’ll find shirts, stickers, prints, and so much more, but you’ll also find a lot of mutual aid resources. Every month, they give donations to LGBTQ+ organizations as well as directly to Trans folks through their Trans Fund. Since 2019, they’ve collected over $104K in donations!
For Them
Finally, can’t find a product to reflect your experience? Create it! Of course, that’s what Kylo Freeman (he/they) did.
For Them is a Black and trans owned business built by and for the queer community. In addition to its companion outlet Autostraddle, this company provides products to better the community and media to present inclusive and empowering content. Finally, their mission? Wherever you are on your gender journey, they’ll be there.
What trans-owned businesses did we miss? Don’t forget to comment your favorite to put on the radar of the community, too! Thanks y’all!