February. Is it over? How dare they give us an extra day in one of the most least enjoyed months of the year. Extra day in June? September, perhaps? I won’t start pontificating about the design of time and months and years, so here’s the cliff notes version – it’s all made up, like money. […]
February. Is it over? How dare they give us an extra day in one of the most least enjoyed months of the year. Extra day in June? September, perhaps? I won’t start pontificating about the design of time and months and years, so here’s the cliff notes version – it’s all made up, like money. But, what we know for sure is that February is one of those periods of time that seems to last far too long as we wait for birds and sunshine and daffodils. But the best part of this month so far? Beyoncé. That’s right. Beyoncé slaying us all, again, by releasing the most country, country song. I saw an article “Will the country music establishment embrace Beyonce?” And my response: Dear country music establishment: She’s clearly not looking for your approval. This is the strategy (and energy) we are going to bring into the rest of this year… we do not need their approval. The mysterious they, that looms over our decisions, our dreams, the they that stops us from posting something vulnerable for the world to react to, because… what if they don’t react. This energy of we do not need their approval needs to become our mantra, our collective rallying cry to preserve and rebuild ourselves outside of the volatile world we live in. That strength, that power is what we’ll need this year. So let’s take a look at some inspirational queer brands and queer made products that reinforce this message. Say it with me:
Culture Flock is a fun Queer owned retail store. They have everything from drinkware to homegoods to greeting cards and apparel. A great spot for finding a gift.“We care a lot about a few things: equality for everyone, protecting our planet, being kind, and having fun. (Having fun is kind of our thing.) If you feel like you can hang with us, it’s ‘cause you can, and if what we create makes you smile, that’s pretty much exactly what we wanted.” I happen to love this “Cast a Spell for Luck” T-Shirt. (There’s a hoodie too!) Setting intentions, affirmations, casting spells, manifesting… these are all the vibes in 2024.
This LGBTQ+ owned business was co-founded by identical twins, Chris & Courtney. “We are a brand by queer people, for queer people. We don’t believe in men’s or women’s clothing, we just make clothes that promote self-confidence and self-love. Be proud of who you are. FLAVNT it.” They are about to drop a whole new line of queerly designed apparel, but they still have some of my absolute favorites such as the Gender Roles are Dead T-Shirt. Stay tuned, the new drop is going to bring all of the we don’t need their approval vibes for this year.
When you first meet Emily, the Queer owned founder and designer of Simple Gay Apparel, you think, yes… this is the energy I want to be around. With the Homocasual collection, there are so many fun finds to buy. Whether it’s Queerbait or Fruity, it’s all as gay as a rainbow without the rainbow. “After I set out to design subtle and nuanced visibility, I realized that a lot of my unconscious inspiration was coming from darkness and shame that defined my gay experience — darkness that I wanted to acknowledge, reclaim, take ownership over, and make light of.
I think there’s something empowering about acknowledging a thing as it really is — in acknowledging pain, in acknowledging shame, in acknowledging the process — and in owning it frankly and simply, in humor and irony.” Rewording and reclaiming the narrative about being LGBTQ+ is exactly what we’re here for, because… that’s right, WE DO NOT NEED THEIR APPROVAL.
I have to admit, as a fresh 20 something in the early 2000’s, reading and saying the word Dyke gives me mixed feelings. The word sometimes hits sharp and painful, like every time some random guy would yell out his car window or most often at a bar, hitting me like a cannonball. Then many years later, we embraced the stereotype, to be called a dyke or to call a friend a dyke was the fullest most generous form of flattery. The boldness of naming a beer with this word is why I love these queer founders, Loretta Andro Chung and Sarah Hallonquist. Dyke Beer needed to go above and beyond, from excellent label art, to delicious taste, to events, bars, stores, and catering experiences that are safe and fun for the dyke and queer community.
I’ve had short hair for over 10 years now, which means I’ve explored a multitude of products. I can say with full confidence that The Barb Shop’s Soft Clay Pomade is the best product I’ve ever used. Hair confidence is no joke, once you have it, you won’t want to lose it. Queer owned founder, Sheena Lister decided one day that she needed to create the product that was missing from the market. And Sheena, my hair thanks you. “The Barb Shop centers women, trans and non-binary people in its imagery and inspiration because representation matters. But don’t get us wrong – our products are designed to be gender neutral and will work well for all short haired humans.”
This type of initiative, this type of action, this queer owned brand and business embodies our mantra – We do not need their approval. If we want something better, we’ll make it and then make it happen.
There’s a strength you absorb just from being around strong people. The energy we receive is what we reflect, which is why this is the year we surround ourselves with the people who will challenge us, inspire us and expand us. We’ll buy from Queer owned businesses, to support each other and be more intentional with our power. And in that moment you begin to doubt or question or shy away from your desires and dreams, just remember one thing…
