_1749571812829_thumb_1200.jpeg?w=1200&q=75&fm=webp)
At the start of Pride Month, queer joy has no limits, and all of a sudden, every major company is getting in on the action, releasing rainbow-themed goods and merchandise. The LGBTQIA+ community isn't seeing much of an impact, despite how beautiful it is to look at. Supporting people means standing up for what they're good at, which includes supporting their enterprises, no matter how big or small.
Here are some incredible LGBTQIA+ owned companies and artisans that are generating magic with their crochet art and graphics, music, ceramics, and gender-neutral clothes. Watch out, since this is a fantastic opportunity to show your support for them not just during Pride Month, but all year round!
Gagged
A homegrown dreamer, Rudraksh (he/him) started this inclusive and gender-neutral fashion label in March of 2022 from the discarded goods from a consignment thrift shop. He chose to devote himself to corporate fashion marketing after enduring bullying for his "atrocious" style; he aimed to change the narrative around gender in clothing. Today, Gagged is reshaping the fashion business with its egalitarian, budget-friendly, and environmentally conscious offerings, all built around a "for anyone and everyone" mentality. Every young gay guy who takes refuge in colours and patterns, someone who devours fashion because it feeds them better—that's what Gagged is, according to Rudraksh.
Strawbabie
"A store in Studio Ghibli coming to life" is how Strawbabie’s Sukkku puts her store, where the protagonist takes you to another universe. You may find a modest assortment of handcrafted necklaces, earrings, tote bags, trinket dishes, and 100 per cent real crystals. During the lockdown, Sukku found her love for slow fashion and producing unique jewellery. The website is seriously kitschy and cute, which we love. The only thing is that it says that your delivery can take 10–15 days to arrive, since the company is a slow fashion advocate!
Cosmic Jalebi
Totes are the perfect example of a gender-neutral style leader. Syed Mohammad Anas and Utkarsh Tripathi founded Cosmic Jalebi intending to challenge conventional norms. Cosmic Jalebi is a queer-owned, gender-neutral apparel and lifestyle business. They took things into their hands when they couldn't find designs that genuinely captured their creative spirit. Anas and Tripathi aim to empower others through their unique and inclusive items, shaped by their personal queer experiences.
Yogam Pottery
Balakrishna returned to India to devote himself fully to pottery after leaving a well-paying corporate position in Germany. In 2018, a desire to honour passion and uniqueness led to the creation of Yogam Pottery. They believe that each person should live their life with their principles, seeking serenity, beauty, and uniqueness. The aesthetics of the brand's products range from useful, plain ware to elaborate, one-of-a-kind works that draw inspiration from traditional Indian art. His website's online store will be enabled as soon as new goods become available. Therefore, be vigilant! You may also hire the equipment for personal use or arrange lessons and workshops if you happen to be in Bengaluru.
Beunic India
Beunic is a community-driven e-commerce platform that allows LGBTQ+ artists and designers to promote their goods and services. It was founded in 2019 by brothers Ashish and Vishesh Chopra and Simmi Nanda. Even though it isn't run by LGBTQ people, BeUnic is committed to highlighting queer businesses and giving them the respect they deserve. This firm is presently working with 27 entrepreneurs to provide a wide variety of goods, including apparel, footwear, accessories, self-care items, books, and BeUnic NFTs. Their goal is to create an environment similar to "Amazon" for queer designers and artists. Throughout the year, BeUnic strives to be the community's support system, acknowledging the need for more continuous and comprehensive assistance for LGBTQ+ companies.
Crochet by Kunal
Amidst a worldwide epidemic, Kunal Chourasia (he/him) took comfort in lacing together crochet strands. He is a gay entrepreneur hailing from Mumbai who, at the tender age of six, found himself engrossed with a ball of yarn and a set of crochet hooks after learning the art form from his grandmother. He absorbed the technique of simple stitches from her, inadvertently sowing the germ of love that would blossom into a life-altering passion. Despite his family's disapproval of his artistic pursuits and treatment of his sexuality as a sickness, Kunal insisted that his dreams remained unwavering. His motivation comes from wanting to make his Nani proud, his younger self assured, and his partner, who is there for him 100%, happy. Now you can see his "funky, customisable, and slow fashion" creations via Crochet by Kunal, and they're sure to put a grin on your face.
Aravani Art Project
This venture is a collaborative movement seeking to support the Transgender Community via visual art, social experimentation, and magic. Their collaboration began as an attempt at social justice advocacy via art and friendship. They state, "To make a point, we began reclaiming spaces as cis-women, trans-women/men, and queer people." They claim that purchasing digital and hand-painted canvases directly from their artists is the most effective method to show your support. You may also commission their art or connect them with donors or multinational corporations (MNCs) that can fund the commissioning of large-scale murals to be painted in public locations.