Pride does not discriminate. As we support and propel Black Lives Matter, it is seminal that we also recognize movements that advance the practice of acceptance, justice, and equity for all. We are not moving on from Black Lives Matter—there is still so much work to be done!—but we believe recognition of Pride Month can amplify the message of equality rather than detract (especially in light of the fact that Pride itself started as a riot, and was helmed by Black and Brown trans activists). In lieu of writing a roundup of rainbow-colored goodies this year, we’re highlighting vegan-friendly companies that are donating to LGBTQIA+ and Black-led organizations. Here is how to use your dollars to support vegan business and stand in solidarity with Pride and #BlackLivesMatter.
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1. Brew Dr. Kombucha
To demonstrate support for Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQIA+ community, this bubbly beverage company has released a limited edition rainbow-wrapped Love kombucha. The flavor is a blend of jasmine green tea with notes of chamomile, rose, and lavender. For the second year in a row, Brew Dr. is donating to The Trevor Project.
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2. Two Birds Baking Co., Orange County, CA
This vegan cakery doesn’t have its own storefront, but it’s still making an impact. Two Birds Baking attracted attention on the national stage when it appeared on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2012, and fans can find the incredible cupcakes inside both locations of Hapa Cupcakes in Orange County, CA (another Cupcake Wars contestant). For Pride Month, all proceeds from the rainbow-hued Love Cupcake will be donated to The Trevor Project. Pro tip: pre-order your cupcakes before they sell out, or get them delivered if you live within the greater Orange County area.
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3. Herbivore Botanicals
Treat yourself to an at-home facial (because where else are you going to get one these days?) with Herbivore’s June exclusive Prism Pride Kit. The pink-tinted reusable tote made of washable, recycled paper includes full-sized versions of the company’s signature Prism skin collection including the Prism Exfoliating Glow Facial and the Prism Exfoliating Glow Serum. Each purchase will trigger a $5 donation to The Trevor Project.
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4. Donut Friend, Los Angeles, CA
This is not your average mom-and-pop doughnut shop. Donut friend is bold, loud, and has demanded the attention of Angelinos and beyond with its gorgeous doughnut designs and playful flavors. The shop is using its platform to support the Black Lives Matter movement and Pride Month by donating funds to the LGBTQ Freedom Fund—a black-led organization posting bail for Black Lives Matter protesters. The micro-chain developed the Compassionfruit doughnut specifically to champion change and bring awareness to worthy causes.
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5. Brooklyn Whiskers, Brooklyn, NY
Using the tagline, “Cake for a cause,” this quaint vegan Brooklyn café is baking to support Black Lives Matter and Pride Month. Each week, the business donates a portion of their sales to a local mission-driven organization. So far, the Okra Project (a nonprofit that benefits Black trans people) has been a recipient. For New York’s upcoming Pride Week, proceeds from the BLM Pride Cakes will be donated to the LGBTQ Freedom Fund.
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6. Karma Baker, nationwide
In honor of LA Pride Weekend, this gluten-free, vegan bakery donated 10 percent of all proceeds made between June 12-14 to The Trevor Project. For the remainder of the month, customers can order the June exclusive Rainbow Cake for their Pride Month celebrations. While the bakery itself is tucked away in the Los Angeles suburb of Westlake Village, many of the items ship nationwide. We highly recommend you add a few cupcake jars to that Rainbow Cake order.
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7. Veggie Grill, nationwide
In solidarity with both the Black Lives Matter movement and Pride Month, this vegan fast-food chain is working with Support + Feed to donate meals to LGTBQIA+ shelters and centers. The company is also matching any donations and giving these funds to the Equal Justice Initiative. Veggie Grill is nearing 40 locations with restaurants in California, Washington, Illinois, Massachusets, and New York.
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8. TOMS
Support Pride year-round by rocking a pair of vegan-friendly kicks or sunglasses from TOMS Unity Line. The collection features the company’s classic canvas Alpargata style in rainbow, tye-dye, and a “Love is Love” print. Three different rainbow-accented sunglasses complete the line. After discovering that an estimated 40 percent of homeless youth identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, TOMS decided to partner with Hellen Keller International and regional LGBTQIA+ organizations to provide free eye care to homeless youth in New York and Los Angles.
Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
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Photo credit: TOMS