PRIDE MONTH

Boosting Pride in Canada

To celebrate Pride month in Canada, we’ve been profiling some our favourite 2SLGBTQ+ businesses. But Pride doesn’t end in June, so we wanted to share more of our favourite local businesses and charities that are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to so you can support year round.

A little bit of everything in Alberta

If you’re looking to capture a special moment and the iPhone just won’t cut it, check out Calgary-based photographer Steph Hansen Photography. Add some greenery to your home from Edmonton’s best florist Laurel’s On Whyte, or if you’re worried about your green thumb you can get bath and body products from their online store instead. Looking for the purr-fect gift for your feline friend, check out Fred Over Heels for high quality cat-nip filled toys. If you’re planning your next adventure, check out Civilized Adventures for custom travel planning and small group explorations to fascinating places around the world. If you need a new counsellor, Natalie Jovanic at Freedom Counselling Calgary has years of experience to provide a safe space and trauma-informed services.

Style yourself in B.C.

Looking to spruce up your scrubs? Nima Apparel creates thoughtfully-designed scrubs made in British Columbia. Their fun designs give traditional scrubs a makeover with functional pockets, two way stretch and moisture wicking fabric. Brighten up your home or closet with apparel and prints form Pork Pie Brand – a collection inspired by themes from the 1980’s and 1970’s designed and created by a local Vancouverite. Now that you have the wardrobe, add accessories with HEX Metals & Minerals’ handcrafted jewelry line that brings imperfect stones together in minimalist arrangements and gender-inclusive designs.

Try the baking in Saskatchewan

Make your backyard the place to be this summer with Solar Gardens at Avalon in Saskatoon. This one-stop shop has everything from individual succulents, to freshly baked goods, a large selection of oils and spices, and lots more. If you’re a lover of sourdough but didn’t join the baking trend, sign up for a bread subscription at Baeker Kraeker and take home a freshly baked, hearth-style loves of 30% whole grain bread. Or, stop by Saskatoon’s favourite ice cream parlour Homestead Ice Cream and grab a pint of small batch ice cream, a freshly baked ice cream sandwich or cheesecake on a stick.

Sweets and more in Manitoba

Elevate your taste buds with Oh Doughnuts in Winnipeg, a local baker that creates unique doughnut flavours from traditional Boston Cream and Vanilla Sprinkles, to creative Everything Bagel and Chicago Mix. If your sweet tooth is still not satisfied, check out Daddy D’s Ice Creamery, which creates small batch gourmet ice cream while donating 15% of its profits to the Winnipeg Community. Take that sugar rush shopping at Charlie’s Charmed Creations which offers a modern twist on traditional men’s and women’s fashionable wearables, made from natural wood while featuring conceptual elegance at affordable pricing.

Support charities and partners that create 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive communities

Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps 2SLGBTQ+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Through dialogue, education, and thought leadership, Pride at Work Canada empowers employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Get REAL is another organization that empowers education in schools, summer camps and workplaces to combat combats 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and bullying. Visit your city’s local chambers, like the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, which exists to help build a strong economy supported by, and supportive of, diverse communities.