7 small businesses to support this pride month and beyond

As we head into the last few days of Pride Month, it’s a good time to remember that the mission underpinning Pride doesn’t stop at the end of June. There are plenty of ways to show your support for LGBTQIA+ communities all year round – whether that be by donating, showing up, through education, art or action. One of the easiest ways to get around folks in the queer community is by putting your money where your mouth is. Spy our picks of local businesses below that are doing rad things all year long.

DOUBLE RAINBOUU You might not know Double Rainbouu by name yet, but you’ve certainly seen their garms around. The label’s head honchos, Mikey Nolan and Toby Jones, understand the intricacies of great style – whether you’re a “beach bae” or a “pool punk”. Lucky for us, they make duds that are perfect for the cooler months, too.

MUSTARD MADE This Pride, the good folk at Mustard Made have teamed up with LGBTQIA+ human rights advocacy organisation Outright International to donate 25 per cent of their sales to help support LGBTQIA+ communities around the world from now until the end of June. A swanky locker and a donation to a good cause? Sounds rad to us.

MABU MABU If your stomach isn’t already grumbling, it’s for sure about to start. You can pretty much smell the mouth-watering flavours of Mabu Mabu’s Kara Meta handmade pantry items through a phone screen – we can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like being in the room with them at the Big Esso restaurant in Melbourne/Naarm.

NICOL & FORD We’re big fans of this rad designer duo. Helmed by Katie-Louise and Lilian Nicol-Ford, Nicol & Ford is a visionary fashion label that celebrates creative ingenuity and leadership – evident in their ripper garms. The label’s designs have appeared everywhere from runways to rock musicals and is a great one to keep in mind next time you want to frock up.

PINK EMBER Visiting Pink Ember's not-for-profit centre is like visiting heaven. That is, if your idea of heaven is filled with ceramic workshops, life drawing and is brimming with artists. The queer artist-run initiative is a must-visit if you’re in Melbourne – even if just for the building’s pink exterior alone.

QUEER MOVE Queer Move are certified icons of Melbourne. If you’ve ever caught their pastel pink van trundling along the street, you should count yourself blessed. Queer-owned and operated, the removalist service is a go-to for many LGBTQIA+ folks – and for good reason.