SHOP THE RAINBOW

From illustrated Docs to a rainbow-covered serum, these Pride month launches will actually give back to LGBTQ communities

Ahead of Pride month this June, many brands are jumping to celebrate the LGBTQ community with rainbow-themed collections. While sporting the colours is one way to show up, there’s valid wariness of these commercialized events where sometimes sincerity misses the mark in the rush to sell without actually doing the work.

So we put together a list of Pride launches that are committed to making a difference for communities, whether that’s by collaborating with queer artists or giving a sizeable portion of the proceeds back to LGBTQ and human rights charities. Scroll on for some of the best Pride 2023 fashion pieces and beauty products.

Apple financially supports advocacy organizations including the Equality Federation Institute and GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) all year round. Switch out your go-to Apple Watch band and show your support with the latest Pride edition, featuring what look like sprinkles in the colours of the Pride flag: black and brown to represent Black and Latino communities, light blue, pink and white to symbolize transgender and nonbinary people. Apple watch band, $59, apple.com.

In partnership with crisis-relief organization #YouAreEssential, Jonathan Van Ness’s eponymous haircare brand hired New Yorkbased, Chinese-born multimedia artist Zipeng Zhu to design a special box for the best-selling, frizz-fighting Air Dry Hair Cream. Also for Pride 2023, the brand is launching a JVN x GLSEN pride hair set: 10 per cent of the profits will go to GLSEN, which works to create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ students in K-12 education.JVN complete hydrating air dry hair cream Pride Edition, $30, sephora.ca.

This year, Kiehl’s has tapped Canadian artist Jon Hanlan to create limitededition packaging for its cult-fave, deeply moisturizing Ultra Facial Cream, which features a whimsical illustration evoking joy and optimism. For the month of June, $20 for every cream purchased will go to The Get Real Movement, a Canadian nonprofit organization that combats LGBTQ discrimination, racism and bullying in schools, summer camps and workplaces. Kiehl’s Ultra facial cream, $120 (200 mL), kiehls.ca.

Featuring a manga-inspired, monochrome illustration of queer relationships by Japanese artist and zine creator Fuyuki Kanai, the reimagined 1460 boot has the build of the iconic design with the addition of the heel loop and welt stitch in a pop of red. Dr. Martens is also continuing its year-round partnership with The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, with a $200,000 commitment. Dr. Martens x Fuyuki Kanai boots, $235, drmartens.com

Rainbow stripes, platform sole, classic silhouette: this limited-edition sneaker is a summer must-have. But shopping these Old Skool sneakers not only represents standing with the queer community; Vans will donate $200,000 from its non-profit Checkerboard Fund to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ communities. Vans shoes, $110, vans.ca.

Embroidered with “Love is love” on the back, Smythe’s cropped version of its much-loved blazer is a stylish way to show support. For each jacket sold, $50 will be donated to It Gets Better Canada, which supports and uplifts LGBTQ youth. Smythe jacket, $750, shopsmythe.ca.

Here’s a rainbow edition of Glow Recipe’s best-selling, BHA- and PHAinfused pore-refining toner. A supporter of the It Gets Better Project, the beauty brand will donate $15,000 in money and $15,000 in product.

One dollar from each purchase of this special edition of Canadian indie brand Graydon’s Superfood Serum will go to Rainbow Railroad, a global non-profit that helps LGBTQ people escape persecution. The formula is filled with nourishing meadowfoam, raspberry and goji seed oils. Graydon Superfood serum, $87, graydonskincare.com.