Celebrating Pride with a showcase of 6 LGBTQ+ businesses we love

Happy Pride, everyone! This year, we’re joining in on the month-long celebration by sharing some of our fave Toronto LGBTQ+-owned businesses. What are some of your go-tos? Share them with us on social!

Lower East Side Studio | 392 College St. & 827 College St. |@lesstudio.to

We hope you can forgive the pun, but this is a hair studio that really is on the cutting edge. (Just check out their Insta for some of their incredible cuts!) This inclusive, gender-neutral shop is inspired by Manhattan’s Lower East Side, but don’t worry – it’s 100% Toronto. It’s queer, immigrant and women-owned, offering everything from barbering to hairstyling to colour.  And it’s the perfect place to go for a look that’s uniquely you.

Craig’s Cookies | 4 locations | @craigscookies

If you’re looking for Pride-worthy treats, Craig’s has ‘em, from his famous rainbow-chip (he calls it the “queerest cookie in TO”) to the Ruby Red, a white chocolate chip masterpiece dipped in ruby chocolate and topped with glittery sprinkles. 100% of Ruby Red profits go to Friends of Ruby, a non-profit space dedicated to the well-being of 2SLGBTQTIA+ youth.

Miss Pippas |1158 College St. | @misspippas

Owners Adam Moco and Anton Levin have created something homey, lovely and truly unique with Miss Pippas. Part flower store, part gift shop and part Portuguese-inspired wine and cheese deli, it’s a welcoming space to sip a port and tonic, relax in a comfy armchair, peruse the gorgeous drag queen portraits gracing the walls – and even buy a bouquet or a bottle of organic vino on your way out. 

Glad Day Bookshop |499 Church St. |@gladdaybookshop

This wonderful spot is the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the world – it’s been around since the 1970s. Go there for books, obviously, but also for coffee and pastries, cocktails and dinner, and special events like their awesome drag brunch. 

SOAP |Online|@operation_soap

Operation Soap was the codename for the Toronto Police bathhouse raids in 1981, but SOAP reclaimed the name, creating clothes that express “pride and love for Canada’s gay past, present and future.” From their iconic “Homo Milk” tee to some sweet Hanlan’s Point designs, their stuff is fun, eco-friendly, fair trade and ethically made – and always makes a statement.

Queeriosity | Online |@queeriositygame

Two friends from Toronto invented this social card game to help queer folks connect – and make up for the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in party games. Billed as “half funny, half feels,” it’s a great way to share experiences with friends, family, dates – and whoever else you want. The game has 110 cards that cover 6 categories, with questions like “What has changed for you since coming out?” and challenges like “Drink if the ads that target you are gay as hell.”