Ah, rainbow capitalism.
Every year starting in May and running through mid-June large companies put out statements of inclusion, change their logos to rainbow, and toss a few seemingly same-gender couples in their marketing. Some set up colorful displays in hopes of capturing the dollar of the LGBTQAI+ community that shops there.
Is it enough? The resounding answer every year is, “No.” Offering rainbow bikinis while making no effort to create a safer, more kind world for the LGBT community is simply a marketing tactic.
How do we make an impact? Shopping directly with queer-owned businesses.
Purchasing from small, LGBTQ+-owned businesses offers monetary support to the members of the community Pride month celebrates. These business owners often offer some of the few gathering spaces for the queer community. In showing direct support, you’re putting your money where your heart is and uplifting a marginalized group in a tangible way.
Celebrate Pride and shop with some of our very favorite Kansas City-based Queer Owned businesses!
West Bottoms Plant Co
Location: West Bottoms
1501 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101
Hours:
Sunday – 11-3
Monday – 11-3
Tuesday – 11-6
Wednesday – 11-6
Thursday – 11-6
Friday – 11-6
Saturday – 11-6
Owned by partners Austin and Tristan, West Bottoms Plant Company is located just off the 12th Street Bridge at the 12th Street Post. A plant-filled space, WBPC has created a space that hosts over 100 small businesses and makers from the KC area. More than just shopping, you can find workshops, a pop up cafe, and the ingenious ADHDiy Cafe! Add this as a “must visit” on your weekend to do list.
Fetch KC
Location: West Bottoms
1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO 64101
Hours:
Sunday – 11-4
Monday – 11-4
Tuesday – 11-6
Wednesday – 11-6
Thursday – 11-6
Friday – 11-6
Saturday – 11-6
You may have seen Fetch KC has go viral on social media for their clever and progressive street signs and inside their shop the vibes match the messaging. From apparel and accessories to home goods and greeting cards, you’ll find the same loud and proud, cheeky voice across all the goods available.
Mid Coast Modern
Location: Westport
314 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hours:
Sunday – 11-3
Monday – 11-6
Tuesday – 11-6
Wednesday – 11-6
Thursday – 11-6
Friday – 11-6
Saturday – 11-6
Even though we just got news that Mid Coast is closing, we still want to include this KC Mainstay in its final month. Founded in 2015 by Matt Leavitt, MidCoast has been a shop filled with makers from KC and beyond. In addition to other businesses, they also host their successful soap company, Bear Soap. Make sure to visit before they close their doors for the clearance sale!
Clever Babes Co
Location: Online | In store @ West Bottoms Plant Co
Founded and owned by the clever Hannah Milks, Clever Babes Co aims to create comfy clothes for an uncomfortable world. Combining her love of the LGBTQ+ community, Somatic Experiencing training, and eye for design, Hannah creates bold apparel and accessories that feel soft as can be. Her Pride collection will be sold exclusively at WBPC and at pop ups at Boulevardia and People’s Pride.
Effing Candle Co
Location: Westport | also @ Fetch KC
3703 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hours:
Sunday – closed
Monday – closed
Tuesday – closed
Wednesday – closed
Thursday – closed
Friday – 11-3
Saturday – 11-3
Cheeky and full of fun, Effing Candle Co is a hand poured candle company using a vegan blend of coconut and apricot wax. The resulting candles have incredible smells that fill the room when lit. Committed to using non-tox ingredients, they have a great explanation of their ingredient policy. With scents like, “Head Bitch in Charge” and “Rooftop Margaritas” they’re perfect giftables (even if that’s a gift to yourself!)
Red Hare Leather
Location: Online + in person at pop ups around the city
Designed and hand crafted in KC, Red Hare Leather is proudly queer owned. From the everyday wallets and belts to the more niche harnesses and collars, their craftsmanship shines through every piece. Kansas City born and raised owner, Faye Woods, says they love being part of the artisan craft movement in the city. Side note: we think one of their incredible harnesses would be stunning in a boudoir shoot!
MOC BOD
Location: Midtown
5507 Troost Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64110
Hours:
Sunday – 10-5
Monday – 10-7
Tuesday – 10-7
Wednesday – 10-7
Thursday – 10-7
Saturday – 10-5
Queer owned and queer staffed, MOC BOD stands for “masculine of center, big on dapper”. You can find tattooing, a tailor, hair cuts, and massage alongside retail in a safe and affirming space. Curated specifically for queer individuals, the space also welcomes allies of the community.
Servaes Brewing Company
Location: Shawnee, KS
10921 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203
Hours:
Sunday – 11-8
Monday – closed
Tuesday – 4-10
Wednesday – 4-10
Thursday – 4-10
Friday – 2-10
Saturday – 11-10
Kansas’ first woman-owned and operated brewery, Servaes is a small brewery and taproom located in Shawnee. With no flagship beer, they aim to offer a fluid, changing menu of a variety of beers. In addition to their beer, they also offer Aaron’s Craft Soda with flavors inspired by Aaron, owner Courtney’s oldest son.
Whether you’re an ally, part of the LGBTQAI+ community, or still unsure (you’re valid!) shopping with queer-owned businesses is a beautiful way to show your support not just during Pride month, but year round.
