Until now, the script seemed to be predictable: sometime around late May, the storefronts shifted into rainbow mode. By June 1st, the algorithm starts feeding you sponsored ads for gendy-nooch biodegradable glitter socks from companies that donated to anti-trans politicians last winter.
Corporate Pride, for all its many flaws, added visibility and even banality to the queerness of June. But with more than 25% of USA based corporate sponsors having pulled out of Pride amid the current political climate this 'routine' is now up in the air.
It’s a tricky thing, wearing your queerness on your sleeve when you know your sleeve was made by a fair weather brand that has abandoned the pursuit of equality at the first flash of fascism. Luckily not all Pride merch is hollow. Some of it is made with a direct line of support to the community.
Of course, we always encourage recycling bits you already have from previous years, or making something work from your current wardrobe. Charity and vintage shops are also great places to browse for some inspiration, of which there are many in Dublin.
This year, if you’re going to wear a new flag, here’s where you can get it without selling out.
Homegrown megalith SuperValu’s €3 “Carry With Pride” funds Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation. The totes are part of SuperValu’s ongoing #CommunityIncludesEverybody campaign, which, in the GAA’s own words, aims to “promote diversity and inclusion within the Gaelic Games community.”
A rainbow-scented soap bar won’t dismantle heteropatriarchy. But Faerly’s Pride range is fun. This is the spot to hit up if you wanna add a little eau de rainbow to your daily. They have McNutt’s Donegal-woven rainbow wool throws (€95) and Pickled Pom Pom’s Poolbeg Pride prints (€24) as well as socks and water bottles from €20.
20% of the sale price from every item in Faerly’s Pride range goes directly to Belong To and UNICEF’s Gaza Appeal.
GCN (Gay Community News) has been chronicling, critiquing, and celebrating Irish queer life since 1988. Their newest Pride collection feeds directly into the work they do: publishing news, organising events, archiving our histories.
100% of the proceeds from their in-house line go back into the publication.
Each jumper sold sends €1 to LGBT Ireland’s National Helpline, which translates to 50 minutes of someone being heard. Three charities split the rest: LGBT Ireland, Sports Against Racism Ireland, and the Irish Youth Foundation.
For a more international brand designer Connor Ives manages to land on the right side of that divide. His now-iconic “Protect The Dolls” tee has been worn by Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan is Pride at its most fundamental.100% of the proceeds go to Trans Lifeline, a trans-led charity offering crisis support and resources to trans people in North America.
The Pride Hub is always a safe and proud space for the LGBTQIA+ community to get decked out in the finest garms and accessories. They've got lanyards, bandanas, flags, t-shirts, and more to complete your festival attire.
You can find the Pride Hub on Clarendon Street or browse the website online.
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