Pride Month is coming to a close, and it’s time to raise a glass to celebrate the love, acceptance, and support of Pride-supporting alcohol brands. I endorse companies who support and champion the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community, like 110%. When researching my Pride piece for TASTE magazine, my eyes were opened. I interviewed people about our B.C. wineries and how and or if they support the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community. I uncovered that there are few outwardly supporting wineries in B.C. What do I mean by being outwardly supportive? Having the inclusive sticker on the tasting room door is a beautiful place to start. It says, come on in – we’ve got you! It is simple and effective and can act as a green light to welcome new guests inside. I spoke to a few people about my findings. Some people felt it was just a marketing gimmick – slap rainbow colours on your bottle for a month. Others said, ‘It is a choice to even promote or market to the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community – brands don’t have to do it. It is a choice.’ The brands I did uncover made my heart happy. We even have a relatively new alcohol brand here in B.C. that are queer owned and operated! Yay!

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a cocktail connoisseur, there are fantastic alcohol brands that not only produce delightful drinks but also stand proudly with the community. Here are a few standout brands that deserve a place in your wine cellar and on your bar.

First on my list is the Jackson Family Wines La Crema brand. Known for its well-crafted wines, La Crema has long supported the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community. It’s not just about making delicious wine; it’s about making a difference. It is the premium sponsor of the Gay Wine Weekend, where proceeds go to those living with HIV/AIDS. La Crema (Jackson Family Wines) actively participates in Equality California, the largest statewide 2SLGBTQ1A+ community rights organization.

Now, for those who fancy a spirit with a bit of flair, look no further than Absolut Vodka. Absolut has been a pioneer in advocating for 2SLGBTQ1A+ rights since the 1980s, yes, the 1980s, with a history of bold advertising and significant donations to related causes. Their Rainbow Edition bottle is not just a colourful addition to your bar cart; it’s a symbol of their unwavering support for diversity and inclusion.

Lastly, let’s shout out to a hometown hero, Squirrel Friendz. They are a B.C. alcohol brand that is not only local but queer owned and operated. With every sale of their ‘Inclusive Vodka,’ Squirrel Friendz contributes financially to QMUNITY. This Vancouver-based non-profit organization aims to strengthen and empower the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community. I love their featured cocktail, ‘I Am What I Am’ – click HERE for the recipe.

As PRIDE month comes to a close, I hope you reach for some or all of these products throughout the year, knowing they are allies of the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community. Choose brands that embody the spirit of inclusion and support for the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community when possible.

Cheers to love, acceptance, and fabulous drinks!

XO, CC