Trans Businesses to Support During Transgender Awareness Month (and All Year!)
What is Trans Day of Remembrance
Every November, we mark Transgender Awareness Month and honour Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day set aside to remember the trans lives taken by violence and the systems that continue to fail our community. TDOR is always heavy, and it should be. It asks us to hold space for grief, anger, and the urgent need for change.
A Different Way of Marking TDOR This Year
But this year, as we sit with that grief, we’re also choosing to do something a little different. Right now, trans people are facing unprecedented political persecution, especially in response to the political situation in the USA.
Every week brings a new wave of legislative attacks, media scapegoating, and targeted harm. While we absolutely need to stay informed, constantly focusing on that reality can make us feel helpless. And helplessness isn’t where community thrives.
So this year, we want to honour TDOR by lifting up trans joy, resilience, and creativity. We want to spotlight trans makers and business owners you can support. Not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a concrete way to help trans people build safety, autonomy, and stability.
The Reality: Trans Businesses Are Struggling
Because the truth is: trans businesses are struggling. This past year alone, we’ve watched so many trans-owned shops, artists, and mutual-aid-based businesses close under the weight of economic instability, political hostility, and burnout. Supporting trans creators isn’t charity, it’s how we keep each other alive.
And then comes Black Friday. This season is notoriously brutal for ethical and small-scale brands like ours. We simply cannot (and will not) compete with the ultra-low prices made possible by exploitative labour, mass production, and environmental harm. When people wonder why ethical goods cost more, this is why: real people, real materials, real wages. And that matters.
Your Dollar Has Power
We’re living through a class war, whether we name it or not, and the money we spend is one of the tools we still have. The boycotts this year alone have proven that collective purchasing power works.
There have been so many amazing collective actions this year. Like the boycott of Target when they rolled back DEI initiatives, ending programs that supported Black employees and suppliers. The boycott has cost shareholders over 20 billion dollars in the last year. Or the boycott of Tesla, which has dropped the company’s value by 500 billion, so much that the president was running sleezy car ads on the White House lawn.
When we withhold our money from harmful corporations, they feel it. When we direct our dollars toward community, artists, and ethical makers, WE FEEL IT. It comes back to us in the form of survival, connection, and lasting change.
A List of Trans Owned Businesses
The following is a list of ethical, trans-owned businesses that you can feel GREAT about shopping at this holiday season! All of these businesses have products available for purchase online, so that you can support them from anywhere.
Know of another business that should be added to this list? Please add it to the comment section of this blog so we can support them too!
- Dopp kits for HRT & medical supplies
A Black trans–owned brand creating high-quality, stylish dopp kits and storage solutions for HRT and other medical supplies. Founded by Braxton Fleming, the company centers inclusivity, durability, and dignity, supporting the community through giveback programs that fund gender-affirming care and transition essentials.
- Queer graphic T-shirts, apparel, and accessories
A trans-owned, LGBTQIA+ operated clothing brand founded by Landon Reed in 2015. What began as a fundraiser for his top surgery has grown into an ethical, community-focused label creating apparel by queer people for queer people. They offer inclusive sizing and clothing with either bold statements or subtle designs for those who need discretion, and limited-edition pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
- Queer graphic t-shirts and accessories
A trans-owned, Toronto-based clothing brand created by non-binary artist Jax. Known for iconic, community-centered designs like “The Future is Non-Binary,” they create affirming apparel while running ethical, grassroots initiatives that support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Gender 404 remains focused on building safer, welcoming spaces both online and in person.
- Queer graphic apparel, pride merch, and accessories
A trans- and queer-owned Austin-based clothing brand creating gender-free apparel that promotes self-love, confidence, and pride. They ethically produce their Bareskin binders through a local women-owned manufacturer, feature LGBTQ+ models, and donate proceeds to help trans people access gender-affirming surgery. Every purchase supports community care and queer creativity.
- Queer graphic apparel and art prints
A trans-owned screen printing collective and retail shop in Grand Rapids, creating wearable goods that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Committed to ethical, community-centered practices, they donate 10% of sales from key designs to organizations that center trans and queer lives, raising over $100K for initiatives to date.
- Queer street wear, accessories, and art
A trans-owned, LA-based streetwear and art brand by mixed-media artist Mars Wright. Centered on Trans Joy, radical vulnerability, and accessible art, Mars creates gender-affirming, ethically crafted masculine streetwear alongside public murals and activist guerrilla art. Every piece serves as wearable, community-building queer visibility.
- Gender-neutral inclusive clothing
A trans-owned, Montréal-based clothing brand led by designer Catherine Veri, offering gender-neutral, seasonless, and utilitarian apparel since 2018. Made locally from natural fibers and deadstock textiles, VERI prioritizes durability, inclusivity, ethical production, and modular designs that reject the gender binary. Each piece is crafted to be timeless, versatile, and affirming for every body.
- Custom fit gaff, binders, GA lingerie, and swimwear
We debated if it was silly to add ourselves to our own list, but then we decided- we’re damn proud of what we do! Not only is our founder and creator, Rae Hill, transgender, but all of our staff are also trans or queer. All our products are ethically handmade by our team in Montreal. When you buy from us, your purchase directly supports trans lives. We also give away thousands of products each year to trans people who can’t afford our stuff. Check out the community program to either donate or participate!
- Handmade gender-affirming undies and clothing
A trans-owned, Salt Lake City–based brand creating fully customizable, gender-inclusive underwear handcrafted by Mel Martinez, a brown trans nonbinary sewist. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and ethical, small-batch production, Aqua offers affirming boxer briefs, packing and tucking options, adaptive features, and one-of-a-kind designs made for all bodies and identities.
- Gender-affirming swim and activewear
A trans-owned activewear and swimwear brand founded by designer and surfer Dylan Williamson. Built on ethical, community-centered values, they create durable, high-quality, gender-affirming movement garments that prioritize comfort, fit, and self-expression. Their pieces are extensively tested, sustainably crafted, and designed to help every body move with freedom and authenticity.
- Online plus-sized thrift store
A trans-owned, Edmonton-based online thrift store offering fun, stylish pre-loved clothing in plus sizes only. They prioritize sustainability, financial accessibility, and size inclusivity, making secondhand fashion welcoming and affirming for larger-bodied folks.
- Handmade gold jewelry made from recycled jewelry and electronics
A queer, trans-owned fine jewelry brand founded by AL Sandimir, an Indigenous, non-binary refugee and designer. They create ethically sourced, locally produced, size-inclusive jewelry made to last. No fast fashion, never fake discounts, and never investor-driven compromises. Every piece is crafted in-house, tested for comfort, and priced fairly. Automic Gold also reinvests in the community, donating at least 10% of its proceeds to support LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities, with dedicated items benefiting Palestinian families in Gaza.
- Handmade queer jewelry and accessories
A UK-based trans-owned brand creating handmade, queer, and politically charged jewelry and apparel. Focused on ethical, small-batch production, Seth makes statement pieces for kink, raves, and self-expression, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility and individuality in every design.
- Pride jewelry
An ENBY owned small business run by Ericka, creating miniature clay jewelry and tiny art pieces. With a focus on ethical, handmade craftsmanship, their whimsical creations like pride- and trans-colored cake slices, celebrate queer identity and creativity.
- Handmade leather gear
A trans- and queer-owned, ethically minded leatherwork studio in East Vancouver offering custom pieces, repairs, and accessible designs rooted in Leatherdyke history. With a wheelchair-accessible studio and a team of mostly queer makers, they centre community care, inclusivity, and affirming leatherwork for all bodies.
- Yarns, craft supplies, and handmade goods
A trans-owned Toronto craft shop showcasing Canadian and queer-made yarns, kits, and handmade goods. Founded by bi, trans, and disabled makers, the store uplifts LGBTQ2S+ artisans, offers beginner-friendly classes, and operates with strong community and ethical sourcing values.
- Art prints and stationery
Owned by a trans- and queer art couple that makes stationery and gift brand creating bold, uplifting greeting cards, art prints, and more. Based in Kingston, NY, they prioritize ethical, small-batch production and use their designs to celebrate and support the queer community, with products sold internationally.
- Queer handmade art prints
An Edmonton-based trans and disabled-owned business run by three artists that handmake and print beautiful woodblock prints. Prints are of trans-supportive texts and images of nature and are available as paper prints, totes, stickers, and pins.
- Art prints, patches, and stickers
Art by Billy Ghoul is a nonbinary artist based in Portland, Oregon, creating patches, stickers, prints, and textile art. Using screen printing and other mediums, they focus on ethical, community-oriented practices while supporting queer visibility and fostering inclusive, accessible art spaces.
- Tote bags, stickers, apparel, and accessories
A trans nonbinary artist from the Pacific Northwest creating accessible, queer-centered art. They offer ethically made tote bags, apparel, stickers, and accessories that celebrate queer experiences while prioritizing inclusivity and community care.
- Pride merch and handmade accessories
A trans-owned small business dedicated to inclusive pride gear that goes far beyond the standard rainbow. They create handmade crocheted plushies, enamel pins, stickers, and more, featuring hundreds of identity flags to ensure everyone can celebrate their unique colors. Their mission is ethical, educational, and rooted in validating every queer identity.
- Books
A queer- and trans-owned, worker-run bookstore and online platform offering LGBTQIA+ books for all ages. Centered on ethical, community-focused practices, they amplify BIPOC and disabled queer voices and provide a welcoming, liberatory space for queer and trans people.
- Herbal infusions and bath & body products
A queer, enby-owned herbal craft business by disabled artist and community organizer Pamela Fillion. Rooted in anti-oppressive, DIY, and decolonizing practices, Pamela handcrafts ethical herbal infusions, bath and body products using plant-based knowledge, community skillsharing, and sustainable, small-batch methods.
- Candles
A trans and queer–owned small business crafting hand-poured, small-batch soy candles made with non-toxic scents and decorated with natural, scent-inspired toppings. Rooted in ethical production and community care, they donate 10% of profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project to support QTBIPOC gender justice.
Thanks For Being Here
As we honour TDOR, we’re choosing to invest in the living: our artists, our makers, our entrepreneurs, our joy. Thank you for showing up for trans creators not just this month, but every month. When you support our work and the work of others, you help build the kind of future our community deserves.
And don’t forget- add more trans businesses to the comments on this blog to share the love!
Want to support the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole? Find more options for queer-owned businesses on Everywhere is Queer or HeyFamm! Searchable apps to find queer businesses online and in your area.
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