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When the clock strikes midnight on June 1st, various corporations throw up a Bat-Signal to the queer community, albeit a yassified one. Allegedly, all in the name of Pride, several big-named brands hawk gaudy, colorful suits in the retail space and slap on some variation of “Yes Queen!” on beer cans at the bar. But every year, the issue remains—companies go hard on the rainbow-colored scheme and not much else. As this year’s Pride approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear whose allyship is genuine and whose support is merely a superficial show.
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As of late, the queer community has faced an onslaught of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and hate due to the Trump administration, much of it targeting transgender individuals. As a result, many of the corporations and businesses that proudly waved their Pride flags just a few years ago have quietly stuck them back in their corporate closets. According to The New York Times, about "25 percent of corporate donors to New York Pride have canceled or scaled back their support, citing economic uncertainty and fear of retribution from the Trump administration." However, as support from large entities has all but evaporated, it is our local community members who have stood up in the face of changing tides, many of whom operate in the food and beverage sector.
Naturally, gay and lesbian bars and other queer-run entities have led the pack, operating with joy in the face of resistance. What started as a one-off event centered on community and good soup, Brooklyn’s Queer Soup Night has evolved into a national movement. Showcasing the talents of LGBTQIA+ chefs in the kitchen, the soup-centered evenings always have a social justice tie, raising funds for queer youth, prison reform and other mutual aid organizations. Meanwhile, the New York-based Queer Food Foundation reminds us that queer people exist outside of the confines of June with its Queer All Year initiative. Partnering with the James Beard Foundation, the ongoing virtual series celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices in food and hospitality from restaurant owners, beverage professionals and farmers.
In real life, transgender activist Gia Love is currently fundraising for the annual Black Trans Women Cookout. Moving locations from Bed Stuy to Socrates Park in Queens this year, the outdoor get-together invites trans people and their allies to gather over jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and most importantly, joy.
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Even spaces that aren’t queer-owned are showing up, proving allyship is an active verb. A certified safe space and the official beer of NYC Pride three years running, Brooklyn Brewery made it clear they were standing on business this year by launching Brooklyn Brewery Supports. In partnership with Angelica Christina from Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the program will provide $25,000 or $1,000 each in direct support to 25 trans, non-binary or two-spirit New Yorkers.
Meanwhile, The Romer Hell’s Kitchen hotel is hosting Love Thy Gayborhood, a nod to the queer neighborhood it calls home. The month-long activation includes an informative panel on safe, inclusive spaces on June 18 and a queer and Black-led Juneteenth celebration, featuring their speakeasy-ish piano bar, So & So’s. Continuing to honor queer art well past June, the hotel will host Sabel Scities, winner of Miss Hell's Kitchen 2024, for a five-month drag residency in its basement bar.
Of course, all of the above only scratches the surface of this year's Pride events that directly benefit the community. Just be mindful this year (and really, all years) that Pride is not just about rainbow-colored margaritas—it's about making tangible change. This year, spend your time and dining dollars at businesses that go beyond waving the flag.