A gift guide? In this economy?

Special issue highlighting local makers & memberships

Perhaps what follows would be more accurately described as “a guide to supporting local LGBTQIA+ makers, helpers, and creative small businesses - aka your neighbors - and receiving something cute/helpful/darling/[fill in your preferred adjective] in return,” — but that doesn’t really have the same ring to it.

So yes, a gift guide…of sorts. You get it.

With pride and privilege, we share this spring collection of items and experiences for your enjoyment, co-curated with members of our Partner Network.

Expression is power.

“Not only is it a cute pride pin, but it's directly referencing bigots' weird obsession with "the gay agenda" and reclaiming/owning it!” - Alex Mancini (they/them)

Gay Agenda Enamel Pin

Add a touch of sass to your bag or wardrobe! So you can help push the agenda of love and equality.

Available here from Crafty Queer Studio, based in Worcester, MA.

“A sweet spring collection that serves as a salve for tender-hearted folks of all ages.” - Lexi she/her)

Love Is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness and Belonging from the LGBTQ+ Community and Friends

Edited by James Crews & Brad Peacock , Illustrated by Lisa Congdon

This luminous and open-hearted anthology of poems from the LGBTQIA+ community proves that there is nothing more universal than love.

Edited by James Crews with his husband, Brad Peacock, and illustrated by Lisa Congdon, these compassionate poems of connection and affirmation are a celebration of all kinds of love—romantic, family, friendship, self-love, and love for nature. The poems are gathered from a diverse group of contemporary writers, both part of and allied with the LGBTQIA+ community, with a special focus on queer, nonbinary, and transgender poets.

Available here and at High Five Books in Florence, MA.

Two Toads Together Plantable Seed Card & Eco Sticker

"Two Toads Together" began as a simple line drawing on plain paper, folded into a card I created for my partner, Isa, on our anniversary. The image was inspired by our walks together in the rain, sharing a single umbrella. This gentle scene reflects the kind of understated romance that resonates with many of us: the small, everyday acts of togetherness that often mean the most.”

- Vincent Frano (he/they/she)

Available here and in person at the Small Victories Shop in Thornes Marketplace, Northampton, MA.

“I made these designs to celebrate the breadth and beautiful goofy joy I experience in being queer, and to celebrate all my queer loved ones and community. I see that everyone shines in their own way, and I wanted to offer something that people might see themselves in that would light up their day.” - Elayna, they/them

Queer sticker pack: a pack of three stickers that celebrate being queer!

Including the designs: gay for nature (5x2in.), gender ruckus (3x4in., pictured), and I love dykes (3x3in). Pack available for $12 or stickers also available for individual purchase at $5 each.

Available here from The Fantasies of Youth.

“A business card is a simple concept, but can have a great impact. It's a first impression and it's how you represent yourself. You have total creative freedom & the team at CopyCat is here to support you.”

Branded Business Cards & Marketing Materials

Submit your design to CopyCat or have their team help you craft artwork that perfectly captures your style & brand personality.

Connect with CopyCat online.

Community is everything. Find yours.

“When our insides come into alignment with our outsides, we live our pride.” - Keith Aron (he/they)

Identity-booster Coaching with Keith Aron

These sessions will help you unlearn the conditioned limitations you’ve struggled to let go of around gender identity, presentation, or belonging in the QT community.

Three 60-minute sessions for the special Bloom Pride sliding scale rate of $160-$255. Can’t swing the entire package? Do a single session for $60-$85.

Connect with Keith Aron Transformational Coaching here.

“As a studio, MHM's main mission is to ensure that exercise is accessible for all bodies and identities. We recognize that in these financial times, that there are alot of barriers affecting the ability to access safe spaces with the intention of self-care. This is why we are offering a more reflective pricing option.“ - Britt McGrath (she/they)

Equity Membership at MHM

This membership option was created for those who are looking to find community in a safe, community oriented space with recognition of financial hardships for all. We are working on removing barriers that are an obstacle when finding fitness in our studio and want to reflect the current economic times with a better pricing option for those that identify with this need.

This membership includes unlimited access to large group classes such as Boxing, Yoga, TRX, and more. Does not include Personal Training or Group Personal Training classes (Inviting Strength, Bars & Bells, Bone Builders, Group Personal Training).

Available in person from My Health Matters Fitness in Hadley, MA.

“RCA has given me a physical creative space outside of my apartment, and a place to meet and connect with other queer artists who will be life-long friends. This support has given me the confidence and resources to start selling & exhibiting my own artwork.” - Sarah C. RCA Studio Member

Monthly Studio Membership at RCA

Join Resilient Community Arts’ vibrant community of local artists. No matter the medium, you' are welcome at RCA. Studio Memberships offer studio access, materials, discounts on supplies, programs, and workshops, and community involvement.

Available online. The RCA Studio is located in Easthampton, MA.

New Student Unlimited Pass at Sanctuary

“Sanctuary is a safe, welcoming, and affirming space in which individuals of all identities and experience levels can explore embodied spiritual practice while building community and a deeper connection with one's body and oneself.

We invite those seeking these connections to enjoy two months of unlimited yoga classes (offered in-studio & online).

As we are greatly committed to financial accessibility, we hope that you won't hesitate to ask us for a scholarship if needed, so that we can best support your practice and your self-love journey. Please email us at studio@yoga-sanctuary.com to learn more.”

Available here from Sanctuary. Classes are held in person in Northampton, MA.

✨That’s it for the gift guide, friends.

We hope you support these businesses and all of the folks in our Community Guide when and how you can.

And if shopping LGBTQIA+ makers is a thing you like to do, we hope to see you on May 10th at Yet Another Queer Pop Up Market in Florence, MA. 🛍️

Let’s stay connected.

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