To celebrate Pride Month, we’re highlighting the incredible contributions of LGBTQ+ owned Irish businesses across Ireland.
From sustainable skincare and vegan treats to inclusive fashion and bold accessories, these businesses are not only thriving in their industries but are also creating spaces that celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and acceptance. To celebrate Pride Month, we have created this article, where we explore 10 amazing LGBTQ+ owned Irish businesses, sharing their stories, the passion behind their work, and how you can support them. Join us in making a difference by shopping with purpose and helping foster a more inclusive and equal community. 🌈
🏳️🌈 The Origins of Pride Month
June is globally recognised as Pride Month, a time to honour the LGBTQ+ community’s history, achievements, and ongoing struggles. The origins of Pride Month trace back to the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969, in New York City. That night, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, resisted a police raid, sparking six days of protests. This pivotal moment became a catalyst for the gay rights movement, leading to the first Pride marches in 1970 and the eventual establishment of Pride Month.
In the past 25 years, Ireland has made remarkable strides in workplace equality. Before the 1998 Employment Equality Act, LGBTQ+ employees could lose their jobs simply for mentioning their partners. Now, every June, corporations across Ireland decorate their offices with Pride flags, wear rainbow lanyards, and march in their local Pride parades. These visible acts of solidarity are meaningful, but the work of creating truly inclusive work environments should not stop at Pride Month. True inclusion requires year-round commitment to support LGBTQ+ employees and foster diverse, accepting workplaces.
🌟 10 LGBTQ+ Owned Irish Businesses to Support As We Celebrate Pride Month
One of the most effective ways to celebrate Pride Month is by supporting LGBTQ+ businesses. Shopping with LGBTQ+-owned companies not only celebrates their contributions to society but also helps build a more inclusive and equal economy. This Pride Month, we’re highlighting some of our favorite LGBTQ+ owned Irish businesses, showcasing their incredible work and the passion behind their products. By supporting these businesses, we’re also supporting their ongoing fight for equality.
1. Doctrine Skincare – Cork (Selling Internationally via Website)
About: Doctrine Skincare was founded by Mark, Tracey, and Caoimhe, three industry veterans with over 30 years of combined experience. Their goal was simple: to create skincare products that inspire cult-level devotion. Their products are designed to be inclusive, with a culture that prioritizes sustainability and care for both the consumer and the planet.
LGBTQ+ Support: Doctrine Skincare embraces an inclusive-first culture, ensuring that their business practices and product offerings reflect a commitment to diversity. They love to celebrate pride month and their focus on ethical production and representation makes Doctrine a stand-out in the beauty industry.
Website: doctrineskincare.com
2. Bear Lemon – Dublin
About: Bear Lemon was Ireland’s first walk-in vegan bakery, offering an array of plant-based treats, including chocolate cheesecakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and lemon-pistachio twists. Founded by Ciara Lennon, a fashion graduate, Bear Lemon blends creativity with compassion, making vegan baking a fun and inclusive experience for all. The bakery’s warm, welcoming atmosphere has made it a beloved part of the Dublin community.
LGBTQ+ Support: Bear Lemon is an LGBTQ+ owned business that openly celebrates queer culture and aims to create a safe space where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike can connect and enjoy delicious treats. The inclusive spirit is infused into their day-to-day operations, and they proudly support LGBTQ+ causes in both the business and community spheres.
Instagram: @bearlemon_
3. Sewaoife – Dublin
About: Sewaoife is a handcrafted accessory brand founded by Aoife, who specializes in creating bold, feminine collars and reusable face masks. Aoife’s designs embrace positivity and self-expression, offering a vibrant pop of color that empowers wearers to stand out and embrace their unique style.
LGBTQ+ Support: Aoife’s business is rooted in acceptance, and Sewaoife proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community by promoting creativity and individuality. Through her designs and business values, Aoife fosters an environment that encourages inclusivity, creativity, and love for all.
Etsy: Sewaoife
4. Modern Botany – Schull, West Cork
About: Modern Botany is a botanical skincare brand founded by Dr. Simon Jackson, a pharmacognosist, and his husband John Murray. The couple combined their passion for nature and wellness to create a range of 100% natural, sustainable skincare products. Their flagship product, the Modern Botany Oil, has become a cult favorite in the beauty world, praised for its quality and environmental consciousness.
LGBTQ+ Support: Modern Botany is proud of their inclusive approach, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or identity, feels welcome in their community. The owners’ shared commitment to sustainability and gender inclusivity extends to their product development and company culture. Modern Botany continues to support the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on ethical business practices.
Website: modernbotany.com
5. The Bearded Candle Makers – Castlewellan, Co. Down
About: The Bearded Candle Makers, founded by Michael Morris, specializes in creating soy wax candles that are inspired by nature. The brand’s literary-inspired collection, which includes fragrances like ‘Phoenix Feathers’ and ‘A Curious Tea Party’, provides a sensory journey for customers. Their candles are carefully crafted in small batches to ensure quality and sustainability.
LGBTQ+ Support: As an LGBTQ+ owned business, The Bearded Candle Makers supports both mental wellness and environmental sustainability. The business has cultivated a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where both customers and staff are encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to work and play.
Website: thebeardedcandlemakers.com
6. Lukey Beauty – Dublin
About: Lukey Beauty is a cruelty-free, vegan makeup brand offering high-quality products that are inclusive of all genders. Their popular cream blushes and other makeup products are designed to be affordable while also promoting ethical beauty standards.
LGBTQ+ Support: Lukey Beauty is an LGBTQ+ owned business that places great emphasis on inclusivity and providing beauty solutions for everyone. Their commitment to diversity and gender-neutral beauty sets them apart in a traditionally exclusive industry, allowing individuals of all identities to feel represented and empowered.
Website: lukeylukey.com
7. West Queer Art – Galway
About: Founded by Sharon Nolan, West Queer Art is an online shop offering badges, pins, stickers, and prints that make bold statements in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Sharon is also an artist who specialises in creating custom work that reflects the diversity of the queer community. Their products have become staples for those who want to express themselves proudly and unapologetically.
LGBTQ+ Support: West Queer Art is driven by activism and the belief in the power of visibility. Sharon Nolan’s dedication to promoting queer culture through art and design not only creates fun accessories but also provides a platform for LGBTQ+ expression and advocacy.
Why not celebrate Pride Month by treating yourself and your friends/ colleagues to a pair of Pride Flag rainbow earrings or hand-painted pronoun badge.
Website: westqueerart.com
Celebrate Pride Month By Supporting LGBTQ+ Businesses: Why It Matters
Supporting LGBTQ+ owned businesses is more than just a Pride Month activity – it’s about making a difference every day. When you choose to shop with these companies, you’re actively contributing to greater representation, equality, and support for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. These businesses are not only thriving in their industries but are also creating spaces that encourage creativity, inclusivity, and acceptance.
This Pride Month, let’s not just wear rainbow lanyards or flags. Let’s celebrate Pride Month and beyond by shopping and supporting the incredible LGBTQ+ businesses that continue to push boundaries, change lives, and pave the way for a more inclusive future. 🌈
