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'Tis the season for shopping for the ones we love, as well as for ourselves. Shopping can be stressful, especially if you're trying to shop LGBTQ+ friendly businesses. So to save you some time, I've gone ahead and prepared a list of queer businesses you can support this holiday season if you're choosing to partake!
'Tis the season for shopping for the ones we love, as well as for ourselves. Shopping can be stressful, especially if you're trying to shop LGBTQ+ friendly businesses. So to save you some time, I've gone ahead and prepared a list of queer businesses you can support this holiday season if you're choosing to partake!
Hello, my beautiful friends!
What a month, already.
To take our minds off all the crazy, we're going to chat about some shopping and holiday cheer today.
If you're not celebrating the holidays, that's totally valid, but you might want to at least read a little about these really awesome businesses you can support the next time you decide to do some shopping for yourself or a loved one.
The holidays are something everyone experiences differently. Whether you love them, hate them or just want a new gift idea, let's talk about it!
Not everyone enjoys or celebrates this season so it's important to recognize that and be aware and sensitive of how other people may handle and experience things.
However, a lot of us might be out and about or online shopping right now, I know I am, and sometimes it's hard to come up with something special for someone.
The spirit of giving is one of the most beautiful things to come out of this time of year so if you're able to, try to give a little extra to those in need of love and support.
If you're not big into celebrating but still want to give this season, consider donating to a charity, your local food bank or animal shelter. It doesn't always have to be just money either, time is just as valuable!
If you're interested in donating to a LGBTQ+ charity, I recommend the Black Trans Travel Fund, The Trevor Project or The Point Foundation.
And there are many more charities out there to choose from if you'd like!
So no matter what holiday you're celebrating, or maybe you just love giving gifts, here are a few things to consider!
And yes, of course we're still going to talk about TransTape.
TransTape can be a great gift!
Especially the gift cards!
Anyways, let's start off with TransTape and move on to the rest!
Including my own personal Etsy and Bonfire shops!
For those of you who just want a list, here:
TransTape - Gift Cards, Starter Kits, Single Rolls, Packers
Buckaroo's Beardcare - Beard Butter, Beard Balm
My Bonfire Merch Store - Buckaroo's Beardcare merch, Spilling T merch, Eat The Rich college fund merch
Triton Soap - Gift Cards, Scrubs, Soaps, Mists, Beard/Hair/Skin Oils
Point of Pride - Resources, Donate, Write a letter, Volunteer, Surgery funds
Trans Essentials - Gift Cards, Binders, Packers, Harnesses, Educational books
Spouti - Discrete Stand to Pee (STP) device
We all, or at least most of us, know about the wondrous TransTape.
But, for those of us who don't know, you might be wondering, What IS TransTape?
TransTape is the ORIGINAL body transformation system.
And in case you didn't know, transformation is where the Trans in TransTape comes from!
More often than not, it's assumed that TransTape is only for people who identify as transgender. But that's just not the case at all!
TransTape is an all-inclusive, compression free, gender affirming product that can be used in place of things like binders, bras, compression clothing, gaffes and harnesses.
Users are free to live, laugh, love to their hearts desire.
You can wear TransTape for multiple days at a time, the average is usually about 3-5, and you're able to sleep, shower, sweat and swim as your authentic self!
The name of the game is gender euphoria for all and TransTape is out here taking names.
TransTape is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex.
And this fantastic blend is accompanied by hypoallergenic, medical-grade, acrylic adhesive that is latex free and non-medicated.
TransTape strives to provide the best experience for all users by using quality materials, but this doesn't guarantee that it's the right product for you and your body.
Now, what do I mean by that?
What I mean is, everybody is different and our bodies react to materials, no matter how great the quality is, differently.
This is totally normal and completely okay, by the way! It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you OR your body!
I know that's not the answer we ever want to hear when we're in search of gender affirming products, but it happens. And that doesn't mean you should give up your search for the right product for YOU, either!
But the easiest way for you to see if TransTape is right for you is with a test strip.
We're all doing the test strip, right?
RIGHT?!
We're not all using it and I know that for a fact, so let's talk about it!
If you didn't know, the test strip is this not-so-mythical thing that all the best people take the time to do before applying TransTape for the first time.
And you're one of the best of the best, right? Yes, you sure are.
All you have to do is cut a piece of TransTape as small as 1" x 1" (2.5cm x 2.5cm) and apply it to a part of your body that you are able to easily monitor for 24 hours.
Arm, wrist, thigh, chest, wherever it will be visible for you!
You're monitoring for any redness, tenderness and overall discomfort.
Keeping the test strip small makes it easier to avoid overstretching and other common application accidents that could show similar signs to an adhesive reaction.
If you're looking for a better step by step breakdown, check out this other blog post I made a while back!
I hope you enjoyed this disguised recap section!
For gift giving, TransTape makes it super easy to give gifts.
We have single rolls, basic kits, packing kits and the best option when you're unsure, a gift card.
If you're shopping for a first time user, I would suggest either the basic kit or a gift card!
Just plugging my own personal business ventures, nothing to see here.
Buckaroo's Beardcare is my own business through Etsy where I make all of my own beard butter, beard balm and whipped beard butter.
So obviously, Buckaroo's is extremely queer friendly. Duh.
I offer an assortment of scents or unscented, and even offer the option to request a personalized scent.
I actually made a bubblegum and cotton candy scent, just let me know what you're looking for when you order!
All of my beard products are made with mango butter, shea butter, hemp oil, jojoba oil and whatever scent you decide!
The beard balm contains all of that plus beeswax to add more hold.
And if you want to avoid Etsy fees, you can also purchase my beard products directly through my blog site, Spilling T!
Aside from Buckaroo's Beardcare, I also have a Bonfire merch store!
There are products for Buckaroo's Beardcare, my blog Spilling T, and my favorite, eat the rich for comedic relief.
There are different products including t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies for each design, and I offer a range of sizes up to 3XL.
Every purchase from this Bonfire store goes towards my college tuition and is greatly appreciated.
I bet your favorite anti-capitalist person would love an eat the rich t-shirt.
I might be bias though.
Do you enjoy smelling fantastic?
Triton Soap may be for you.
If you've been searching for your new favorite scent and just haven't been able to find it, you may very well find it through Triton Soap!
That's actually how this company got started, the owner wanted scents that just weren't being offered in stores like Bath and Body Works.
So he started making them himself!
Their Philosophy
"Queer and trans people deserve skin care products designed to suit our needs, desires, and sensibilities. We use plant-based ingredients, custom-blended fragrances, and playful product names to evoke the joy, creativity, and lasting impact of queer and trans cultures."
Triton Soap was actually at the Philly Trans Conference next to TransTape and was kind enough to share a couple samples with me and let me tell you, this soap smells fantastic.
When you order online, there's also an awesome drop down option where you can select your preferred exfoliation level!
How perfectly convenient for us.
The soap also looks amazing.
Each bar has a fun name accompanied by colorful designs to seal the deal.
And to make it even better, you can purchase more than just soap from Triton Soap!
You can find soap, body mist, beard and skin oils, body scrubs, room mist or you can purchase an entire gift box and enjoy an assortment!
Again, if you're a little unsure, there are also gift cards! Which comes in handy when you don't know what kind of scents someone enjoys.
Everything on this list is fantastic, but this one is really cool.
Point of Pride provides financial aid and direct support to trans folks in need of health and wellness care!
This includes annual gender affirming surgery funds, free gender affirming gear/shape-wear (Binders, gaffs etc), HRT access fund, a library full of free resources and so much more.
If you're looking to downsize on your binder collection, or maybe you're ready to get rid of them all, you can also donate your used and good condition binders through Point of Pride!
Then the binder that helped you will now be able to help someone else, how beautiful!
There's also a section on the website that allows you to write a letter to a trans person and let them know that they are loved and supported.
Point of Pride sends hundreds of care packages out and including a handwritten note is the icing on top and can make a massive impact when it's needed the most.
Another feature on Point of Pride's website worth mentioning is the quick exit feature.
What's that?
This is a feature that allows you to press the "esc" button and immediately be redirected to an unrelated page.
When testing it out, one time another tab opened up bring me to a weather page and the other time it brought me to the google search home page.
This is maybe the second time I've encountered a feature like this and I think it's an amazing addition to any site that promotes anything relating to LGBTQ+.
Why?
Unfortunately, because many LGBTQ+ adults and youth are still not accepted, even by family, this quick exit option can be really helpful for people in unsafe home environments where being on a website like this could put them in danger.
Love this feature.
Point of Pride isn't necessarily a one stop shop where you buy a gift set, but it is a place where you can find an abundance of information and resources that you're able to share with your loved ones.
And you're also able to donate gender affirming gear you no longer need!
Which is a gift in itself.
Speaking of one stop shops, Trans Essentials is one.
Whether you're looking for binders, gaffs, harnesses, packers or more play related products, you can find it all here!
They even have some TransTape products as well as products by other popular brands such as Rodeoh!
Over the years I've purchased a few items from them and I've never been disappointed.
They offer fast and discreet shipping which is always a plus, especially in the queer community.
Something I never noticed before, though, is their selection of LGBTQ+ books.
We love educational books!
Especially with the current social climate, it's extremely important to educate ourselves as well as others about our community.
Their selection of books include topics such as gender identity, sexuality, pronouns and transgender pride.
All topics we could all learn a little more about.
And of course, they offer gift cards!
It's hard picking out personal things like packers or gaffs, so sometimes a gift card is the better option.
Last, but certainly not least, we have Spouti!
Spouti is a special device designed for both spill and stress free trips to the bathroom.
If you're someone who would like to stand and pee, but struggle with STP products, Spouti could be your holy grail!
Spouti can be used by anyone; cis, non-binary, and trans humans alike!
What sets Spouti apart from traditional STP gear is the suction it creates around the urethra.
After you place the cupped end of the tube around your urethra and create a slight suction, you'll be able to use the bathroom while standing and be completely discreet.
If the thought of having a long tube in your pants is a little off-putting, fear not!
You can take the excess tube and run it through your choice of STP prosthetic and you'll be able to pee without fear of spills or fumbling with your equipment to get it situated just right.
And if you're not someone who feels the need to pack, you can absolutely rock the Spouti without any additional prosthetics.
That's kinda the best part!
Besides not having to control your flow without any spills.
Even if you're not partaking in holiday shopping, hopefully this list has at least helped you identify some queer friendly businesses.
And there are many more out there, these are just a few!
If you are partaking in holiday festivities, I wish you the happiest of holiday shopping!
But, let's take a minute to acknowledge something.
This holiday season may feel a little different.
To put it delicately.
And if you're feeling a little bummed out, or just not your festive self, that's okay.
And completely valid.
But you're not alone, and even if you don't have local community, you have online community.
If you're feeling isolated, look for groups on platforms like Facebook or even Reddit.
Sometimes creators start their own groups on Discord, take a minute to check your favorite creators profile for a link that leads you to a special group or community of like minded people.
Right now it is an important time to show support for each other, regardless of the reason behind it.
But if you're struggling, please know that you are loved.
You might not know me or the TransTape team personally, but we support you and see the shining beam of light you truly are.
Today, do something that brings you joy.
Paint a picture, sing a song, play sudoku, read a book, have a spa day, etc.
Whatever it is, you should do it.
You deserve to be happy, too.
Until next time,
Stay awesome.
Stay beautiful.
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 and Find Your Freedom with TransTape!
