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LGBT-Friendly Companies to Buy From on Black Friday And Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be the most overwhelming days in the holiday season. From all the ads and commercials, it’s easy to feel suffocated by consumerism and the need to BUY ALL THE THINGS. Not to mention it’s stressful when you have to worry about whether or not your money is going to the right place.

Photo: Instagram

The good news is, us LGBT people have A LOT of spending power and we’re here to help you buy wisely. Given Donald Trump is in the White House, we can’t think of a better time to use your wallet to support our allies.

Happy spending! Travel Photo: Lesbinomadic

Expedia: Not only does Expedia support gay marriage, but their site allows you to search for “gay-welcoming” hotels and destinations.

Orbitz: Similarly to Expedia, Orbitz makes it easy for LGBT people to locate the most inclusive travel locales. The site regularly features long-form articles highlighting LGBT travel interests.

Hyatt Hotels: This chain supports events during Pride season and is often cited as a top “gay friendly” employer.

Marriott Hotels: In 2013, Marriott International hosted the first same-sex marriage ever officiated at the D.C. Capital Pride Parade. The chain also launched a campaign called #LoveTravels, which featured same-sex couples and transgender individuals.

Kimpton Hotels: In 2014, Kimpton announced a partnership with the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to ending LGBTQ suicides.

Getaway idea: Book a vacation through Olivia Travel. Lesbians everywhere! Olivia Travel is the ultimate luxury vacation for lesbians worldwide, and there’s still time to save for and book a 2018 trip on one of their lesbian cruises or resort stays. In fact, AfterEllen is planning to be at the 45th anniversary celebration vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel in beautiful Puerto Vallarta Mexico this coming February. We would LOVE to see some of our readers there! Olivia offers payment plans, and the trip is all-inclusive so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. Also, YOLO people. YOLO. Books Photo: Book Soup

Book Soup (Los Angeles)

Bluestockings (New York)

Porter Square Books (Boston)

Women & Children First (Chicago)

Atomic Books (Baltimore)

In Other Words (Portland)

For a full list of lesbian, gay, and queer-approved bookstores to buy these titles from, click HERE. Fashion Photo: Marimacho

Wildfang: Founded in 2010 by Emma Mcilroy and Julia Parsley, this company prides itself on catering to self-proclaimed tomboys and those who wish to take part in a fashion revolution.

J. Crew: In 2001, J. Crew was one of the first brands to feature a same-sex couple in their catalog. Despite backlash from right-wing groups, the line stood strong in their beliefs and have been a leading voice for the community ever since. It also doesn’t hurt that J.Crew President Jenna Lyons is coupled up with her very own lady love!

Marimacho: Created by Crystal González and Ivette Alé, this Brooklyn based company offers stylish masculine and gender non-conforming clothes for every body type. An added perk is all the clothing is produced at a women-owned factory in New York.

Levi’s: In 2016, Levi’s debuted a limited edition pride collection, a move which follows an impressive history of LGBT solidarity. From featuring same-sex couples in their ads to supporting the Harvey Milk Foundation, Levi’s has consistently been on our side. Major Chains Photo: Target

Target: Known as the store to “turn” your kids gay, Target has openly supported same-sex marriage and LGBT rights for years now.

Amazon: In 2012, the founder of Amazon Jeff Bezos donated 2.5 million dollars to support same-sex marriage legislation. The billionaire has since been outspoken ally for the LGBT community.

Home Depot: Home Depot is one of the leading chains to offer equal benefits to their LGBT employees. When the company’s CEO chairman Frank Blake was handed a petition of 500,000 signatures denouncing his gay-friendly practices, he basically told them to go fuck off.

Starbucks: While Starbucks is far from a perfect company, it has staunchly supported same-sex marriage in the face of boycotts and upset from conservative customers. The company also offers benefits for same-sex partners. Tech Microsoft: Microsoft’s relationship with the LGBT community runs deep. One of the company’s first five employees was gay and left $65 million to pro-gay organizations after his 2006 suicide. Going even farther back, in 1993Microsoft became the first Fortune 500 Company to grant equal benefits to gay employees.

Apple: Not only is Apple’s CEO Tim Cook an out and proud gay man, but the company has a history of supporting gay legislation. Libations Let’s face it — drinking might be the only way we get through this holiday season. We’re going to need literally all the wine to survive those political conversations arguments with our relatives. Bring on the buckets of booze, please!

Absolut: As early as 1981, Absolut has supported gay customers with pro-gay ads and marketing campaigns. It’s estimated 31 million has been spent on sponsoring Pride events and other advertising initiatives alone.

Trader Joe’s: Ah, what would we be without Trader Joe’s? While the store’s $2.00 dollar Charles Shaw wine might not be the fanciest shit around, it will do the trick. An added bonus is the chain is often a top ranker in LGBT companies.

Costco: In a surprise twist, Costco is actually one of the most gay-friendly stores around. Who would ever guess it of our parents’ favorite discount store? Even though you need a membership to buy your booze, it’s worth it for all the cheap prices. Typically you can buy quality wine from vineyards for under $20.00 dollars, which is quite the steal. Pro-tip: look for the bottles with the Kirkland label.

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