Juneteenth is upon us, and it’s not just a day off, it’s a call to honor liberation by investing in the communities that continue to shape culture, style, and resistance. For generations, Black Americans have marked June 19 with joy, remembrance, and activism. The holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

While Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021, Black communities have long treated it as sacred. And this year, there’s a powerful way to celebrate: by supporting Black queer-owned brands whose visions are as vibrant and boundary-breaking as their founders. These seven entrepreneurs aren’t just making products, they’re building legacies.

1. Automic Gold: Everyday Jewelry, Every Gender

Automic Gold is rewriting the rules of fine jewelry. This queer- and trans-owned brand handcrafts every piece in recycled 14K gold and ethically sourced gemstones. Think minimalist rings, delicate chains, and custom nameplates that affirm your identity with a bit of sparkle. Their gender-free approach makes accessorizing a joy, whether you’re stacking up or keeping it subtle.

 

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A post shared by AL Sandimir (@automicgold)

2. BLK MKT Vintage: Curated Black Nostalgia

In Brooklyn, partners Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart turned a passion for collecting into BLK MKT Vintage, a treasure trove of Black history and culture. From rare books and retro vinyl to ’70s tees and radical zines, each item feels like a time capsule. It’s not just décor, it’s preservation with a purpose, spotlighting Black queer stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

 

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3. Chef Joya: Soul Food, Reimagined

Charlotte’s own Chef Joya is proof that vegan doesn’t mean boring. A proud Black lesbian, Joya’s culinary creations blend soul food with Afro-Caribbean, African, and French influences. Her plant-based dishes have earned love from celebrities like Fantasia Barrino and thousands of fans across the South. This Juneteenth, why not add a little plant-based love to your plate?

 

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4. K.NGSLEY: Style as Revolution

Launched in 2020 by Nigerian-American designer Kingsley Gbadegesin, K.NGSLEY isn’t just a fashion label, it’s a movement. The brand’s genderless silhouettes celebrate queer, femme, and trans bodies with unapologetic confidence. With fans like Lil Nas X and Zaya Wade, K.NGSLEY proves that style can be both political and personal. The brand also reinvests in grassroots organizing and mutual aid efforts, making fashion a force for liberation.

 

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5. A Tribe Called Queer: Streetwear That Speaks Up

If you’re looking to make a statement, A Tribe Called Queer has you covered, literally. Founder Chance Jones created the brand to merge fashion and activism, with streetwear that champions Black queer visibility. Their bold prints, cheeky slogans, and unapologetic pride aren’t just stylish, they’re a rallying cry.

6. Inkwell Fine Art Prints: Stories for Your Walls

Jason Hodges, a proud Black gay artist, launched Inkwell to make fine art more accessible, and more representative. The brand’s prints are vivid, powerful, and deeply rooted in themes of freedom, legacy, and queer joy. It’s not just wall art—it’s a statement of pride, resilience, and reclamation.

7. A Rainbow in Your Cloud: Affirming Your Space

Jenn Thompson founded A Rainbow in Your Cloud to infuse home goods with heart. Think throw blankets, art prints, and décor that blends softness with strength. Her designs layer gentle pastels with empowering affirmations, turning any space into a personal sanctuary.

 

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Celebrate With Intention

Juneteenth is more than a history lesson, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Supporting these Black queer-owned businesses isn’t just feel-good consumerism; it’s a meaningful way to honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of communities that have always shaped the culture.

So this June 19, and every day after, shop with purpose, uplift Black queer voices, and let your dollars do the talking.