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Today’s Black Friday, considered to be the “official start” of the holiday shopping season. On average, 70% of the adults in America will do at least some holiday shopping between now and Monday. That’s just the beginning of the little over $500 that most Americans will spend on presents this holiday season. There’s a lot of money to go around, and whatever your feelings about consumerism and capitalism, we think that you’ll agree — it would be great if some of those funds found their way into people of color owned businesses, artists, and communities.

The Speakeasy, Autostraddle’s collective for our writers of color, got together and shared linkes and dream shopped from all our favorites. We hope you find something to love on this list as much as we loved making it. Spread the joy of economic responsibility, racial justice — and really cute earrings — this holigay season.

(An * before an item or shop name indicates the the shop is queer-owned, in addition to being POC owned)

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Look Good, Look Good, Look Good

1. KEEP FAMILIAS TOGETHER Tee ($26, $2 from every shirt goes to Northwest Detention Center Resistencia, supporting those facing deportation) *2. Mrs & Mrs Claus Happy Holigays Tee ($24, Royal Rainbow always gives a portion of all sales to local organizations supporting the LGBTQIA community. You can read more about their policy) 3. Sir & Madam “Sir” Pullover in Salt and Pepper ($150) 4. Daughter Of An Immigrant Crew Neck Sweatshirt ($35) 5. What Would The World Look Like If Colonialism Never Happened? Tee ($20) 6. Chisholm for President Sweatshirt ($35)

There are two things to love about the “Keep Familias Together” tee: 1. Its graphic is gorgeous 2. It puts its money where its mouth is, donating $2 from every purchase to local organizations that support those facing deportation in our country.

Reneice found the cutest way to get into the holigay season — with two Mrs. Clauses kissing under the mistletoe! Tired of people messing up your pronouns, or want to show some love for the masc cuties in your life? Shelli recommends the “Sir” sweatshirt out of Chicago. And 2019 brought us more women running for President than any other time in US history, what better way to celebrate it than by buying a sweatshirt honoring the first black woman to ever run for the Presidency — none other than the late, great Shirley Chisholm.

Setting Up the Spot

1. Not the Same Mug ($15.95, this shirt saying “Hey Google, play “Knuck If You Buck” is also a gem) 2. Thick Thighs Save Lives Wall Hanging ($55) 3. Scent & Fire Candle in “Come Thru, Queen” ($18) 4. Ladies of 90s Hip Hop/R&B Coaster Set ($48, they also have a James Baldwin Prayer Candle that’s a stunner) 5. James Baldwin Pillow ($42) 6. S Is For Soul Throw Pillow ($50)

Keeping it real: We just want this James Baldwin pillow and nothing else matters. Well, the “come thru Queen” candle — which smells lightly of vanilla, brown sugar and queer fabulousness — would be a nice addition while we’re at it. ALSO what about a throw pillow for our couch honoring the original action hero babe (and Bette Porter’s big sister) Pam Grier. Ok and maaaaybe a coaster set for our living room with the quotes and hand drawn images of 90s women hip hop greats. Actually you know what? This whole list please. We want it. Thanks.

The Whole Crew Drippin’

1. Brown Skin Girl Tote Bag ($20) *2. Bad Bitch 14K Gold Bracelet ($27) 3. Head Wrap in Dusty Rose ($24, the website also has easy to follow YouTube tutorials for those new to the head wrap game) 4. Drippin’ Cocoa Honey Hair Clips 3pc Set ($27) 5. Frida Hoops ($40) 6. Juneteenth Canvas Red Black & Green Watch ($155, the canvas watchband is fully adjustable) *7. Lez Denim Snapback ($25) 8. Se Hable Spanglish Tote Bag in Denim ($30) 9. Recycled Leather and Turquoise Earrings ($28)

Shelli found these “Bad Bitch” bracelets and even just looking at them makes our inner Rihanna want to come out and play. Then, Natalie recommended the “Brown Skin Girl” tote bag (named after our favorite Beyoncé song of the the summer) and Carmen found queer owned Stuzo’s denim hat letting everyone know exactly how much of a Lez you are, and now it’s it was all over.

Did we mention that Stuzo is also a favorite brand of Lena Waithe? She wore the designer when she made out with Halle Berry on The Jimmy Kimmel Show earlier in the year. Maybe you can wear it as a lucky charm to make out with the hottie of your dreams, who’s to say? The “Frida Hoops” were actually on display last year at El Museo del Barrio in New York for their Dia de los Muertos celebration — just in case you’re into in incredibly wearable art.

ETC

*1. She’s So Handsome 8”x11″ Print ($11.50) *2. Weedy Bubble Heart Earrings ($4.20) 3. Lena Waithe Lapel Pin ($11, there’s also one in honor of trans activist and elder Marsha P Johnson) *4. End Trans Detention 17″x26″ Poster ($35, there’s also available an 11″x17″ version of the print for $20) *5. Indigenous Land Rights Stickers ($6, stickers come in a set of 2, Measures approximately: 3″ x 5″) 6. The Desi Dulhan 8”x10″ Wall Hanging ($32)

Abeni found some absolutely beautiful prints this year from ggggrimes, a queer non-binary artist  — and the “She’s So Handsome” dedication to masc gender non-conformity across black history, was a clear favorite (though everything in that shop is stunning, so definitely click the link!). Sarah recommends supporting queer creator and “friend of Autostraddle” Kaylah Cupcake — who’s figured out how to turn weed into actually jewelry that we’re sure someone in your life is going to adore. The “End Trans Detention” poster is absolutely essential for any home, and it’s currently on sale, so it’s a real steal.

If you got a little coin to spend, do it here! It’s damn worth it.

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