This is my love letter to the world: a list of local QTBIPOC artists and shops, links to resources to support the community during COVID, and things to read and learn about social justice issues in the art world. It is important to support local businesses, especially those that are owned by marginalized people who are most affected by the pandemic, and are least supported by economic bailouts for COVID relief. I have built an ongoing practice in the past year around the concept of interdependence and mutual aid, and these are some of the resources that I have found helpful in strengthening our community. Individuality is so favored in Western society, in the hopes that we turn to corporations to meet our needs, and I am in support of leaning on one another for what we need instead. This is not a comprehensive list, and if you need specific resources or have any questions, please reach out to me at linneacat@lcssartistry.com.
QTBIPOC PDX local businesses to support
- https://icequeenyouscream.com/
- Description blurb: Ice Queen is an Indigenous-owned popsicle shop in SE Portland, with all vegan and homemade treats! Rotating flavors and the occasional pastry sale makes this shop feel fresh and exciting on the daily.
- https://www.bisoncoffeehouse.com/
- Description blurb: Bison coffee is the only Native-owned coffee shop in Portland, located in the Cully neighborhood. You can choose your espresso roast, light, medium, or dark, and the flavors are worth travelling across the city as the sun rises.
- https://www.mimisfreshteespdx.com/
- Description blurb: Founded by Kamelah Adams, this local Portland apparel company creates clothing that supports conversation around social justice and human rights. Check it out for some holiday deals now!
- https://akidsbookabout.com/
- Description blurb: This book company was started by a Black father who wanted more resources to talk to his mixed-race children about their world, and began with writing A Kids Book About Racism. Now, this line of books covers all sorts of topics for parents and caregivers to help the next generation of kids approach some difficult and important topics.
- https://www.facebook.com/jk.partnership/
- Description blurb: J&K Partnership is a duo of young entrepreneurs that build planter and garden boxes by hand, and continue to support the green thumbs in Portland city.
- https://www.rootsandcrowns.com/
- Description blurb: The apothecary of your queerest dreams! This shop is local and queer-owned, and can even create custom blends for specific needs. Of course, the “You’re OK” collection is often sold out, but restocks quite often to get us through the collective turmoil of 2020.
Mutual Aid
- https://opencollective.com/portland-corona-virus-mutual-aid-fund?fbclid=IwAR1MKRp0mo5j1CfLo-PQoc1m74MlCf2R7ncBl0M8J-LPAMTu2aEdnQOZxUM#section-budget
- Description blurb: As listed on the site, this is for financial resource exchange in response to the pandemic in PDX. “This fund has been created by Symbiosis PDX in order to raise resources for folks impacted by the coronavirus in PDX and unfunded mutual-aid projects standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. Anyone in PDX can make a request for funds if they have been impacted by the virus in some manner including loss of work, healthcare costs, or supplies for groups to directly support vulnerable communities. All payouts will be documented on this website for transparency; we will also keep personally identifying information confidential for folks who request funds. Priority will be given based on need and to individuals in vulnerable communities. Please contact us if you would like to get involved with this organizing effort!”
- https://www.bravespacellc.com/
- Description blurb: Brave Space is an organization that helps trans and nonbinary individuals find care, health resources, and support in one place.