Happy Pride! You know us – we are fans of big events, crowds and getting everyone together to celebrate and party hard, but this year Pride is looking a little different. Gatherings are smaller, many of us are separated from family and friends, and events have been cancelled or moved online. But however you are marking the occasion we hope you’re taking the time to celebrate the visibility, accomplishments and joy of the LGBTQ+ community! At the same time, it’s also important to recognize how far we as a society still have to go, particularly as conversations continue around the unique struggles of Black, Indigenous and other people of colour. Pride started as a riot led by womxn of colour, after all!
So looking at our own corner of the world (aka the craft beer community) we wanted to shout out a couple special brews that are not only a tasty toast to Pride month, but are donating money to organizations doing important work for LGBTQ+ folx in our communities and around the world!
*Note that the delivery info below is correct as of our publishing date but things may change! Check in with the breweries directly for the most up to date info.
People’s Pint x SOBDL – Tropic Like It’s Hot Pineapple Sour
The Beer
We’re a little biased but this is one of our personal faves! We’ve brewed up this tasty Pineapple Sour with our friends at People’s Pint for the past two years, and it doesn’t feel like summer until we’re sipping on it in the sun. A Brazilian kettled sour, this baby is balanced but the sourness definitely takes centre stage. It has a subtle but fresh pineapple aroma and flavour, and basically tastes like sunshine in a glass.
The Cause
Glad Day is an iconic Toronto establishment, located in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Village and they have been serving the community since 1970. Not only are they the oldest queer bookshop in the world, but (in non-COVID times) they host tons of LGBTQ2S events, performances and serve a mean cocktail. Following the devastating effects of the pandemic, Glad Day launched the Glad Day Lit Emergency Survival Fund in support of queer and trans people facing a swift and brutal loss of income, many of whom rely on work that can’t be traced back to an employer like artists, performers, sex workers and tip-based workers. Additionally, many LGBTQ2S people are not supported by their family of origin and have a weak financial support network. Through this Fund, Glad Day is able to offer paid work for artists and performers, swift grants for food and housing, no-interest loans, and use a portion of the funds towards keeping this community hub up and running. 50 cents from every bottle of Tropic Like It’s Hot will go directly to the Fund.
How to Get It
You can swing by the brewery in the Toronto Stockyards neighbourhood weekdays 3-7pm or weekends 12-5pm to pick up an order placed online in advance, or order on the spot. They are up and running with free home delivery across most of Toronto for orders over $40 to postal codes from M1-M7 & M8. Or for a $15 flat rate they’ll ship all across Ontario!
Muskoka Brewery – Born This Way Micro IPA
The Beer
Part of their Moonlight Kettle series, and brewed up by Muskoka staff Brittany, Sarah & Scott, this Micro IPA is crisp, easy drinking and refreshing. Don’t let the low ABV fool you – it’s full of aromatic hops bursting with tropical fruit and floral undertones like mango, peach and passionfruit. Perfect for sipping dockside if you’re lucky enough to be up north, but just as tasty in your backyard or on your balcony in the city.
The Cause
The Get REAL Movement (REAL = Reaching Equality at Last) is a Canadian non- profit focused on combatting 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination and promoting acceptance in schools, summer camps, and workplaces. They offer inclusivity workshops to schools, camps, and businesses; and provide leadership development through a university chapter network, and high school after-school programs. Since their founding in 2011, they have reached over 250,000 students in 8 provinces and 3 states and their work is used in schools in Canada, the UK and Australia. Proceeds from each can of Born This Way will be donated to this youth based organization in support of their programming to promote acceptance for all.
How to Get It
If you’re local, Muskoka offers Taproom Express pickup Weds-Sun, 11am to 6pm, or pre-order pickup every day of the week from the brewery in (you guessed it!) Muskoka – Bracebridge to be exact. For those of us not in Cottage Country, they’re offering free shipping in 2-4 business days, with a minimum order of 24 cans.
Left Field Brewery – Pride Six Pack
The Beer
A rainbow of short cans from Left Field’s lineup, the six pack comes with one each of: Lo Viste Mojito Sour, Bang-Bang Dry Hopped Sour, Ice Cold Beer 100% Ontario Ale, Gigante Micro IPA, Greenwood IPA, Laser Show Double IPA. Whether you are a sour fan, or like things hoppy, you can’t go wrong with this selection of brews, and this special pack is available until the end of June.
The Cause
The Bill 7 Award is a registered charitable trust that awards scholarships to gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and queer students who are in financial need and studying at any post-secondary institution in Ontario to attain their first degree or diploma. Nearly one third of LGBTQ students drop out of high school and one third delay attending post-secondary school due to affordability or debt. The Bill 7 Award’s support of LGBTQ students increases graduation rates, helps them reach their full potential and puts them on the path to being the next leaders in our community. $2 from every Pride 6 Pack goes directly to the Award.
How to Get It
For locals to this Leslieville hotspot, their curbside bottleshop is open daily from 12-8pm. They are also offering free delivery in Toronto for orders over $50 on weekdays, and making regular runs to the rest of the GTA and Hamilton, Guelph and KW. Check their social media for the schedule! They also offer shipping through Canada Post for a flat $10 across Ontario for orders over $50.
Collective Arts Brewing – Special-Edition Pride Series
The Beer
One of our fave core Collective brews Life In the Clouds IPA is getting a makeover for Pride Month featuring the artwork of 4 artists from the global Queer community: Wednesday Holmes, Lisa Rose, Patricia Shim & Tim Singleton. The series is curated by Queer artist power couple Wee Moody Judy and Sarah Maxwell. Life in the clouds is an unfiltered, juicy, New England style IPA that’s extremely drinkable, and the four gorgeous new designs make the cans pop even more.
The Cause
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQI people facing possible persecution around the globe find a path to safety. They believe governments around the globe should enact and enforce laws and policies that protect LGBTQI individuals and enable them to live in freedom and safety in their own country. However, until that day arrives, they are focused on providing solutions for LGBTQI people who need immediate assistance because they are facing a serious threat to their lives and safety. Proceeds from the special edition cans will be donated through More. (Collective’s charitable initiative) to Rainbow Railroad.
How to Get It
The Hamilton Brewery is open from 11am-9pm for beer to go, and they also offer curbside pickup. Their Express Delivery Service is offered Mon-Sat for same day delivery if you order by 12pm for most of the GTA, Hamilton, KW, Guelph and more. For the rest of Ontario, they are delivering Mon-Fri and your order will ship in 3-4 business days. $50 is the order minimum and $3.99 will be charged if no one is home and the order is cancelled.
Bonus: SOBDL True Colours Pride Tank
The Beer Tank
If you want to match your outfit to one of these beers, why not snag one of our brand new tanks! Featuring our Rainbow logo front and centre on a soft, heather mint, these unisex tanks fit true to size and are available in XS to 3XL. The print has vintage vibes and looks great with cutoffs or skirts.
The Cause
Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is an innovative community development program of Sherbourne Health. SOY works to support the health and well-being of all queer and trans spectrum youth 29 years old and under through groups, programs and events and by providing one-on-one support. Over 50% of the youth they work with are newcomers, and they have programming specifically in support of racialized/BIPOC youth, those experiencing homelessness and those who have been in the child welfare system. SOY works to support youth with challenges in their lives, give them space to express themselves, build confidence and leadership skills, and much more. $5 from every tank will be donated to SOY.
How to Get It
From our Etsy shop of course! In addition to shipping across Canada and Internationally, we’re also offering 2 local pickup options in Toronto: Leslieville and North York. Just send us a message with your order noting your preferred location and we’ll refund you the shipping.
