10 Companies That Actually Do Support The LGBTQ+ Community

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When you’re sweating up a storm in the middle of the summer, nothing sounds better than a cold beer, but can you drink one with a clear conscience? We’re living through a time when anti-LGBTQ+ hate is ever present and that’s even true of beer companies.

Bud Light used to be a safe bet, but Anheuser-Busch is currently being boycotted by many after transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney came forward to talk about how she received zero support from the company after facing transphobic attacks stemming from a partnership she did with the company.

Mulvaney recently took to TikTok to call out Bud Light for their abhorrent behavior. “For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse in my opinion than not hiring a trans person at all,” she said. “Because it gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want. And the hate doesn't end with me, it has serious and grave consequences for the rest of our community.”

Covering your can’s with the faces of queer celebrities is meaningless rainbow washing if the company doesn’t stand behind the marginalized stars they use for their ads.

So what beer companies can you feel confident in supporting? Scroll on to find out!

Modelo Especial

Courtesy of Modelo

Modelo Especial was the top-selling brand for May, 2023 beating out market-leader Bud Light after the brand was boycotted following their treatment of Mulvaney. The Mexican beer is owned by Constellation Brands which has a history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Miller Light

Courtesy of Miller Light

Miller Light partnered with Equality Federation in 2021 to launch their Open & Proud program which seeks to make the 55,000 bars that serve their beer more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. In the ‘90s, when the queer community was facing discrimination from nearly everyone, Miller Light sponsored PrideFest events and Pride Weeks in New York City and in 2000 they became one of the first companies to offer same-sex domestic partnership benefits.

Coors

Courtesy of Coors

Coors Light was the title sponsor of this year’s Denver Pride Parade and refused to back out even after right-wing extremists started boycotting Bud Light because of their partnership with Mulvaney. In the past, the company has also sold Pride cans with profits going to LGBTQ+ charities.

Heineken

Courtesy of Heineken

In 2014 Heineken launched a campaign featuring Neil Patrick Harris, the brand’s first openly gay ambassador. For Amsterdam Pride the following year Heineken created the slogan #CelebrateLove and made rainbow-branded pins and in 2018 the company sponsored New York City Pride.

Corona

Courtesy of Corona

Both Corona and Modelo Especial are owned by Constellation Brands, who has partnered with Stonewall Sports, an organization that promotes LGBTQ+ participation. In 2020 the brand managed to get a top 100 score on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ equality.

Lagunitas

Courtesy of Lagunitas

Lagunitas has hosted Pride events and last year the brand pledged $10,000 to GLAAD and created a Flavor Rainbow Smoothie IPA where $1 was donated for every pint sold.

Stone Brewing Company

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Company

The brand is dedicated to inclusion and equality and once released an “Equality Ale” to support the Human Rights Campaign. Not only that, but the beer was even brewed with water from the Stonewall Inn, which birthed the gay rights movement.

Gay Beer

Courtesy of Gay Beer

Gay Beer was founded by Jason Pazmino and Jon Moore, two members of the queer community with a passion for beer. The brand is "designed to speak directly and authentically to diverse consumers" and is "intended to pioneer change and inclusivity in the beer market." And don't worry about finding it a local store because they deliver to 45 states.

Samuel Adams

Courtesy of Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams donated $100,000 to GLAAD and last year they created the Love Conquers Ale, a Pride themed beer, and launched Love Conquers All, a Pride platform created in partnership with GLAAD.

Threes Brewing Gender Neutral

Courtesy of Threes Brewing

In 2017 Threes Brewing launched their Gender Neutral pale lager to promote gender equality. Six years later they are still selling it with portions of the proceeds benefiting the Anti-Violence Project which protects the LGBTQ community and those affected by HIV. It’s a small brewing company, but lucky for us they ship!