Pride Month was officially recognized in 1999, but before, it was a month that LGBTQ+ people revered the Stonewall Uprising and other cherished Queer history. That reverence spreads more widely these days, accompanied by parades, parties, and specialty products whose proceeds go to LGBTQ+ nonprofits and charities. Kiva Confections has been selling Camino Pride Passion Fruit Punch gummies for years, and they’re back at it in 2024.
“We are incredibly proud of our 2024 Camino Pride Passion Fruit Punch gummies. These launched back in 2019 when our lead product developer spearheaded the project as a love letter to her LGBTQ+ family,” Kristi Palmer, co-founder and president of Kiva Confections, said in a statement. “While the product itself has evolved over the years, our mission to bring people together and make a positive impact remains – and not only in June but throughout the year.”
Celebrating Pride Month with Kiva
Kiva Pride gummies are five milligrams each and are available now in California, Massachusetts, New York, Missouri, and Ohio. The six tins celebrating feature imagery of iconic places where LGBTQ+ history was made. Of course, one depicts the Stonewall Inn along with fellow Queer New York state locale Fire Island.
The Los Angeles Black Cat Tavern and San Francisco’s Castro Neighborhood represent California. As for the Midwest, the collectible tins feature Boystown in Chicago and Detroit’s Ferndale. Each of these places served as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people when the rest of the country wasn’t as welcoming.
“It’s important for people to know and remember the stories that shaped the community. We also chose to celebrate a few monumental locations that have demonstrated inclusivity, historically and today, namely the Castro in San Francisco, Chicago’s Boystown, Ferndale in Michigan, and New York’s Fire Island,” added Palmer.
Kiva isn’t rainbow-washing its products. Since the launch of the gummies in 2019, the brand has donated over $275,000 to LGBTQ+ charities like GLAAD and the Transgender Law Center. They also hone in on the local organizations working where Camino Pride gummies are sold, like the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Mich., and the Unique Women’s Coalition in Los Angeles, Calif.
There are more brands putting proceeds towards Queer initiatives this year, but most are in California.
More brands donating to LGBTQ+ this June
Pride is year-round for Holistic Industries, fans in the Massachusetts and Maryland markets where Flavors of Pride DO Drops are sold. One hundred percent of proceeds from this low-dose gummy go to the Transgender Law Center, which advocates for a nationwide trans-led liberation movement.
Stone Road is also excited about its Queer All Year campaign featuring specialty pre-roll blends. Also in California, recently acquired Tempo released an all-in-one vaporizer line with its new parent brand, Punch Extracts. Purchase one of six flavors like Mystic Mango and Huckleberry Ice, and a portion of proceeds in June will go to wayOUT LA.
Perfect Union and HIMALAYA got together this Pride to raise money for the Sacramento Rainbow Foundation with a limited edition Love is Love vape battery. The battery features a rainbow script reading ‘LOVE IS LOVE’ with a magenta heart. Each retails for five dollars, with all proceeds going to the chosen charity.
Celebrating Pride Month requires more than donning rainbow garb and heading to the parade. It is a time to learn about Queer history, donate time or funds to LGBTQ+ causes, and speak frankly with one another about carving safe, respectful spaces for all people. These brands are helping stoners do all three at once and get a little lifted in the process.
