By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 20, is Trans Day of Remembrance: a day to “honour the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost as a result of anti-transgender violence.” Qmunity is hosting both a gathering at The Birdhouse to hold space for the community, and a vigil at Victory Square to mourn. This week, and every week, find ways to uplift trans folks by making the effort to be educated about issues in the trans community, and supporting trans-owned businesses. Here are some businesses based in so-called Vancouver you can check out.
Life of Bria Comics
Online
From webcomics, to graphic novels, to voice-over art, the Vancouver-based illustrator Bria does it all! Bubbly yet morbidly funny, Life of Bria stemmed from her experiences coming out as transgender. Her free graphic novels touch on many different elements ranging from horror, to time traveling, to the experiences of a trans woman through her own lens! She also does commissions!
Peau de Loup
1529 Venables St., Vancouver
By using up-cycled material, Peau de Loup revolutionizes gender-neutral clothing for anyone and everyone! They describe themselves as “a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces self-expression and authenticity.” While they offer tees, sweatshirts, bottoms, outwear, hats, and more, my personal favourite is their railroad coaches jacket!
Big Bro’s Barbershop
2375 E Broadway (at Nanaimo St.), Vancouver
Big Bro’s Barbershop, founded by Jessie Anderson in 2015, was developed to provide “a place where trans people could receive hair services without hassle.” They “host a number of projects, fundraisers, and independent contractors,” continuing to serve Vancouver’s trans community nearly a decade after first opening their doors. If you want to donate, or can, they also have a GoFundMe to relocate their shop to a more accessible location for patrons!
Samonte Cruz Studios
Online storefront
Cruz is a mixed-gender, mixed-race metalsmith who developed their abilities in goldsmithing while recovering from a serious spinal cord injury. They even worked at SFU in 2006 as a permanent coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Centre, supporting trans and gender non-conforming individuals! Cruz creates jewelry tailored to your wants and needs, such as uniquely personal wedding rings, all while running workshops and making music on the side. They’re an incredibly multifaceted individual, and so is their work. A piece that stood out to me was the solid gold balisong necklace, which pays homage to their Filipinx heritage!
Man Up — Queers and Beers
44 W 4th Ave., Vancouver
Looking for a fun way to spend the night? Say less, Man Up has you covered. This organization highlights drag performances and offers a space for queer individuals of all walks of life to have a good time. While they’re known for doing pop-ups, they are mainly located at the Birdhouse (which is an amazing venue, by the way)! Catch them there next time on November 30 for “Break the Internet,” a drag show for cyber divas.
