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FOUNDER'S STORY

Why I Created Reid's Gay Coffee

By Reid 5 min read
Reid in Stockholm

Reid in Stockholm, Sweden

When I buy a product or service, I want to know that my money isn't working against me. That simple principle is why Reid's Gay Coffee exists.

Let me be honest with you: there are a lot of brands out there that are very conservative. Some are explicitly conservative—they wear it on their sleeve, they fund causes that actively work against LGBTQ+ rights, and they make no apologies for it. But there are also brands that are essentially conservative "under the covers"—companies that smile at us during Pride Month with rainbow logos, then quietly donate to politicians and organizations working to strip away our rights.

The Problem with "Neutral" Brands

I got tired of playing detective with every purchase. Should I buy this coffee? Let me check if the parent company donated to anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns. What about this brand? Oh, their CEO made statements against marriage equality. It's exhausting, and frankly, it shouldn't be this hard.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I realized I wasn't alone in this frustration. Every time I talked to friends about it, they had the same concerns. We all wanted to support businesses that genuinely supported us—not just with performative Pride Month marketing, but with authentic ownership and values.

A Simple Hypothesis

That's when I had what I thought was a simple hypothesis: If given the choice, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies would prefer to buy from a coffee provider they know is genuinely part of our community.

Not a company that slaps a rainbow on their packaging once a year. Not a corporation that makes vague statements about "diversity and inclusion" while their leadership actively opposes our rights. But a real, authentically LGBTQ+ owned business where your purchase directly supports someone in the community.

Why Coffee?

Coffee is something most of us consume daily. It's a ritual, a comfort, a necessity for getting through the day. And the coffee industry has plenty of room for businesses that do things differently— businesses that prioritize ethics, quality, and community.

I wanted to create a brand where you never have to wonder. When you buy Reid's Gay Coffee, you know exactly who you're supporting: me, Reid, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. You know your money is going toward ethical sourcing, quality roasting, and building a more inclusive economy.

More Than Just Coffee

Reid's Gay Coffee isn't just about selling beans (though I'm committed to making sure they're the best beans you've ever tasted). It's about creating visibility. It's about proving that LGBTQ+ owned businesses can thrive. It's about giving our community and allies a choice they can feel good about.

Every bag of coffee we sell is a small act of resistance against the idea that LGBTQ+ people should stay quiet, stay hidden, or accept whatever scraps of acceptance corporations are willing to give us during Pride Month. We're here, we're queer, and we make damn good coffee.

For the Best People in the World

I truly believe that LGBTQ+ people and our allies are some of the best people in the world. We've had to fight for everything we have. We've built resilience, empathy, and fierce community bonds. We deserve businesses that reflect our values and actually give back to our community.

That's what Reid's Gay Coffee is about. We're not just selling coffee—we're building community, supporting LGBTQ+ causes, and making sure that when you start your day with our beans, you're fueling yourself with something made by someone who gets it.

Join Me

If you're tired of wondering whether your coffee purchase is funding someone who opposes your existence, I invite you to try Reid's Gay Coffee. If you want to support authentically LGBTQ+ owned businesses, we're here for you. If you just want exceptional coffee roasted with care and pride, we've got you covered.

Thank you for being here, for reading this, and for considering supporting our community through your coffee choice. Together, we're building something meaningful—one cup at a time.

With pride and gratitude,

Reid

Founder, Reid's Gay Coffee

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