Beauty and the Beast Will Feature Disney’s First Gay Character and You’ll Love the Reason Why

On Wednesday, Gabby appeared on The View to share a mysterious update about her dating life. “I have been seeing someone for a couple months,” she said. “And I’ve been keeping it a little private because it is a bigger story and a bigger conversation. Because I’m dating a girl.” She continued, explaining to the speechless (and rather stiff) hosts that her queerness “was always a whisper in me that just got louder and louder” and she “had to navigate through the shame” she’d internalized before coming out. “I don’t want to live and not be living my full truth,” she commented.

Following her announcement, Gabby shared a series of pictures to Instagram with her big news, featuring her girlfriend Robby. “Told you I’m a girls girl!!” she humorously captioned the post. She went on to share an adorable video of her running up to Robby and kissing her post-The View, and it’s safe to say we’re ecstatic for her.

Robby also shared her own pictures of Gabby to Instagram, tagging her in the comments.

Gabby was a finalist on Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor in 2022. She proceeded to co-star in her own season of The Bachelorette alongside Rachel Recchia, getting engaged to Erich Schwer last May after meeting him on her season. Gabby and Erich called off their engagement last November, and she seems to have started seeing Robby a few months later.

We should note that Gabby isn’t the first Bachelor Nation contestant to come out as queer, either. Becca Tilley, who was casted in Seasons 19 and 20 of The Bachelor has been dating pop singer Hayley Kiyoko for five years, sharing her sexuality with the world in 2022. Colton Underwood, another lead in the franchise, also came out as gay in 2021, not to the surprise of comedian and actor Billy Eichner (IYKYK).

Take pride in your identity, allyship, or general love for sweets with Coolhaus.

This pride season, the LGBTQIA+-founded ice cream company is launching a limited-edition 'Love Out Loud' ice cream sammie, and in celebration, is donating $25,000 towards GLAAD's mission of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Baggu x House Wine

Bag brand, Baggu, and canned wine creators, House Wine, released a collaborative Pride Pack for this year's pride season.

House Wine has proudly supported the Human Rights Campaign throughout their tenure as a business, and continue to do so with this pack built with a reusable bag, House Wine Rainbow Cans, and assorted stickers.

For every Pride Pack purchased, House Wine will donate $2 to HRC, further advocating for their mission of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The North Face is embracing finding connection in nature for the queer community, and their extensive pride collection features colorful shirts, shorts, hoodies, tanks, shoes, and more outdoorsy accessories.

"Each one of us is a reflection of the glittery, messy, beautiful diversity that is Mother Earth," their site reads. "This pride, we celebrate the transformational power of finding our runway in the outdoors together."

What's even better about their collection is it isn't relegated to June only. The North Face supports queer-serving organizations like Brave Trails and YouthSeen year-round.

Each sock and underwear purchase from Bombas' pride collection gives back to organizations supporting people facing homelessness, *especially* those part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to True Colors United, young queer people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers – and 40% of homeless youth belong to the community.

Bombas is reaching their fifth year in partnership with the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, which offers homeless, LGBTQIA+ young people a safe, accepting space – and this year's "Let Everyone Know" pride sock and underwear collection was designed in collaboration with the center to give back.

Beloved noodle chain, Noodles & Company, is bringing back the ultra-tasty Pride Crispy – a rainbow-laden, fan-favorite rice crispy treat that satisfies sweet cravings, but *also* gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the third year in a row, Noodles & Co. is pledging 100% of proceeds from Pride Crispy sales (up to $30K) to Out & Equal, who advocates exclusively for LGBTQIA+ workplace equality.

The Crispy will be available to pair with your favorite noodle bowl through the month of June!

Widely considered a boot for the community, Dr. Martens is bringing a pride-inspired design to you in collaboration with Japanese artist, illustrator, and zine creator, Fuyuki Kanai. The pride boot is adorned in illustrations that recall "inclusivity, community and queer relationships."

Though the retailer released this boot for the month of June, Dr. Martens maintains a year-round partnership with The Trevor Project, he world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. This year, they're pledging $200,000 to the org.

Adidas believes that sports can change lives, but love can make an even *greater* impact.

The company designed their 2023 pride collection in collaboration with South African designer, Rich Mnisi to further promote the message that love unites.

Inspired by a childhood poem of Mnisi's called "Let Love Be Your Legacy," the sportswear collection "embodies a shared ambition to encourage allyship and expression without bias, in all spaces across sport and culture."

The brand also tapped Adidas partners, Tom Daley, Jari Jones, and organization Athlete Ally to publish passionate love letters to sports as a whole, in effort to uplift all LGBTQIA+ members involved with sports.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Regardless of the sales they make this year, longstanding fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitchis committing $400,000 to The Trevor Project. Their most recent pride collectionsurrounds a "proud year-round" statement, which is a sentiment we can get behind.

The ready-to-wear pieces in the collection include everything from polo tees, matching sets, activewear, swimsuits, skirts, and more.

This season's pride collection from Converse celebrates "those who are proud to be living in the power and joy of being themselves." The footwear company teamed up with a handful of members from the queer community to design five different (super cute!) pride-infused sneaker designs available for purchase.

Converse is proud to have pledged close to $2.5M to local, national, and international organizations since their first Pride campaign in 2015. It Gets Better Project, The Ali Forney Center, BAGLY, and The Theater Offensive are all community partners working for the LGBTQIA+ community

According to NYX Cosmetics, 64% of LGBTQIA+ gamers have been harassed online at disproportionately higher rates than all other identity groups.

NYX's 2023 pride collection hones in on LGBTQIA+ people in the online gaming space – saying "game over" to the haters, and instead, embracing queer gamers of all identities for who they are. The company teamed up with 5 LGBTQIA+ gamers to amplify their stories in effort to "create awareness for safer spaces in gaming." Each player represents a makeup item for next-level looks!

Furthering their advocacy, NYX's pride campaign surrounds their year-round partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, aiming to amplify queer voices, train allies, and provide donations – over $500,000 has been given globally to support youth support and services.

Lovers of cozy comfort, Barefoot Dreams, has teamed up with (RED), whose mission is to fight global health emergencies and support equitable access to testing and treatment. We’re here for it! The retailer will give 15% of every purchase of the ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams + (RED) throw blanket ($180) to (RED)’s Global Fund, up to a $100,000 donation in order to help strengthen healthcare systems and support equitable access for everyone.

MiliMili makes comfortable, yet stylish wearables for you and your little ones. This year, their Modern Rainbow collection is standing up for pride. Made in collaboration with Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and with a custom print by artist Katie Kaapcke, 100% of the profits from collection sales (which covers everything art prints and crib sheets, to pillowcases and swaddles) go to PRONOUN, Justin and Jesse’s non-profit organization, in support of equality for all.

Mars Wright is a Trans artist and activist spreading Trans joy through art. Their pride collection features clothing, prints, and accessories that all advocate for everyone finding that joy, plus a portion of the proceeds from each purchase goes *directly* to the Black Trans community through the Unique Women’s Coalition. There, the UWC dedicates their work to being a collective voice centering around the narratives and needs of Black Trans culture.

Bluebella x girli

This month, Bluebella, a lingerie, underwear, and nightwear brand, launched their Pride campaign and collection in collaboration with queer British artist, girli. The collection features Bluebella’s top-selling sets – but reimagined in the colors of the rainbow. Each piece is designed to help everyone, no matter their gender expression, feel empowered while celebrating Pride.

10% of the profits from the collaborative collection’s sales will be donated to OutRight International, a human rights organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

“Future-focused companies understand the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to supporting human rights for LGBTQ people – one that benefits employees, consumers, and communities alike. That is why Outright International is partnering with Bluebella for a second consecutive year,” said Elise Colomer-Cheadle, Director of Development at Outright International. “By leveraging its platform and brand, Bluebella continues to elevate Outright’s work [of] advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. Through our collaboration, Bluebella extends the reach of Outright’s mission, giving a voice to the voiceless by amplifying the issues impacting LGBTQ people globally. At a time where anti-LGBTIQ movements are mobilizing, we remain deeply grateful to call Bluebella our ally and partner."

Danessa Myricks Beauty Bi-Pride Chrome Flake Eyeshadow

Danessa Myricks Beauty launched the Bi-Pride Infinite Chrome Flake eyeshadow in honor of the bisexual community. For every purchase of the pinky-purpley blue shiny shade made, Danessa Myricks Beauty will donate 10% of sales to the Audre Lorde Project. The Audre Lorde Project is an NYC-based, member-led community organizing center for queer and Trans people of color. ALP organizes with, for, and in community to build a more just and liberated world.

This Pride, American Eagle is bringing together a limited-edition Pride collection designed in collaboration with Olivia Ponton. You’ll find rainbow-adorned statement tees, denim shorts, a cap, and tote bag in this collection that gives back. In lieu of this exclusive drop, AE is continuing its charitable partnership with the It Gets Better Project. As the organization’s largest donor in history, AE continues its work by donating $100,000 this year, while also giving customers the opportunity to support the cause through donations during the month of June – online and in-stores.

"I hope that this collection reminds people that they are part of a community that loves and supports who they are," Ponton said.

Hair-care brandOUAI believes everyone is the best version of themselves when living life your OUAI – embracing the core of who you are, and staying true to yourself, despite outside expectations. In honor of Pride 2023, OUAI has pledged a $200,000 donation throughout the month of June to multiple LBGTQIA+ organizations. Each week of June, OUAI will spotlight these various orgs by donating to them directly, and encouraging customers to donate in their own way at checkout.

On June 1-8, OUAI will support The Trevor Project, whose mission is to end suicide among the queer community.

On June 9-15, they’ll spotlight the Ali Forney Center, which helps LGBTQIA+ individuals out of homelessness and promotes independence.

On June 16-22, OUAI will look toward the Los Angeles LGBT Center, working toward total equality.

Finally, during the last week of June, the company will spotlight Strands For Trans, a non-profit on a mission to create more Trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons.

With an increase in hate speech and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in the U.S., Linktree is proud to support queer creators and small businesses this Pride. To advocate for the community, the linking platform is leveraging their Tip Jar feature so anyone can virtually tip their favorite Drag performers.

Tipping is already so encouraged in the Drag community, and RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Peppermint knows this. Peppermint is partnering with Linktree this Pride to share their authentic experience as a Drag performer amid the fight for LGBTQIA+ representation and equality.

“As a trans woman and Drag performer, defending our rights from the recent legislative attacks on our community and maintaining the visibility and progress we’ve gained is at the top of that list,” Peppermint said. “Linktree’s work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging tipping to my fellow Drag performers is a tangible example of their impact. I’m so excited that it’s now easier than ever to support performers outside of live events. We have to work together to keep our essential art form alive and thriving.”

Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latin singles, continues to support the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride with an all-new virtual sticker collection that users on the platform can utilize in order to show their solidarity and acceptance of the queer community. The profile stickers include an Ally sticker, as well as Trans, Queer, and Non Binary ones.

This addition comes at a time where it’s important to break the stigma behind Latinx sexuality and dating. According to a survey by Chispa, over 60% of Latinx singles reported that they never talked about being LGBTQIA+ while growing up. With this year’s Pride initiative, the platform hopes to continue the conversation surrounding Latinx and queer discrimination.

In addition to the symbolic stickers on the app, Chispa is also contributing a monetary donation to the Latino Equality Alliance. There, the LEA advocates for equity, safety, and wellness of the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community.

YITTY – Lizzo’s inclusive shapewear brand – is continuing their commitment to theLos Angeles LGBT Center this Pride through their “Every Body’s Gay” campaign. This year’s initiative comes to light with the help of drag entertainers Blackberri, Strawberry Corncakes and Vidalia Anne Gentry, and influencers Chiara Rose, Logan Grayson, Davesha Sowell, and Kristany Jackson.

As they tell their stories to us about what Pride means to them, YITTY has dedicated itself to supporting both the Los Angeles LGBT Center through giving financial contributions *and* sponsoring Trans Pride LA! The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides more LGBTQIA+ services than any other organization in the world, which is why we’re excited to show you this comfy-cozy Pride collection. Shop super soft bra tops, short-shorts, and Pride pins to feel the love all year long.

Krewe

New Orleans-based opticals brand, Krewe, is connecting with CDFA this June to honor Pride month and support the TransLatin@Coalition through a limited-edition eyewear collection. Being from NOLA, Krewe drew inspiration for the collection knowing that New Orleanians are nothing if not prideful, colorful, loving, and vibrant – this sentiment is reflected in the two specs designs that give back to TransLatin@Coalition, who advocates for the needs of Trans, Gender non-conforming and Intersex individuals.

waterdrop x Conchita Wurst

Hydration brand, waterdrop, came together for Pride with Conchita Wurst, a LGBTQIA+ advocate and Austrian artist, for a colorful, celebratory collaboration that *also* gives back. 10% of net sales from the collaborative Pride collection will be donated to international LGBTQIA+ organizations Queer Base and Outright International, as waterdrop continues to stand against all forms of discrimination.

Beloved underwear and loungewear powerhouse, Parade, came out with a new limited-edition Pride collection in collaboration with Trans digital artist, Theodoor ggggrimes that’s full of Y2K-inspired pieces and prints. Each sustainable style furthers the brand’s commitment to Pride and aims to highlight the joy-filled freedom that queer people deserve.

“I started Parade to create an alternative to the one-note idea of sexiness that had defined the underwear industry for too long,” said Parade’s CEO, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Cami Téllez. “Theodoor’s work, centering queer and trans people of color in limitless self-expression, love and sexuality is exactly the kind of artistic work the world needs to see more of. We’re so excited to bring our love of color and visions of ultimate freedom to the world through this collection.”

Year-round, Parade gives customers the option to donate 1% of their purchase back to support important causes such as LGBTQIA+ law and policy. In 2023, Parade helped fund 200+ hours of response to legal help inquiries from across the country, including those from incarcerated community members via the Transgender Law Center.

Your fave colorful candy is moving past the rainbow for Pride this year. Skittles knows that amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices is more important (and challenged) now more than ever, thus their initiative in partnership with Audible was born.

Until the end of July, anyone with a pack of Skittles can listen to *free* collections of queer storytelling on Audible. With a quick QR code scan of the brand’s Pride Packs, fans can access categories like Queer Fiction, Real People, Real Voices, and Audible Theater Originals.

Aside from the listenables, keep an eye out for Skittles Pride Packs on shelves near you – for every pack sold, the candy company will donate $1 to GLAAD (up to a $100,000 amount) in support of their ongoing efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Made By Mary’s Pride Collection features a sleek rendition of the Pride flag in jewelry form: a ring and hoop earrings set in gold vermeil or sterling silver boast rainbow-studded inlays that stun with just about any summer look.

For the month of June, 10% of net proceeds from their Pride Collection will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Mavi Jeans "Love Without Rules" Tote Bag

In partnership with the largest non-profit organization in the country dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, sustainable fashion brand, Mavi Jeans, will be donating 100% of net proceeds from their adorable “Love Without Rules” tote bag to the Ali Forney Center. The brand is “deeply rooted in diversity, individuality, and inclusivity,” and this latest Pride initiative exemplifies that.

"The Ali Forney Center is grateful to again partner with Mavi Jeans and appreciate their commitment to supporting the homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and the programming and services we provide," said Paul Clark, Director of Corporate Engagement at AFC. "The funds raised from Mavi’s Pride tote bags will help us continue our mission of providing resources and support to LGBTQIA+ youth."

LIVELY’s curated Pride Capsule features cute undergarments in *all* the colors to help celebrate this year. Because it all starts at the first layer, the brand is highlighting their most loved bras, undies, and loungewear not only in the Pride collection, but also their latest Neon Mesh edit. 10% of proceeds from the comfy Neon Mesh collection will be donated to The Trevor Project throughout the month of June.

Christmas Charades

Play charades with a holiday twist! Write down Christmas-themed clues (e.g., decorating a tree, Rudolph, Mariah Carey, building a snowman...) and have teams act them out. Keep it simple for kids, especially ones learning to read, or add some pop culture references (Buddy the Elf, anyone?) for adults-only parties.

Name That Carol!

Play short snippets of Christmas songs and have guests guess the title. To up the challenge, use instrumental versions or hum the tune. For kids, you can turn this into musical chairs with holiday music!

Christmas Trivia

Create trivia questions about Christmas movies, traditions, and songs. Bonus points for the most obscure facts! Here's a few to start:

• Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? (Answer: Germany)
• In the song Twelve Days of Christmas, what is given on the 7th day? (Answer: Swans a-swimming)
• Which country celebrates “Feliz Navidad”? (Answer: Spain or Latin American countries)

Guess the Holiday Scent

Use candles, essential oils, or holiday-themed spices like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine. Blindfold guests and have them guess the scent. Throw in some unexpected surprises like egg nog, maple syrup or Scotch tape.

Snowball NBA

If you're lucky enough to have a White Christmas, set up buckets outside labeled with different point values. Guests toss real snowballs, or “snowballs” like white cotton balls or small foam balls if you're playing indoors, into the buckets for points.

The Awkward Gift Wrap Race

Find awkwardly shaped items around the house, like a basketball or stuffed animal, and provide rolls of wrapping paper. The fastest (and neatest) gift wrapper wins!

Ornament Relay

Hand out spoons or chopsticks and teams have to race to get ornaments from one side of the room to another.

Candy Cane Hunt

Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide candy canes around the house or yard and let guests hunt for them. Wrap a few with dollar bills to up the ante .;)

Holiday "Who Am I?"

Stick Christmas-themed names or characters (e.g., the Grinch, Jude Law, Holiday Armadillo, Charlie Brown) on players' foreheads. Guests ask yes/no questions to guess who they are. It's a great ice breaker for new friends!

Gingerbread Decoration Contest

Anything with a ticking clock adds a certain element of hilarity to it. Give your teams gingerbread houses with icing and decorations. Let the creativity flow, and award prizes for categories like “most festive” or “funniest" or "worst construction."

Here are more Christmas games to play this season:

Jingle Bell Toss: Set up your college-era Solo cups into a bowling pin formation at opposite ends of the table. Each players tries to get large jingle bellsinto the opposite side’s cups. The first player to get a bell in each cup wins.

Human Hungry Hungry Hippo: Pair up, stand in a circle, and hand out plastic candy canes. Toss shatterproof Christmas balls in the middle of the circle. One person stands, holding the feet of the other person on the floor. The person on the floor tries to collect more balls with the candy cane than the other teams for a human version of Hungry Hungry Hippo!

Christmas Pictionary: Like charades, but on paper. Use pop culture references like "Hallmark Holiday Movie" or holiday-themed phrases like "Silent Night" for teammates to guess.

Left-Right Christmas Story Game: Make up a holiday story that includes the words "left" and "right" often. Guests pass a wrapped gift or object left or right as the words are mentioned, and whoever holds it at the end keeps the gift!

Christmas Bingo: Downloadbingo cards with holiday symbols or themes. Mark them off as they’re called out. First to yell “Bingo!” wins.

Reindeer Ring Toss: Use inflatable reindeer antler hats (or make your own) and toss rings to see who can "decorate" the reindeer.

Christmas Cookie Taste Test: Bake or buy a variety of holiday cookies. Blindfold guests and see who can identify the most flavors correctly.

Christmas Movie Emoji Quiz: Create a string of emojis that represent Christmas movies and have guests guess the titles.

Snowman Building Contest: If there’s snow, go outdoors for a snowman-building competition! If indoors, use toilet paper to “wrap” someone as a snowman.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of Christmas-related items like a red ornament, mistletoe, or a stocking and have guests search for them in teams.

Christmas Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine or app and sing along to holiday classics. Bonus points for best singer or most dramatic performance!