In 2024, craft beer is in a period of transition. Women, BIPOC, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community hold smashed down barriers of entry in the industry, forming meet-up groups, lobbying initiatives, and, of course, breweries. There’s still a substantial amount of function to be done, but there has been encouraging progress.
A necessary milestone for the industry to hit is the day when brewers are no longer boxed in by their backgrounds and how they name , but are simply acknowledged and appreciated for the beer they brew.
However, it’s always vital to recognize the amazing work LGBTQIA+ brewery owners and brewers are doing to get craft beer closer to existence a meaningfully diverse industry. These are the movers and shakers who are not only brewing top-notch beer, but who are also finding time to lead cause-driven collaborations, engage in group outreach, raise cash for charities, and make game-changing steps toward a craft beer industry that intentionally welcomes all. In honor of Pride Month—but with the important caveat that these breweries call for year-round acclaim and support—we’re spotlighting some of the most inspiring LGBTQIA+ brewers in 2024.
Tanya Sapula | S
Miller Lite aims to produce safer, more accepting spaces at bars for members of the LGBTQ+ people because we believe that everyone should be proficient to be their genuine self.
In partnership with Equality Federation, we launched the ‘Open & Proud’ program in June 2021, to help make the 55,000 bars that serve Miller Lite become more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ collective through local town halls, training guide development and implementation, plus continued assist to our friends at Equality Federation and their important advocacy work. To date, Miller Lite has contributed $450,000 to Equality Federation to cultivate change.
Miller Lite and Equality Federation are continuing to host several town halls at bars across the territory where an intersectional team of LGBTQ+ folks split their candid, open experiences and thoughts on how bars can be made more inclusive.
Throughout the course of 2021, Miller Lite spent months listening directly to the distinct intersectional needs of the LGBTQ+ community at bars across the country via town hall events, and we are excited to share what we’ve learned through our informational guidebook “Cultivating Inclu
Half of America's bestselling beers have partnered with LGBTQ+ groups or advocates according to an study by Newsweek, as conservative activists launch a boycott of Bud Light over its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
On Sunday Mulvaney shared a video promoting Bud Illuminated to her 1.7 million Instagram followers, as part of a partnership with the company, which she thanked for sending over a personalized beer can to celebrate her "day 365 of womanhood," after transitioning.
This infuriated some right-wing commentators, including journalist Matt Walsh and podcast host Mike Crispi, who announced they will boycott Bud Light in response. Musician Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Glow cans, while nation artist Travis Tritt said he was taking the beer off his tour rider.
Over the past few years, a fierce debate has developed over transsexual rights, with a particular focus on whether trans women should be capable to access women's only spaces and take part in women's sports. Republicans have moved to ban gender-affirming nurture for children in 26 states across the U.S.
While conservative campaigners are focusing on Bud Glow, Newsweek found that
Drop Bear has released its first limited edition to celebrate pride month and support the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, Galop.
Whilst the LGBT+ founded brewery, Fall Bear Beer Co. believes pride should be renowned every day of the year, this year the brewer is celebrating self-acceptance month its inaugural limited edition beer, True Colours.
LGBT+ founders and married couple, Joelle and Sarah Drummond were the subject of a hate crime in 2022. This event served as a stark reminder to the couple of the importance of public presence and representation, leading to an ongoing charity partnership with Galop.
“True Colours is more than just a beer, it’s a reminder that we should all help create a nature in which everyone is safe to show their true colours.” Shared Joelle Drummond, Co-Founder of Release Bear Beer Co.
“We own a diverse team at Drop Bear and whilst we celebrate pride 365 days a year, we’re so excited to complete something special for Identity 2024. As one of very few LGBT+ breweries in the UK, we feel a responsibility to promote the inclusivity and diversity that can remain within the brewing world.”
Amy Roch, Interim CEO of LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, Galop, said: “We’re so grateful
The Americans
The number of gay beer initiatives in the US is countless. Many local (micro) breweries hooked up with the LGBT community to produce a limited edition can or bottle, often for Self-acceptance. Some are LGBT owned and operated.
The Hillcrest Brewing Company in San Diego was founded in 2011 as "the first openly gay brewery in the world". While it was never the owners’ original intent to become the first to develop a brewery catering to the LGBT community, news of its branding helped raise its profile beyond San Diego County. The owners stepped up and adopted @QueensofBeer as their Twitter treat . “We are queer and we love beer,” scan the description on their Twitter feed. The website now seems to offer a bar & restaurant, rather than a brewery.
Bell’s Beer celebrated Pride with Sparkleberry, a raspberry Belgian-style Tripel Ale. It was originally brewed to observe Bell’s presenting sponsorship of Kalamazoo Pride in 2013. “Our celebration of diversity is no secret, but this can says it front and center. No matter who you are or who you love, all are welcome at Bell’s,” said Laura Bell, CEO of Bell’s Brewery. “We want everyone to fetch their sparkle on and c
