The Philadelphia pride flag was the first to incorporate the black and brown flag stripes to represent black and brown voices within our community, and the drink we have representing this is the energizing Iced-Coffee Cocktail! In the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of marginalized black and brown people of color (POC) who have played pivotal roles in shaping the movement. Their voices, experiences, and activism have paved the way for progress and equality, creating a more inclusive and diverse society for all. Today, we honor and celebrate the profound impact that these individuals have made and continue to make within the community.

The intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation highlights the unique challenges faced by BIPOC within the LGBTQ+ community. Historically, they have encountered both racism and homophobia, struggling against two forms of discrimination simultaneously. Despite these barriers, black and brown POC have been at the forefront of pivotal moments in the LGBTQ+ movement, from the Stonewall uprising to contemporary activism. Their resilience and determination have been instrumental in the fight for equality and justice, reminding us that the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights cannot be separated from the broader fight against systemic oppression.

Within the arts and culture realm, BIPOC have enriched the LGBT community with their creativity and talent. From renowned writers like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin to visionary artists like Lorraine O’Grady, their work has challenged societal norms, sparked important conversations, and given a great voice to the marginalized. 

The contributions of black and brown POC artists have helped shape the narrative around queerness, dismantling stereotypes and creating spaces for authentic representation. Their cultural impact has been profound, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the diverse tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences.

Here’s how to make this cocktail:

• 1 oz Stoli Gold
• 2 oz Irish Cream
• 1 oz coffee flavored liqueur

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a sugar-rimmed coffee cup with coffee ice cubes. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Enjoy and drink responsibly.

Liberate your spirt 

Sustainability, LGBTQ, diversity, and injustice are core pillars of Stoli. The original vodka recipe was developed in 1938, and by 1948 it was being made and bottled in Latvia, where the award-winning Stoli lineup is made to this day. Stoli has a long, rich history of supporting the LGBTQ community, when in 1991 Stoli became one of the first spirit brands to actively champion LGBTQ issues on global equality, visibility, and acceptance for all. In 1997, Stoli was purchased by Yuri Shefler, transforming Stoli into a vertically integrated company, which lead to Putin waging a war in 2000 for the vodka trademark, which has been unsuccessful. 

In 2018, Stoli commemorated the 40^th anniversary of Harvey Milk being the first openly gay elected official in California, by launching the limited edition, individually numbered, Harvey Milk Limited Edition bottle, with proceeds going to the Harvey Milk Foundation LGBGTQ programming in Eastern Europe and the Baltic nations. Proudly Latvian, Stoli has affirmed their ongoing support of Ukraine and is steadfast in denouncing Russia’s aggression on the sovereign nation. Stoli’s spirit continue to inspire to create a better future for all.