”With all the growth in the cannabis industry, there were bound to be cracks in the pavement. Sometimes, those cracks are the perfect places for flowers to grow.
Inclusivity advocate and founder of Terps Not Terfs, Andrea Flowers, along with queer advocate and industry professional Hez Murphy are proud and excited to introduce “House of Flowers” – a nonprofit dedicated to helping the 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the cannabis industry bloom.
House of Flowers is committed to providing the members of our community with services at what they consider to be the 4 pillars of support: local programming, internal service development, provincial and federal support. Their initial focus will be on local programming and internal services. Currently, providing inclusivity training for dispensaries, hosting a queer-friendly cannabis industry job fair, and the first annual fundraiser gala event are the main initiatives in development.
”There’s always a lot of discussion around donating to 2SLGBTQIA+ causes, but it seems to come at one very specific time of year. House of Flowers aims to provide a place for Cannabis LP’s to put their money where their mouths are all year round – pride 365. Our aim is to take those funds and channel them into microgrants that would be available to the folks in our industry who need it the most; These microgrants will go towards assisting with transition costs, providing inclusivity training to dispensaries, and helping members of our community access careers in the cannabis industry. We believe every flower deserves to bloom.
Andrea FlowersFounder, Terps Not Terfs
Directors Andrea and Hez first met online through High Buds Club. After spending time together telling tales of their industry experiences, it became clear that there was still a lot of work to be done to make the cannabis industry a more welcoming place.
”Cannabis is a plant that’s supposed to bring people together, yet so often we hear stories from 2SLGBTQIA+ budtenders about how they’re bothered. I want to see an industry that welcomes and respects everyone’s identity
Hez MurphyCo-Founder, House of Flowers
The name House of Flowers refers to the “houses” that exist within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in many parts of the world. They serve as chosen families – support systems for queer folks who have nowhere else to turn and can’t rely on support from their blood relatives. House of Flowers is also the pseudonym of Founder Andrea Flowers – a name that reflects her love of both flowers and cannabis.
House of Flowers is currently accepting applications to their Board of Directors. All those should please email apply@thehouseofflowers.ca. Please include a paragraph about yourself and the changes you’d like to see in the cannabis industry with regards to queer issues. Priority will be given to applicants who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, however allies are encouraged to apply. House of Flowers is also currently taking inquiries from LPs. For more information, please contact andrea@thehouseofflowers.ca.
