January: A Cozy Celebration of Hot Tea

January is known as Hot Tea Month and invites tea enthusiasts and novices alike to explore the rich, diverse world of tea.

The Roots of Hot Tea Month

Hot Tea Month originated as a tribute to the long-standing tradition and immense popularity of tea around the globe. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where tea was more than a mere beverage – it was a ritual, a symbol of hospitality, and even a catalyst for artistic expression. This month serves as a reminder of tea's journey from exotic commodity to a household staple, traversing continents and cultures.

Tea Brands: Brewing Acceptance

The celebration of Hot Tea Month coincides with an emerging, heartwarming narrative within the tea industry – its alliance with the LGBTQ community. Brands like DAVIDsTEA, Twisted Tea, and World Tea House demonstrate how enjoying tea can bring people together and be a way to support and include everyone.

DAVIDsTEA: A Blend of Diversity and Compassion

DAVIDsTEA's initiative to support the LGBTQ community, especially through its partnership with the It Gets Better Project, is a testament to the company’s dedication to diversity. Their efforts extend beyond just monetary support; participation in Pride Parades and inclusivity in their corporate ethos highlight their commitment to creating a welcoming space for all.

Twisted Tea: Amplifying Voices with Every Sip

Twisted Tea, not just content with crafting delightful tea-infused beverages, has taken a stand for LGBTQ rights. Their presence in pride events and proactive stance on social media amplify LGBTQ voices, fostering a culture of inclusivity that resonates with consumers and encourages other businesses to follow suit.

World Tea House: Brewing Acceptance

At World Tea House, the message is clear – everyone is welcome. With non-gendered bathrooms and pride flags adorning the space, the tea house symbolizes a safe haven, where diversity is celebrated and every individual is respected.

The Tea Bar

Tea bars and houses are serene retreats, offering a diverse range of teas from traditional to exotic. These spaces are not just about sipping tea; they're communal havens for relaxation and cultural appreciation. Their calm ambiance provides a perfect backdrop for quiet reflection or intimate conversations.

In preparing this article for Vancouver’s lgbtqq2si+ community, we looked for local Tea Bars know for their inclusivity and the patronage of local queers.

Ocha Tea Bar - A Beau-Tea-Ful space

Featuring a wide selection of loose leaf teas from around the world, the Ocha Tea Bar is located at 1116 Homer, near Vancouver’s West End.

You might also want to check out:

Winter Bear Dessert and Tea House
907 Denman St, Vancouver, BC

Persian Tea House
668 Davie St, Vancouver

o5 Rare Tea Bar - Kitsilano - Cozy, rustic-chic store & tasting bar providing carefully sourced artisanal teas & kombucha on tap.

While not explicitly queer, we can’t talk about tea in Vancouver without mentioning the O5 Rare Tea Bar. From their website, “We travel the world building strong bonds with farmers and sourcing rare tea from remote villages. We want your cup to tell the story of the earth on which the tea grew and the hands that lovingly harvested each leaf.”

Tea and Games are a great combination

If you’re an onine games fan, you might enjoy slots. The most notable rea-related one is "Texas Tea," a popular slot game themed around the oil industry in Texas, which is humorously referred to as "Texas Tea." The game is known for its entertaining gameplay and bonus features, making it a favourite among slot enthusiasts. You can find this game on Slotozilla https://www.slotozilla.com/ca/slots-features/bonus-rounds

Just type Texas Tea into the search bar.

Or, if you’re more of an IRL person, while your friends are over, and you’re sipping your tea why not play a board game? Here are some specifically about tea!

1. "Alubari: A Nice Cup of Tea": In this game, players cultivate and manage their own tea estates while supporting the construction of the Darjeeling-Himalaya railway. The player who contributes the most to the railway wins the game.

2. "Eighty Degrees - Legendary Tea Farmer": This game allows players to experience life as a tea farmer. Players rehabilitate abandoned tea gardens and manage their tea estates to run a successful tea business.

3. "Chai" by Steeped Games: This is a strategic board game where players take on the roles of tea merchants, combining tea flavors to make their perfect blend.

4. "Formosa Tea": This board game explores the tea industry in Taiwan, emphasizing the cultivation and trade of high-quality Taiwanese teas.

Have fun with Hot Tea Month.

In my world, any excuse for a gathering is a good excuse and tea can be a great catalyst. You could have a Tea Tasting Party featuring teas from around the world. Have your guests bring their favourites! Or, at your next book club, perhaps you can center the reading around a tea-related book. And serve tea - of course. What are good tea-related books?

The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss: This comprehensive book offers an in-depth look at the history, culture, and nuances of tea around the world. It's both a guide and a rich narrative about tea's journey across centuries and continents.

The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura. A classic written in 1906, this book explores the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of tea, particularly its role in Japanese culture. It's a poetic and insightful read for those interested in the deeper, spiritual aspects of tea.