A Queer Glow-Up for Vintage Lights
In a world where rainbows are scrutinized and Pride displays are disappearing, this strand of rainbow lights shines a bit brighter during these dark times for the queer community.
Created by a small but mighty (mostly queer-owned company) out of Ogden, Utah, Tru-Tone is handcrafting vintage-style LED decorations that look like they were plucked from a 1950s department store window.
And yes, they have the exact same nostalgic glow we’re all missing from the modern LED-style displays we see today.
From Nostalgia to Innovation
Tru-Tone began as a passion project by designer David Andora. Living and working in Chicago, David often leaned on vintage-inspired design and warm atmospheric lighting in his creative work. But modern LED “upgrades” to classic holiday lights always fell short.
They lacked the soul — and the glow — of the big incandescent bulbs that defined his childhood celebrations.
Frustrated by the focus on hyper-saturated colors and app-controlled gimmicks, David set out to recreate the feeling of wonder we have all been missing. Over the course of a year, using a large chunk of his personal savings, he worked directly with manufacturers to craft an LED bulb that felt authentic — right down to the warmth of the filament and the tone of the glass.
Lights That Feel Like Home
The result? A collection of decor to celebrate all sorts of events, from Christmas to the Fourth of July and now Pride.
Tru-Tone has become a cult favorite, known for delivering the hard-to-replicate magic from our childhoods without the fire hazards, blown fuses, or scorched fingers you’ve undoubtedly seen (or felt).
David, his partners John Francisco and Sean Hunt, and a small team are responsible for running the entire brand — from product development to customer service to graphic design — even the Tru-Tone jingle!
Introducing: The Spectra Rainbow Light Set
Now, Tru-Tone is showing up to celebrate the queer community when many companies have notably been absent this Pride season. Say hello to their first non-holiday release: the Spectra Rainbow Light Set.
It’s a bold, beautiful string of 24 rainbow LED bulbs that radiates retro joy.
“We leaned into other mid-century graphic references for the packaging,” the Tru-Tone team shared. “This combo of lights is so special and super queer and retro all at once.”
The launch couldn’t come at a more poignant time, with rainbow flags being banned or boycotted nationwide, including Utah, where the company is headquartered. But you know what they haven’t banned? A string of rainbow lights!
Tru-Tone pushed to get this set released, no matter the complications in manufacturing. “We really had to make every effort to get this set out there this year,” they said, “because it matters.”
Every Detail, Made with Pride
Despite the team’s small size, their vision is expansive.
From light installations and rainbow-branded backdrops to illuminated logos and creative collaborations — Tru-Tone aims to brighten events and communities year-round.
Now more than ever, it matters where we spend our money. Queer-owned businesses and the ally brands that show up for our community — especially when it’s not trendy — deserve our support.
Our dollar is our power, and choosing to invest in companies that invest in us is how we build lasting change. Visibility isn’t enough — we need to back it up with action. When we support the businesses that stand with us year-round, we’re not just shopping — we’re shaping the future we want to live in.
For Tru-Tone, this isn’t just a strand of lights. It’s a colorful reminder that queer celebration never goes out of style.
