“I felt loved and safe and HELD by people I’d never met before at the Big Gay Spring Market. From the organizer to ALL the attendees, customers, and other vendors. Being in this vendor world is really fun but it does have some ups and downs (like having to buy a brand-new oven because yours breaks 2 days before a market). Especially being a loud, colorful, and queer maker. I’m definitely not accepted in every space and there are plenty of event organizers just looking to make those vendor fees. NOT to focus on the negative because I absolutely LOVE this journey but this market is a major reason why I’ve had such great experiences. Not just was I accepted and supported completely as I am but I also met SO many AMAZING queer creators/makers on the same wavelength as me. We’ve been able to exchange advice about other markets that feel safe and supportive. Which is just so COOL man. ”