Next Market: A Big Gay Market on Sunday, October 19th from 10AM - 4PM at Washington Park Lake House in Albany! 🌈
Next Market: A Big Gay Market on Sunday, October 19th from 10AM - 4PM at Washington Park Lake House in Albany! 🌈
A Market With A Cause
A Big Gay Market is a designated intentional and affirmative space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies, especially for those in our community who have intersecting marginalized identities, to join together in queer and trans joy for a cause.
Our four larger markets in albany aims to benefit Camp Unirondack’s Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat. We ask only for a donation from our vendors to the Retreat that fits their economic comfort with a sliding scale vendor fee. Our regional pop-ups choose a local beneficiary that is different every year.
Our values align with equitable market practices that meet our vendors where they are at while also minimizing costs to the organizers of the event. Thank you for joining us <3
What Are Folks Saying About Us?
“It was so lively and welcoming. I was amazed by the large scale of the event and the wide variety of art. It is so nice to have these opportunities outside of pride month to just be with and support the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Omg it was awesome! I mean, I knew it would be awesome, but my friend wasn’t as certain until we actually got there and chatted with people. Lots of friendly humans, lots of cool merch, and my friend now has original queer art on their walls.”
“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. ”
“My partner and I had a great time! Lots of intersectional representation from the vendors and the products. The biggest issue is that there weren’t more cool stalls to spend my money at!”
“Oh, I had a wonderful time! It was the best event ever for Mermaid Cove Treasures. When I found out you were hosting another event in July I couldn’t wait to get signed up and do it again! Everything went well.”