Rocking the Rainbow - The Do's and Do Not's of Vending at Pride Parades

Are you straight, but want to sell at a Pride Market? Are you a small business, and not a big corporation trying to capitalize on queer people for one month while ignoring us every other month? Well then, this is the post for you!

Sorry, that was very confrontational for an opening to a blog post, but that's only because this is something that I, as a queer person, am very passionate about. I believe that corporations slapping a rainbow on their logos and donating maybe $10,000 of their multibillion-dollar profits to queer causes for one (1) month is scummy and terrible. This post is not for them, and I needed to make that clear.

If you are a small crafter, an ally, a queer person who hasn't sold at pride markets, or even a local business that's trying to do outreach, welcome! This is the space for you. As a queer person who's sold at pride markets before (quite successfully too!) and attended many more, I want to share some wisdom about what you should and shouldn't do at a pride market as a vendor. Pride fests are a different beast from a normal farmers market or craft fair, and I want it to be a wonderful experience for you and all your customers. So, pull out a notebook, and let's dive in.

What Is A Pride Parade Market?

To start, let's establish what I mean when I say a pride market. These events typically occur during Pride Month, or June, and are often a part of pride parades or marches. Some pride markets are separate and are just big craft events explicitly stated to be for Pride Month, while others are set dressing for a big march, where vendors line the road before and after the parade. Sometimes these events resemble concerts or rallies. Regardless of how they are set up, the purpose is always the same: to bring awareness to queer issues, to celebrate being queer, and to gather a bunch of queer people to have fun.

These events are often colorful, loud, crowded, and full of fun music. It's a casual environment where individuality is celebrated. It's perfect for small, local vendors to show their support for the community. Whatever you sell, whoever you are, you will be welcome at these events (provided you are not a big corporation selling stuff from Temu, or part of a group that oppresses the community or spreads hate).

Pride markets are fun and festive, and very different from protests. I want to be clear: you should not sell stuff at a protest. Pride fests are not protests; they are celebrations. Yes, the first pride was a riot, and, yes, it serves as a form of protest in today's world to simply be out and proud, but Pride isn't about protesting; it's about community and finding joy in being queer.

What Not To Do

If Pride fests are all about fun and individuality, is there anything that is frowned upon? You'll likely see people walking around in full fursuits, leather bondage gear, topless, in drag, and wearing flags like capes. But there are unspoken rules. Here are some guidelines:

Keep it Family Friendly

Pride is for everyone, including families with young kids. Yes, there may be some leather daddies showing up, but they aren't going to disrupt the event. If you are selling items that might be more adult-themed, find a way to hide them. I’ve seen crochet artists hide plush penises in curtained-off boxes. If you have products with cursing, consider displaying them discreetly unless someone expresses interest. It’s vital to keep a bunch of change handy because many teens and preteens will wander in packs and often pay with pocket money rather than cards.

Don't Lie About Who You Are or What You Sell

This includes selling mass-produced items while claiming they're handmade, pretending to be a small business when you're a corporation or franchise, or selling anything with false claims. If you're part of a multi-level marketing scheme, you will likely get laughed out of the fest. Just wear an Ally pin, please.

Always Respect The Audience

Pride fests are full of people being authentically themselves. If you can’t show respect for furries, families with two moms, or drag kings, you shouldn’t go to a pride fest. Keep in mind that many people in the community are neurodivergent, have trauma, or are mentally ill. For example, at one Pride fest, I sat next to a booth with a man blowing a sharp whistle every few seconds. He sold very little because no one wanted to approach him. Had he been more considerate, he wouldn’t have created a distressing atmosphere.

Know Your Place

If you're straight, do not speak over queer voices. If you're cisgender, don't overshadow trans or nonbinary voices. Avoid using terms you have no right to use, even if others around you are using them. For instance, I can say I'm a "fairy", but a straight person cannot. If someone shares their pronouns, it's crucial to accept them and use them respectfully.

Respect The Other Vendors

Respect is essential in all markets, but it seems to be ignored the most at pride fests. I once had someone set up in my booth space, forcing me to get help from a volunteer to move them. I’ve also seen vendors lash out at volunteers simply because they didn’t like their booth's location. Be respectful and offer to help fellow vendors. These events can be overwhelming, so let's not make it worse.

What You Should Do

Pride markets are unique events with exceptional opportunities to showcase your products. The queer community loves colorful, exciting, and unique things—items that may not sell well at ordinary markets. Basic candles might not fly, but candles layered with rainbows and stones? Those will make an impact. Are you making animal ear headbands? You likely won't sell them at a farmers market, but at a pride fest? You're on your way!

Show Your Passion

Whatever it is you create, show your enthusiasm. Have fun with your products and share your love with your customers. For example, my whistling tent neighbor barely engaged; he simply whistled. In contrast, when I showcased my fidget toys with excitement, people flocked to my booth. Authentic passion draws people in!

Have Lots of Pride Merch

Stock items in pride flag colors, especially representing the big four LGBT identities: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. But don't overlook the more obscure flags. If you don’t know them, Google it! The same goes for pronouns. Include popular neopronoun sets, along with gender-neutral terms. Representation matters, so strive to include a diverse range of identities in your products.

Dress Up

Wearing pins to indicate you’re an ally is excellent, but enjoying your attire is equally important. Go for colorful outfits, expressive makeup, and fun accessories! At my last Pride fest, I wore a mushroom-themed dress, and people stopped to rave about it. Dressing up can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Remember Your Audience

I know I mentioned this already, but it bears repeating. Certain topics resonate more with the LGBTQ+ audience. If you think a middle-aged, church-going soccer mom would love your product, you're likely better off at a farmer's market. Instead, focus on nerdy themes like Studio Ghibli, anime, or comic books. Lean toward cottagecore, alt, goth, or kawaii aesthetics. Research what's popular in queer groups, especially in your area.

Embrace Imperfection

You won’t find a more accepting community than the queer community. Embrace your imperfections! Authenticity matters. Try new things and create what brings you joy, even if you worry it might not sell. I brought a plush that flopped initially, but it drew people in because of its quirky charm.

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With these tips, you're all set for a successful and fulfilling experience at pride markets. Be you, be respectful, and have a blast!

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Happy Pride!