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When it comes to carving out inclusive spaces for queer makers, Denver seems to be ahead of the curve. Events like Denver Pride’s Gayborhood Market and the HoliGay Market provide Colorado’s community of LGBTQ+ artisans a safe space to show off their skills. But even here, at gatherings curated specifically for queer creatives, Rory Kennedy often feels out of place.
“Sometimes at queer markets, it feels like you’re the only trans or nonbinary person there,” they say.
As the owner of That Witch Apothecary, an online candle and incense shop, Kennedy is a regular at Denver’s various maker markets, which means they’ve felt this isolation firsthand. “I really wanted to create an event that lets trans folks feel enveloped by community.”
So, Kennedy joined forces with their partner, Sam Kennedy, and fellow small business owner Sam Scharrer to found Denver’s first market specifically for trans and nonbinary creators: ThemFaire. “The name is a fun play on the atmosphere you think of at a renaissance faire, that joy and merriment and fantastical utopian space,” Sam Kennedy says. “But it’s also a nod to the fact that we’ve always been here. The discourse around our identities feels new but we’ve always been a part of history, even since olden days.” The inaugural bazaar takes place this Sunday, October 20, at the Rainbow Dome, with 45 vendors who all identify as trans or nonbinary.
The three founders selected the market’s vendors through an initial application process that drew nearly 100 applicants. While they couldn’t offer every business a table, they narrowed the applicants down by choosing vendors that offer diverse goods and prioritizing merchants who have never participated in a market before. “Being able to serve this underserved community was important to us, which is why ThemFaire is this love letter to art and trans joy at the same time,” Scharrer says. “Being a nonbinary person, sometimes the only way you can express yourself is through art.”
Here are five vendors you should track down at Sunday’s ThemFaire.
PlayHaus Bakery
Founded in 2022 by baker Taylor Smith, PlayHaus Bakery offers allergy-conscious pastries such as Funfetti strawberry cake, giant pop tarts, and salted caramel donuts. All of Smith’s treats are peanut- and dairy- free, and the kitchen has dedicated gluten-free workstations. Plus, patrons can submit custom orders for other allergies like soy, legumes, and sesame. “Even as someone who doesn’t have allergy restrictions, everything they make is delicious,” Scharrer says. Snag some of their sweets on Sunday, or you can place an order online and pick it up from their Aurora facility on select days.
Black Sheep Experience
Roshni beckons all the black sheep of Denver to their booth. The life coach and tarot card reader offers guided meditations to help clients discover their self-worth, and they’ll be offering tarot and oracle readings at Sunday’s market. After realizing that their own personal wounds were holding them back, Roshni felt inspired to help others learn that they deserve good things. Find Roshni at ThemFaire to hear their wisdom for yourself, or follow along with their podcast, Becoming Enough, which is aimed at empowering South Asian people and anyone who feels like an outsider.
Goat Witch Tattoo
Although Boulder’s Carlyn Crispell received formal training in illustration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, you won’t see their fine art hanging in posh galleries. Instead, it’s walking all around town. Crispell uses their delicate hand to ink meaningful tattoos, often inspired by Colorado nature. They began tattooing professionally in 2023 and now offer appointments out of their Boulder-based shop and at events throughout the metro area. Choose a predesigned Halloween flash tattoo for yourself on Sunday.
E.W. Crafts
Sure, you could buy premade art at any Denver market, but why not let artist Evann Waterman create something entirely you at ThemFaire? And by that, we mean you’ll be the subject. Waterman, who celebrates curvaceous bodies in their whimsical drawings, will offer pay-what-you-can live sketches of you and your crew on Sunday. While their artwork often veers quirky, like pigs dressed as sensual devils or aliens rocking bikinis, Waterman also has a gift for accentuating their subject’s natural beauty. So don’t be surprised if you leave their table feeling a little surer of yourself than before.
Chaotic Witch Aunt
In need of some good vibes? Visit Frankie Castanea’s booth Chaotic Witch Aunt for advice from a practicing folk witch. Castanea pulls from their Italian-American heritage to create products for the modern-day witch and has even published a book for those looking to embrace contemporary magic. Whether you’re looking to attract abundance, protect your energy, or break a curse, Castanea sells an enchantment that might help. Shop these as well as veils, candles, and other spiritual accessories at their booth, or opt for your own personal tarot card reading.
ThemFaire is on Sunday, October 20, at Rainbow Dome (1660 Federal Boulevard) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A $5 donation at the door is suggested. Masks are required, and Halloween costumes are encouraged.
