Sending our immense thanks and gratitude to everyone who took part in our Goth Pride Market today.
We are always so honoured to be able to provide a space for artists and artisans to sell their work, and to be part of the process that allows people to find talented local craftspeople and their new favourite thing.
While we always welcome 2SLGBTQ+ community members at our events, both as vendors and customers, being able to offer a Pride-specific market is incredibly important to us. As allies of the queer community for 40+ years, we’ve watched how it has grown alongside the Goth community and become intertwined in terms of support and acceptance.
Just as the Goth scene has offered a safe haven for queer folks experimenting with self-acceptance and autonomy, we wouldn’t exist without having the shoulders of the queer community to stand on – it is the very bedrock of our music, style, and culture. Our friends at World Goth Day offered a similar sentiment a few weeks ago (please go and read this – it’s important!), and we stand with them in offering our love and support – and appreciation – for everyone who makes both scenes so beautiful, interesting, and vibrant.
Toronto Dark Arts Market (as well as Stained Productions and Toronto Goth Events) will always be a safe and welcome space to anyone who feels weird or different or othered by mainstream society. Our events are for everyone ‒ as long as you are polite, courteous, and respectful, we will not only welcome you, we will support you, and defend you.
If you missed us today, we’re back at Ground Control on Saturday, August 15th for our Beach Party Market with another 35+ artists and artisans selling their fantastic, creative wares. And if you can’t wait until then, check out these other alternative markets popping up over the summer:
June 25 – Forbidden Fruit Kinky Market Pride Edition (Birdhaus)
June 27 – Moonshadow Summer and Shade (Etobicoke)
July 11 – Toronto Queer Market (Barbara Hall Park)
July 25 – Interstellar Punk Bazaar (Dufferin St., north of Dupont)
Aug 9 – Punk Rock Flea Market Toronto (Hard Luck Bar)
Finally, if you’re up for some early evening dancing, our Dance ’til Dusk series returns on Saturday July 25th from 5pm to 9pm in the Ground Control Lounge where DJ Greg Clow will be spinning a fun mix of goth, synthpop, industrial, post-punk and probably some ABBA.
Wishing everyone a safe and fabulous Pride!