Justine Gallo and Nicole Joseph brought pride to Acorn Alley, transforming the area into a vibrant celebration of pride and community.
As owner of Sun in Leo, located inside Acorn Alley, and organizer of Kent Pride Fest, Gallo has expanded the local celebration since beginning the events three years ago.
“There’s only Rainbow Weekend in Kent at the moment, which is awesome. They have it in October though,” Gallo said. “I know that Kent, although we’re a smaller town, we have a lot of queer life activities so why not highlight it twice?”
Joseph, Acorn Alley social media and event coordinator as well as the graphic and web designer at Sun in Leo, wanted to collaborate with the store to celebrate Pride Month.
“We really want to support LGBTQ+ vendors, and we really want to foster an environment where they feel safe and comfortable and are able to share their artwork or whatever it is that they’re selling,” Joseph said.
Gallo has plans to create a non-profit with Kent Pride, as well as working with the LGBTQ+ Center on campus to create relief funds for students and business owners to apply to.
“Since they’re reinventing it, we decided to create our own,” she said. “It’s our way of keeping the money in the community and knowing exactly where it’s going.”
Robin Anderson, a vendor at the Kent Pride Market and owner of Sage Moth Creations, specializes in whimsical creations made from reclaimed items like old watches, toys and jewelry.
“We have a really good vending community in this area specifically,” Anderson said.
Participating in the Pride Market for the first time, Anderson emphasized the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces.
“It’s really important to cultivate this type of community, to participate and make people know that they’re safe,” they said.
Another vendor at the Pride Market, Cadyia Pugh of Cad’s Crafts, launched her handmade craft business in 2022 as a side hustle while attending grad school for speech therapy. Now based in the Toledo area, Pugh creates handmade jewelry, cups and clothing, and has recently ventured into upcycling.
“I just like to share my little crafts with everyone, so that’s kind of why I started my business,” Pugh said.
Pugh views the market as more than just a way to sell her products.
“It’s a great way to share with others who are similar to me and might be looking for more community,” she said. “It’s great to feel surrounded by people who are like-minded.”
Tiffany and Steven Nowinski came to the city’s Pride Market to celebrate the community and support local creatives.
“Being part of the queer community, it’s always really fun to just come to these kinds of events where you’re surrounded by like-minded people, a bunch of creatives and just being able to support small businesses,” Tiffany Nowinski said. “It’s just always really fun and really joyous when we show up.”
The two browsed the market’s offerings, excited to find gifts and made purchases from vendors like The Tita Vibes, Cad’s Crafts and Buggin Butterfly Vintage.
“It’s fun when you find niche things for friends and family,” Steven Nowinski said. “When you find a fun gift that somebody you care about will appreciate, it’s a good time.”
The rainy conditions did not stop people from attending and supporting the community.
“Regardless of weather, I’m really happy to see people still show up and have a great time,” Tiffany Nowinski said. “Nothing is going to stop us.”
Claire Duber is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
