Inaugural ThemFaire Highlights Trans and Nonbinary Creatives

In a world where transgender and nonbinary individuals are often tokenized, ThemFaire aims to shift the narrative by offering them a platform that highlights the community's creativity and resilience. Billed as Denver’s first vendor market centering trans and nonbinary creatives, ThemFaire will take over the Rainbow Dome on Sunday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing the work of more than 45 vendors.

"We really saw an opportunity to fill the gap," says Sam Kennedy, one of the co-organizers. "There’s a lot of LGBTQ+ markets in Denver but no spaces specifically for trans and nonbinary vendors. Rather than being the only one or two trans vendors, it would be great to have a space where people could be enveloped by the community and by other small-business owners."

Sam brainstormed the event this summer alongside partner Rory Kennedy, owner of That Witch Apothecary, and Sam Scharrer, owner of Vibe Caster and TOIL + TRBL. Rory came up with the idea to organize the market because they felt trans people were always on the margins of the small community, according to (Sam) Kennedy.

“This is our chance to platform joy and creativity," Kennedy says. "Often, events for our community feel heavy, focused on oppression and struggle. To create a space centered around joy is radical and powerful."

As ThemFaire came together, the three co-founders knew they wanted the event to reflect the richness of trans and nonbinary history. The name is a playful nod to Renaissance Faires as well as an acknowledgment that trans people have always been creative.

"It’s both a fun theme to lean into, but also a nod to the fact that trans people have been here for centuries," Kennedy explains. "We’ve been creatives and artisans, so we decided to lean into that theme as a fun, light way to the platform, the community."
Held at the trans-owned Rainbow Dome, the market benefits from a spacious venue that allows for plenty of vendors and activities. "We were blown away by the response," Kennedy says. "We ended up getting over fifty applications and accepting 45 vendors, which was more than we could have imagined. But because they have a large, open warehouse space, we were able to accommodate as many vendors as possible."

Visitors can expect an array of goods, from art and clothing to flash tattoos and live portraits. Sam is especially excited about PlayHaus Bakery, which will offer allergy-conscious baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free treats. A suggested $5 donation will be collected at the door, though no one will be turned away if they can't pay. All are welcome to attend, regardless of gender identity, and masks will be required to ensure everyone’s safety.

"Anyone and everyone who's looking for an opportunity to support local, queer-owned small businesses and be in community with us is welcome," Kennedy says. "I hope that people who maybe don't go to a lot of LGBTQ+ spaces will come and support. This a really accessible, low-stakes way to support the community."

If you can’t make the October 20 event, fear not — ThemFaire has already planned another market for December 14. The holiday-themed event will happen at Town Hall Collaborative, providing even more opportunities to connect with and support Denver's trans and nonbinary artisans.

"This is really a labor of love," Kennedy says. "I have a corporate job and my two co-organizers run their small businesses, so it's really exciting to see that there is such interest in this. We couldn't have imagined it when we had the idea that we would even get twenty applications, let alone over fifty. It means so much to have the community's support, and we look forward to seeing people at the Rainbow Dome!"

ThemFaire, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, October, 20 at Rainbow Dome, 1660 Federal Boulevard. Learn more on Instagram.