Lincoln’s Y-Not Market showcases LGBTQI+ vendors’ talents
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Y-Not Market was bursting with color, creativity and community as it hosted LGBTQI+ vendors on Saturday.
From bakers to artists to upcyclers, dozens showed up to bring a taste of their talent to the people of Lincoln.
“This has been absolutely amazing,” organizer Hope Anderson said. “The market was only supposed to be inside originally but after our Facebook event had 2,000 people interested in it, I decided we had to expand and provide more opportunities for folks. It’s incredible to see so much support in our community, I truly feel blessed to be able to organize this and put it together.”
Vendors Poison I.V and Mayhem said although the LGBTQI+ community in Nebraska is smaller, it’s still there for everyone.
“Showing that there is a community for people, whether they live in Lincoln, Omaha or the rural communities,” they said. “It’s just nice to know that people are still pushing for these events to happen instead of letting in hate or cowering back. Especially with everything that’s going on in the world lately, it’s good to have these moments of yes all of this stuff is happening, but you do have a safe space to fall back on.”
According to a survey from the Policy Institute, Center for American Progress, 36% of LGBTQI+ adults in the United States reported some kind of discrimination in the previous year.
But Mayhem said having gatherings like this one helps people flip the switch.
“It’s like hey we can come together with each other for fun things too, be joyful, show support, and drown out discrimination and negativeness in people’s lives,” they said.
