In a heartwarming celebration of love and community, a local art fair in Columbia, South Carolina, recently hosted a series of same-sex weddings while raising funds for transgender rights. The event, which took place last Sunday, saw eight LGBTQ+ couples tie the knot and successfully raised $3,500 for a vital cause.
The art fair, known as Y’all-Mart, was established in 2021 by queer curators Caitlyn Viars and her partner Candace. The couple created the quarterly event in response to a growing need for a market space among eclectic creators in Columbia. Since its inception, Y’all-Mart has grown into a beloved event that not only showcases diverse artistic talents but also fosters an inclusive community spirit.
Yallentine’s Day: A Celebration of Love
The first Y’all-Mart event of the year was announced in a January 20 social media post, where Viars and Candace revealed their plans to officiate same-sex weddings at their upcoming art fair. The event, aptly named Yallentine’s, cleverly combined the romance of Valentine’s Day with the warmth of ‘y’all,’ a Southern expression of inclusivity.
Held at the Art Bar on February 9, the Yallentine’s event was a testament to the power of community and love. The weddings were conducted by an ordained minister and included delightful details such as cupcakes, flowers, photography, and unique bolo ties. Couples could partake in this special occasion for a nominal fee of $100, with all proceeds dedicated to the Harriet Hancock Center’s Gender Marker Fund.
Supporting Transgender Rights
The Gender Marker Fund is an initiative aimed at assisting transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals in changing their legal names and gender markers on official documents. The initial goal for the fundraiser was set at $2,000, but thanks to overwhelming support from attendees and the broader community, the fair exceeded this target, raising an impressive $3,500.
As a gesture of gratitude and celebration, Viars and Candace decided to officiate the weddings at no cost, allowing eight couples to share their vows amidst the vibrant backdrop of art and acceptance. Among the newlyweds were Christine Fowler and Sharon Thrailkill, a couple whose love story began at a previous Y’all-Mart event.
A Stand for Equality
Caitlyn Viars, one of the co-founders, personally officiated each ceremony. In her opening remarks, she acknowledged the challenges faced by queer couples today and called upon the attendees to continue supporting these couples in their journey. "It’s almost a form of dissent," Viars remarked, emphasizing the resilience and courage required to celebrate love openly in today’s society.
The Yallentine’s event was more than just a series of weddings; it was a powerful statement of unity and resistance against discrimination. By combining art, love, and advocacy, Y’all-Mart continues to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for all.
Through events like these, the Y’all-Mart team hopes to inspire other communities to embrace diversity and support the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The fair’s success is a reminder that love knows no bounds and that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Looking forward, Y’all-Mart plans to host more events that blend creativity and social impact. With each gathering, they aim to amplify marginalized voices and provide a platform for LGBTQ+ artists and allies to connect and thrive.
By hosting inclusive events and supporting crucial causes, Y’all-Mart is not just an art fair; it’s a movement. It champions the idea that art can be a powerful catalyst for social change, bringing communities together in the spirit of love and solidarity.
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