The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association is bringing back a business fair it launched more than 40 years ago that later turned into what is now known as Fair Day.
In 1982, the SGLBA launched a business fair, called GayFair '82, to promote and support LGBTQIA+ run businesses. The event eventually transformed into the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day.
More than 40 years later, the "original fair day" is coming back, with organisers encouraging Sydneysiders to "Buy Rainbow" – the event's tagline and seemingly its name.
Stallholders will be LGBTQIA+ owned and operated businesses – something the SGLBA says is "a key point of difference to other similar or market stall events".
Coinciding with NSW Small Business Month, the Paddington Town Hall will host the inaugural Buy Rainbow on Saturday, October 19, with support from the City of Sydney.
In addition to business stalls, Buy Rainbow will also feature a range of speakers and educate attendees about the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ small business owners and operators.
"From sole traders to small businesses, to contractors and partnerships – across all industries – there are LGBTQIA+ folk running some incredible, innovative enterprises here in New South Wales," said SGLBA president Jarrod Lomas.
"Given the success of recent events such as Pride Villages during WorldPride and the outpouring of community support for LGBTQIA+ businesses seen earlier this year during Mardi Gras, we know that people want to ‘Buy Rainbow’ and this event will be a great opportunity to continue this support year-round."
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it was important to recognise and support the small businesses.
"The LGBTQIA+ community has made significant strides towards equality and acceptance in recent years, and it is important to recognise and support the small businesses that form part of this vibrant community," she said.
"Supporting Buy Rainbow is just one way that we can help stimulate the rainbow economy and bring more LGBTQIA+ businesses to Oxford Street."
The event will run from 10am to 3pm and entry is free. Exhibitors will pay between $199 to $289, depending on whether they are SGLBA members. For more information, visit buyrainbow.au.
The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day was cancelled this year after asbestos was found in mulch at Victoria Park, where it is typically held.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
