Sun in Leo, a queer-owned store in downtown Kent that sells upcycled clothing and accessories, provided a space for LGBTQ+ vendors during Rainbow Weekend.
Justine Gallo, owner of Sun in Leo, hosted vendors that worked to foster community and inclusion during this year’s October Pride celebrations.
“I host markets, so we have an empty venue that I’m able to fit vendors in,” Gallo said. “We rent out spaces, and I choose LGBTQ+ vendors.”
The market took place at Acorn Alley, close to Sun in Leo, where vendors sold a variety of items, ranging from clothes to tarot readings.
At Sun in Leo, Gallo hosted a clothing swap during Rainbow Weekend to ensure anyone in need could access gender-affirming clothing, which she said was a success.
“It was our gender-affirming clothing swap specifically, so every time someone’s donated a binder, we found it a home,” Gallo said.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Gallo said she is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces for others, especially those who might not have support elsewhere.
Gallo said the importance of events like these does not go unnoticed because the more people talk about their experiences in the queer community, the more accepting others begin to be.
“As someone who wasn’t able to be out and proud as a kid, now I can see children with their grandma in here talking about their partner,” Gallo said. “It’s so nice to see the world change and be a space for people if they don’t have that support system.”
Gallo said after graduating from Kent State in 2022 as a fashion design major, she decided to continue her work in fashion at markets before eventually opening her shop to give back to the community by selling sustainable clothing.
“It all came from one idea, which was saving the planet, and it just snowballed,” Gallo said. “I didn’t think there was any time to waste.”
Providing a sustainable, safe environment for everyone, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, is what Gallo has been striving for since opening Sun in Leo.
The next event Gallo is working on is the Haunted Alley Market, with vendors selling handmade goods in Acorn Alley on Oct. 25 and 26.
Kayla Gleason is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
