BUFFALO,N.Y. -- It doesn’t matter who you love, that’s what 50 vendors at Statler City were trying to promote Thursday at the I Do Love Buffalo LGBT Business and Event expo.

"All the services that an LGBT individual or consumer would need under one roof. So we have everything here tonight from health services for gay or transgender individuals to henna tattoo artists," said I Do Love Buffalo organizer Soda Kuczkowski.

"Why wouldn't you? It's very supportive, like I don’t understand why businesses wouldn't be open," said SK Photography owner Sarah Kalobius.


Many came out to get ideas for weddings, talking with businesses that specialize in photography, limousines and invitations.

"My best friend Mark is getting married next year so I thought it would be nice for him to see the local businesses that you know, accept gay marriage and stand by us," said Buffalo resident Derek Sutter.


Some say it’s comforting to work with businesses that welcome them with open arms.


"It does show other businesses too like that don’t accept the gay marriage like hey, yes we are still people and we just want to be happy in life," said Sutter.

"I would never work with a business that didn't really represent my beliefs. At the same token, I understand why businesses especially due to religious beliefs would not want to necessarily work with someone who's gay and lesbian," said Buffalo resident Ray Arjomand.


It’s the first of its kind event in Western New York and some in attendance say the Queen City is the perfect location.


"It’s also very smart, because we do have Niagara Falls, one of the biggest honeymoon destinations and we are the city of good neighbors," said Buffalo resident Jimi Konidis.


Organizers want to bring the message out to the business community.

"We’re thinking of creating a system with badges where they can walk in and they can see a sticker or something on their website that will say that they are friendly, LGBT friendly," said I Do Love Buffalo organizer Heather Bellini.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Pride Center of Western New York.