For many bars and restaurants geared toward the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month means a calendar of events meant to bring the community together.

For many though, those meet and greets, trivia nights, and vendor fairs continue year round.

“This is Come Together Events presents Everybody Say Gay, A Pride Marker. A whole bunch of LGBTQIA+ local artists, as well as our allies, just coming together,” said TJ Cravens, owner of Come Together Events.

Cravens is not only organizer of the market, he is also a the proud co-owner of Soul Love Candle Company.

“It’s very important for us to be represented and all come together here at Wunderbar, which is the safe space here in Syracuse,” he said.

When asked why safe spaces like the market, and Wunderbar itself, are important to the LGBTQ+ community, Cravens did not mince words.

“It’s nice to be able to go somewhere, kick it back and not have to worry about getting harassed,” Cravens said.

Tanner Efinger, owner of Wunderbar, says the facility is a key part of providing Syracuse’s LGBTQ+ community with that sense of safety and solidarity, but it’s also about increasing visibility within the broader community.

“The idea that you can walk on the street and just be who you are and hold your partner‘s hand and feel comfortable and safe isn’t always the case and that’s why things like pride are so important,” he said.

But he says Wunderbar doesn’t only hold events like the pride market during the 30 days of June, instead they are active in promoting a variety of social events year round.

“Here at Wunderbar, I think the importance of the events that we throw where a lot of people can meet new people and feel celebrated and feel as though people care about them are really valuable,” he said.

Efinger says this too fosters unity, while also carving out a place for the LGBTQ+ community in downtown Syracuse.

A quick scan of the crowd and vendor roster at the market reveals a group that extends beyond the LQBTQ+ community.

Darian Shuker, owner of Knitting by Darien, says she is at the market to show support and bring her custom knit products to what she calls a positive space.

“Getting the word out and showing support whether as an ally, or in the community, is we’re all here for positivity and to share love,” she said.

Cravens says sharing that love and positivity with anyone who is willing is what the market is all about.

“I’m super excited for tonight to just let loose and be gay and be myself around a bunch of like-minded individuals where I feel safe,” Cravens said.