(Originally published by Queer Business BC)

On December 10, Queer Business BC and the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce proudly came together at The Birdhouse Vancouver to host a first Queer Holiday Market—a vibrant, festive celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ creativity, entrepreneurship, food, and community.

Bringing together 15+ queer-owned vendors, local food and beverage favourites, and a lineup of talented entertainers, the market transformed the space into a hub of warmth and joy. Whether attendees were shopping for gifts, exploring unique handcrafted goods, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, the day offered something special for everyone.

A Space for Connection & Economic Empowerment

More than just a market, this event served as an important gathering place for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, allies, artists, and entrepreneurs. Visitors had the chance to:

• Shop queer
• Support values-driven small businesses
• Meet the makers behind the brands
• Build connections within the local queer business ecosystem

Every purchase directly supported queer entrepreneurs and strengthened our shared economic power, a reminder of why spaces like this matter.

Showcasing 2SLGBTQIA+ Talent

Our vendor lineup highlighted the creativity and resilience of queer-led businesses across BC. From handcrafted pottery and Indigenous beadwork to game accessories, art, candles, jewellery, upcycled goods, and more, the market was filled with one-of-a-kind treasures.

Vendors included:
Alai Coffee, Attilio’s Candle Co., Bookwyrm Games, Broken Glass Studio, Dawn Patrol Supply Co., Femmeboyant Designs, Firekeepers Collective, Larissa Grieves Designs, Made by Robin, Morgan’s Pillows & Patchwork, Mujie Jewelry, Oh Darah!, Oli Mixtures, Passage Beading, Ugly Potters, and Wildfires Bookshop.

Food offerings from La Valentina Mexican Cuisine and Good Dogs Plant Food kept the crowd fuelled with comforting seasonal bites and vegan options.

Entertainment That Brought the Cheer

The holiday spirit came alive with festive performances from our host Hotmale Dotcom, along with a joyful musical atmosphere curated by DJ Shypervert — adding energy, movement, and magic to the day.

Member Perks & Special Access

QBBC and CQCC members received exclusive access to a VIP Hour at the start of the market — one of many perks available through our membership programs. If you’re interested in benefits like early access, business support, and community-building opportunities, we invite you to explore CQCC and QBBC membership options.

Thank You for Making It Special

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Queer Holiday Market such a meaningful success:

• Our talented vendors
• Our dedicated volunteers
• Our food partners and entertainment partners
• And every attendee who showed up to shop queer, shop local, and celebrate together

Events like this remind us how powerful it is when we gather, uplift one another, and celebrate the brilliance of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Happy holidays from all of us at the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce and Queer Business BC.