Published on May 22, 2024
Early summer days welcome ripening strawberries, longer days and more time spent outdoors. At the Brick Works this June, we’re embracing Indigenous culture and Pride, recognizing the deep connection between the land and the diverse communities that thrive on it.
Join us at the Saturday Farmers Market, the Evergreen Garden Market and Weekend Nature Play for opportunities to embrace Indigenous culture and Pride this month!
There’s so much to look forward to the Farmers Market in June! Rhubarb, asparagus, haskap berries and garlic scapes will come into season this month and won’t be around for long! Strawberries, also called “heart berries” in many Indigenous languages, will start to be in abundance.
In Indigenous cultures, it’s custom to eat the whole strawberry—including the leaves and the stem—as a show of gratitude for nature’s gifts, to reduce waste and to receive all the nutrients packed within the entire plant. If you pick up any heart berries at the Farmers Market this month, why not embrace this tradition by eating the whole berry?
Whether you’re looking for artisanal loose-leaf tea, local and sustainably-grown produce, healthy treats or upcycled home goods, there are so many ways to support local Indigenous-owned and queer-owned vendors at the Brick Works.
We’re so excited to be highlighting some of our queer-identifying vendors in this mini interview series!
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
My LGBTQ+ identity greatly influences the way I move through the world. This has influenced the type of working environment I create for my staff. As the owner it is my responsibility to set the culture and tone for a safe inclusive space. Actions such as constantly educating myself and staff on LGBTQ+ issues and using inclusive language in turn results in a more inclusive and affirmative space for customers.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
Impact is greater than intent. Here are three things everyone can do to support LGBTQ+ vendors and people:
-Sabrina
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
My candles and cement crafts focus on body positivity and inclusivity which is a major part of my life.
Are there any special products or offerings you’re particularly excited to showcase during Pride Month?
Yes, I just finished making the pride collection for cement and will also make some limited-edition body butter and candles for pride.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
By being inclusive and not censoring my work, pretty much keep doing what they are already doing.
– Omowunmi
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
I am looking to make thing interesting and fun all the time 🎉🌈
Are there any special products or offerings you’re particularly excited to showcase during Pride Month?
The Chorizo and Egg Arepa! It has that mix of savory, sweet and spicy. An explosion of flavours!
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month
As any local business, the support of our customers is the main thing—coming to the market and joining the diversity as vendors and customers.
-Jose
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
As an LGBTQ+ individual, I understand the importance of inclusivity and diversity. This perspective influences my work by encouraging me to create products that are not only sustainable but also accessible to everyone. My identity has taught me the value of authenticity and resilience, which I strive to embed in every product I create.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
Supporting LGBTQ+ vendors goes beyond just purchasing products during Pride Month. It’s about fostering year-round inclusivity and visibility. The community can support us by shopping local, spreading the word about our businesses, and engaging with us on social media. Leaving reviews, sharing our stories, and encouraging others to support LGBTQ+ artisans can make a significant impact. Additionally, advocating for inclusive policies and practices in all areas of life helps create a more supportive environment for everyone.
-Natalie
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your business?
Earth & City began in 2010 by owners Cassandra Rizzotto and Lisa Sweetman – two openly queer cis women. In 2014, Ashley Sweetman (also a queer and cis woman) joined the mix when she met Lisa and fell in love at Sorauren Farmers’ Market. Ashley took over operations of the business in 2018. Earth & City is a food business that prepares healthy, wholesome and delicious food and drinks. All of our products are plant-based (vegan), gluten free and naturally sweetened.
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
That’s a great question. I think we are just open and inclusive folx and that shines through in our products and how we run our business. We love utilizing fun or rare farm grown produce to make delicious food and drinks. It also shows in our hiring and operational practices. We also just love representing ourselves out loud at markets because representation matters – folx will come out and support when they see themselves represented in their communities and spaces.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
This is a very important question – thank you for asking it! All of these causes need to be at the forefront all year long not just at the token times of year. The best way that others can support LGBTQ+ vendors is by being aware, inclusive, and intentional in building connection. Being mindful of how we talk to and about people is hugely important. Using gender neutral expression and terms as well as asking and sharing pronouns are both powerful ways to show and promote support.
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
We are a proud gay couple that is open about our queerness. I enjoy telling people that I have a farmer husband and that we have built a beautiful farm life together. Our gay identity doesn’t so much influence our work, but it is part of who we are.
Are there any special products or offerings you’re particularly excited to showcase during Pride Month?
We will be emphasizing colour during Pride month. Eat the Rainbow! From our beautiful eggs to our colourful heirloom tomatoes and vegetables, we want to stress that not only is eating the rainbow extremely healthy, it’s also fun.
Although our produce won’t be ready in June we will look to make our sandwiches and drinks more colourful than ever. I love embracing colour—from what we put on our plate to what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world. Colour is life!
-John
How does your LGBTQ+ identity influence your work or the products you create?
Leading with our inclusive model, our products are not gender specific and we make products with everyone in mind.
Are there any special products or offerings you’re particularly excited to showcase during Pride Month?
As we embark on the 2024 growing season, we are looking forward to featuring our Callaloo Soap and other vegetable based soaps such as: Sweet Potato, Beetroot, Zucchini and Carrot. We are excited to bring back our All Natural Bug Spray and include other natural products to protect the skin during the summer months.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
Beyond Pride Month, you can continue to support us online (@sasa_naturals) and at farmers markets within the city.
– Kristine
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your business?
I am an artisan Nut Roaster and a Nut Farmer. We roast healthy nuts using fruits and vegetables that are grown by me or other local farmers.
What inspired you to join the Saturday Farmers Market at the Brick Works?
I wanted to sell our nuts at a heritage market and they really support local and community.
How can the community best support LGBTQ+ vendors like yourself beyond Pride Month?
Always try to keep the community safe be honest open and inclusive.
– Elisabeth
Farmers Market Dates: Every Saturday
Location: The Pavilions
Time: 8am – 1pm (Local Food Court open until 2pm)
If you can’t make it to the Saturday Farmers Market, we have products from the following Indigenous and queer-identifying vendors at the Garden Market every day:
While visiting the Garden Market, come see our Pride installation in the Welcome Centre! This vibrant display celebrates diversity and inclusion, showcasing the 11 colors of the progressive Pride flag in all their glory. The installation is more than just a photo opportunity— it also invites visitors to appreciate the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance.
Follow the historic Valley Chimney to the best place in the city of Toronto for outdoor play—the Children’s Garden!
Indigenous cultures across North America hold deep knowledge and respect for the natural world. At Weekend Nature Play, our outdoor educators aim to instill this knowledge and appreciation for nature in children, helping them to become the environmental stewards of the future! We’ll have engaging activities where you and your kids can make art, get messy and embrace everything that nature has to offer.
Join us in the Children’s Garden for Weekend Nature Play this June!
Dates:
Location: The Children’s Garden
Time: 10am – 3pm
Getting to the Brick Works can be easy! Take our free Shuttle Bus from Broadview Station or hop on the TTC 28 bus from Davisville Station. Feeling adventurous? Pump those tires and hop on your bike and enjoy the gradual descent into the valley on one of the many trail systems that connect to our site. Paid parking is also available, but spaces are limited. Learn more about the free and low-cost ways to get to the Brick Works here.
