Fort Worth craft market under fire on social media over exclusion of LGBTQ+ vendor
A Fort Worth craft market is facing criticism over its decision to ban a vendor because of its support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Roots Market, which organizes a weekly craft and food fair near the intersection of West Magnolia Avenue and Fifth Avenue, cited biblical values in an email to vendor Carlie Alaniz, owner of The Lucky Pot Co.
“Our business (the Market) has values just like any other business,” the email reads according to a screenshot of it posted by Alaniz. “Our values are biblically based, we do not have the same values as LGBTQ+.”
The email goes on to apologize to Alaniz for “accepting your application and not doing our research before hand,” before promising to refund her vendor fee.
Alaniz’s screenshot was quickly picked up by other Fort Worth small businesses who condemned the market’s decision.
Facebook users flooded the market’s page with comments critical of its stance against the LGBTQ+ community. Roots Market has since deactivated comments on both its Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Enjoy your time on Magnolia because it won’t last long. Apparently y’all didn’t do that research either. Take your hate somewhere else,” one commentator posted.
Representatives for Roots Market did not respond to three emails and an Instagram message requesting comment Thursday.
Roots Market, which organized its first vendor market on Magnolia Avenue on May 13, doesn’t advertise itself on social media as a business catering exclusively to Christians or to those opposed to the LGBTQ+ community.
“We exist to be an outdoor sip, snack, and shopping experience with all local handmade farmers and artisan booths, delicious food vendors and yummy beverages,” according to its vendor application form.
Alaniz, who participated in the Roots over Mother’s Day Weekend, said she didn’t know too much about the company given how new it was.
She thanked members of the Fort Worth small business and LGBTQ+ community for their support. She said they helped her get over the initial shock receiving the email.
“I’ve been a blubbering mess all day, and people were asking me if I was crying on the phone,” she said.
While she was grateful Roots Market refunded her vendor fee, she noted how much time she spent promoting the event and getting friends to attend.
“The vendor fee, I’m glad I got that back, but all the other time I put in is not returned,” she said.
