Big GAY Market will go on without Diversity Richmond’s help

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond-area LGBTQ+ nonprofit is determined to host its "Big GAY Market" event in mid-September without the aid of Diversity Richmond following a former Diversity Thrift employee's allegations of workplace harassment.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Andy Waller, the executive director of local LGBTQ+ nonprofit TransJam RVA, contacted 8News via email to share details on its upcoming Big GAY Market event.

Big GAY Market, a huge flea market-style event that features many local LGBTQ+ artists and creators, is an event created by TransJam RVA that has been held in partnership with Diversity Richmond since its conception. However, Waller said this has changed.

"Recently, we suffered the very great loss of this partnership due to it being brought to our attention that Diversity failed to appropriately address acts of racism and sexual harassment experienced by a Black queer female employee within their organization," Waller said in the email. "To date, unfortunately, Diversity has not taken accountability, addressed the harm done, or made corrective repairs. We remain committed to transparency and truth on this matter as well as protecting and showing up for Black women and queer community."

8News first reported on these allegations in June, when former Diversity Thrift employee Danni Worthy-Mays came forward and accused a former supervisor of sexual harassment and racism. She claimed this included troubling behaviors like touching her inappropriately, sending her sexual text messages -- despite his being married -- and using racial slurs.

MORE: ‘I felt like dirt’: Harassment claims challenge Diversity Richmond’s safe space image

Worthy-Mays said she brought these concerns to Diversity Thrift leadership on May 6, but that they made her feel as though they didn't care.

“I asked, ‘Can I get an apology?'” she said of that conversation. “They said I was not entitled to that. They said I was not entitled to an apology from my supervisor for using the N word with me, and sexually harassing me, and making me feel uncomfortable, and showing no remorse for it.”

As Worthy-Mays' story circulated on the Internet, groups like TransJam RVA announced they would no longer work with Diversity Richmond.

Specifically, in TransJam RVA's case, leadership took to Instagram on June 27 to say they would no longer hold events like the Big GAY Market at Diversity Richmond "until repairs are made and corrective action is done to ensure the safety and protection of Black women."

Following this and other backlash, Diversity Richmond announced it would hold a town hall on July 15 to discuss the community's concerns.

8News attended that town hall, which was largely led by outside representatives rather than Diversity Richmond, itself. Many were not happy with how it played out, with one attendee saying it was one of the “saddest presentations” they had ever seen.

Though the people leading the town hall said the results of the polls conducted would be made publicly available at some point, 8News cannot find a record of them as of the time of reporting. Additionally, it appears as though Diversity Richmond has not made any social media posts about this controversy since the town hall.

According to Waller, Big GAY Market and events like it are more than just a way for LGBTQ+ people to congregate.

"Vendors and patrons alike have called our event 'sacred,' a place where they feel they belong and can be their full, authentic selves," they said. "And [it's] unlike any other market or event in Richmond, as it specifically strives to be accessible both financially for those who sell their wares and for the diverse population we seek to include in each and every Big GAY Market we host."

Waller said that Diversity Richmond's silence and inaction has made those very same people feel unsafe.

"Our collective of artists and makers, as well as countless supporters and community members, state that they do not feel safe attending or being a part of events held by Diversity Richmond," they said. "We've received over 500 signatures via a community solidarity form, all standing with Black women and those most affected by Diversity's actions."

Because of this, TransJam RVA has been working to find a way to host its next Big GAY Market without Diversity Richmond's assistance.

In the email, Waller announced that a new venue has officially been secured for said upcoming Big GAY Market. The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the First Unitarian Universalist and the Carillion Lawn, located at 1000 and 1300 Blanton Avenue, respectively.

But this move isn't without increased costs.

"As a small, grassroots nonprofit – we do not take any funding from corporations or banks, and depend on individual donations from small businesses, partnerships and individuals," Waller said.

Waller added that, in addition to the costs needed to host these events, TransJam RVA also partners with and supports other LGBTQ+ nonprofits through advocacy, education and mutual aid.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Big GAY Market, you can contact Waller via email at dayumjamrva@gmail.com. You can also visit TransJam RVA's website for more information.