A local Christian market is facing backlash after disinviting an LGBTQ vendor, leading to protests at its most recent event over the weekend.
Protesters descended ROOTS Markets on Magnolia in Fort Worth on Saturday, with some holding signs reading “Homophobes, go home!” and “Do not shop here,” according to the Texas Scorecard.
The protest was in support of business owner Carlie Alaniz, owner of Lucky Pot Co.
Alaniz participated in the market’s opening weekend and told the Fort Worth Report that her involvement was respectful and positive. A few weeks later, on May 31, Alaniz received an email informing her that she would no longer be allowed to sell in the market since she is a member of the LGBTQ community.
“Hey Carlie, we wanted to clarify some things with you! We first want to apologize for accepting your application and not doing our research before hand,” stated the email, per FWR. “Our business … has values just like any other business. Our values are biblically based, we do not have the same views as LGBTQ+. We apologize for accepting your application and not doing our research before hand, and we will be refunding you your vendor fee now! Thank you Carlie, we wish you the best!”
Those in support of ROOTS Markets came to counterprotest and voice their own opinions on the incident.
“Christians are harassed everyday in the country by the LGBT mob,” said conservative activist Carlos Turcios, according to the Texas Scorecard. “And I think it’s important that conservatives show up to support Christian businesses and defend them.”
“It is uncommon in today’s day and time to see this fortitude, and my hope is that the example set by ROOTS Market will cause more Christians to have the courage to be uncommon,” stated Brady Gray, president of Texas Family Project.
Lucky Pot Co. sells some Pride-themed items, and Alaniz was planning to donate 10% of the company’s profits to a “a local organization that helps trans youth,” as reported by the Dallas Observer. Additionally, Alaniz identifies herself as a “latina-queer” woman on her business’ Instagram profile.
“When they had sent that email, I was shocked. I didn’t respond to the email because I knew that my response to it was going to be very emotional,” stated Alaniz, according to FWR.
Alaniz posted a photo of the email to her Instagram and almost immediately gained support from those who saw the post, many of whom bombarded ROOTS Markets with emails.
However, many of Alaniz’s supporters accidentally emailed a different business called Wandering Roots Markets. The business’ co-founder Shea Dardis posted photos of a few emails she received and felt the need to state that her business is “a safe, welcoming place for all race, religion and sexual orientation.”
ROOTS Markets on Magnolia’s Instagram page states that Saturday’s market was the final event of the summer and they are closed until the fall.
