Giving Compass' Take:

• Pansy is a marketplace and center that supports the LGBTQIA maker community in Kansas City.

• How can donors support more spaces that empower the LGBTQIA community? And how can they help provide more access to resources? 

• Read about the resources available for LGBTQIA students. 

Pansy is Kansas City’s first and only marketplace, and soon to be community center and for-rent art studios, focusing on the LGBTQIA+ community. Pansy officially launched its online store, which offers Pansy-branded and select merchandise designed by LGBTQIA+ artists from around the world.

The primary goal of Pansy’s online store is to raise funds for a permanent location. The eventual brick-and-mortar store will offer a variety of goods created by LGBTQIA+ makers and artists.

Kansas City, as well as many other cities in America have a great focus on small business and local makers, however, there is currently not many efforts to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community or the work of LGBTQIA+ artists and makers. Pansy will give these artists a safe and affordable space to make and sell their work.

In addition to a marketplace and art studios, Pansy will offer a community center where there will be events focused on LGBTQIA+ topics. Events will include lectures, classes, and mindfulness exercises, among other things.

Read the full article about LGBTQIA maker community at Causeartist.