Yvonne Marquez (left) and Marina Carranza (right) at the entrance of their shop, Adelitas Revenge, in Long Beach, California on February 2, 2023. They have been together since 2018. Their shop is located on 4th Street next to Plantiitas, another queer-owned shop.
The bright “Open” sign to the tiendita welcomes all types of customers into their inclusive gift shop. Above it is a papel picado, a Mexican banner commonly used for celebrations.
The owners bid a frequent customer goodbye that afternoon. They have become good friends with several of their customers as the shop has become a safe social space for many.Adelitas Revenge sells many art pieces commemorating Latino culture and icons. Displayed by their cashier is a crocheted doll depicting Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican Grammy award-winning rapper. An array of colorful keychains line the display, including some depicting Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who became a global icon.One of the Queer Mercado vendors, Mariah Sut, sells handmade “Pride Bears.” Each stuffed toy represents a different pride flag.Many of the Queer Mercado vendors sell products celebrating queer identity. This shirt says “¡Arriba los Queers!” This empowering statement means “Rise Up Queers!”These pins are a LGBTQ+ spin-off of fictional animated characters and are one of the many queer-inspired art pieces that Adelitas Revenge sells.
