About us:
Trans* Open Wardrobe is a non-profit association based in Bern, Switzerland, and founded/led by queer and trans BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) people. The aim of the association is to set up regular events for transgender*, non-binary and gender-expansive people to find suitable and gender-affirming clothes in a safer space.
Our mission:
We ask the community to donate clothes, shoes, and accessories, which are to be made available for free during clothes giveaway events for trans* people, and those who feel at home under the trans* umbrella label.
For the events, accessible and obstacle-free locations with changing rooms are set up in order for people to try the clothes in safety and comfort.
We also ask for financial donations in order to provide specific gender-affirming clothes and items, such as binders and tucking underwear, for trans* people who cannot afford buying them, and to provide train tickets to trans* refugees to be able to attend our events, as well as storage for the donated clothes we receive.
How we started:
In one of the meetings for trans* refugees in Switzerland, people were discussing how hard it was to get access to gender-affirming clothes they felt comfortable wearing, and how they felt unsafe to go to stores to buy the clothes they needed or wanted.
The president of the association, who is a trans refugee as well, got the idea to start events, by and for trans* people, to provide clothes that trans* people can try without feeling uncomfortable or afraid of harassment.
Trans* Open Wardrobe is a non-profit association based in Bern, Switzerland, and founded/led by queer and trans BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) people. The aim of the association is to set up regular events for transgender*, non-binary and gender-expansive people to find suitable and gender-affirming clothes in a safer space.
Our mission:
We ask the community to donate clothes, shoes, and accessories, which are to be made available for free during clothes giveaway events for trans* people, and those who feel at home under the trans* umbrella label.
For the events, accessible and obstacle-free locations with changing rooms are set up in order for people to try the clothes in safety and comfort.
We also ask for financial donations in order to provide specific gender-affirming clothes and items, such as binders and tucking underwear, for trans* people who cannot afford buying them, and to provide train tickets to trans* refugees to be able to attend our events, as well as storage for the donated clothes we receive.
How we started:
In one of the meetings for trans* refugees in Switzerland, people were discussing how hard it was to get access to gender-affirming clothes they felt comfortable wearing, and how they felt unsafe to go to stores to buy the clothes they needed or wanted.
The president of the association, who is a trans refugee as well, got the idea to start events, by and for trans* people, to provide clothes that trans* people can try without feeling uncomfortable or afraid of harassment.