The Trans Closet formed in 2018 as a mutual aid project focused on ending the stigma and stress associated with clothes shopping for many trans individuals. Since then, we have evolved into a tight-knit group that works with both individuals and groups to increase clothing access, combat economic injustice and public discrimination, support trans self-expression and gender euphoria, and cultivate healing spaces for trans, nonbinary, and questioning people to explore their identities through clothes.

The Hudson Valley has a vibrant trans community, and yet many individuals are still isolated through lack of access to resources and support systems. We attempt to bridge these gaps by offering clothing and gender-affirming accessories free to our community.

The Trans Closet is structured as a thrift shop where everything is free, where trans people can experience a safe space to explore gender expression, where our community can come together in a simple, welcoming, everyday setting. For us, trans joy means trans justice. The core of our liberation is our joy.

Since 2018, we have gone from a very small grassroots organization to expanding our organizing core group and volunteer base, and partnering with Dutchess County Pride for a permanent space where people can shop our inventory, drop off items, and try on clothes in a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive space. We also partner with community organizations like Awakening Trans Art Collective, QPOP Productions, LOFT LGBTQ+ Center, the Newburgh LGBTQ+ Center, Thrift 2 Fight, and Beacon LGBTQ+ Liberation to hold pop-up events, workshops, celebrations, and more.

Creating and sustaining trans joy through self-expression is the core of our mission—and through our expanding programming, networks, and events, we’ve been able to experience that joy with our community.