Rainbow Youth have launched a ‘community wardrobe’, a new initiative to support queer and gender diverse young people.
The idea works by taking clothing donations, which are then sorted and available for queer and trans* people to “try on in a safe and affirming place.” Clothes can then be taken home for free.
Rainbow Youth education director Aych McArdle says that the organisation has been overwhelmed by the generosity of volunteers to help bring the idea to life.
“Often both money and stigma are barriers to accessing identity affirming clothing for our young people. We wanted to create a safe space where our rangatahi could get what they need and for it to be a really positive experience.”
The wardrobe is located at the back of Rainbow Youth’s Auckland drop-in centre on Karangahape Road and Rainbow Youth say they will be taking more donations for clothing later in the year.
