By Eden Lawrence
On Wednesday, March 26, in the Amersfort Room of the Student Center, Brooklyn College students were welcomed to an afternoon of donating clothes and browsing tables stocked with garments for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance’s (LGBTA) Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap event. The event, in collaboration with the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), was a way to let students, specifically transgender students, express their style in the way they want at zero cost.
The LGBTA president, Fia Sanchez, said they wanted to hold the event to celebrate Trans Visibility Day, which falls annually on March 31. Sanchez is aware of the recent attack on trans identities through President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Trump has called for the US to recognize only two genders, tried to ban trans athletes from competing in sports, and wants to keep LGBTQ+ friendly practices from entering classroom, according to federalregister.gov. Sanchez wanted to create a space where trans people feel seen and safe.
“We wanted to do something that gives people an opportunity to express their gender and their identity freely and without any kind of restrictions or feeling judged,” said Sanchez, “And an open space for people to feel comfortable in any gender identity.”
This is the first time the LGBTA has held a clothing swap event, and Sanchez credited NYPIRG as the inspiration for holding it. NYPIRG, which runs the free store located in 1433 Ingersoll Hall, is no stranger to helping BC students in need, as they are the largest student advocacy group on campus.
Along with the free store, which provides clothes, food, and hygiene products to BC students at no charge, NYPIRG tries to positively impact students, both on and off campus. This ranges from hosting beach cleanups to advocating for a fully funded CUNY. NYPIRG Project Coordinator Jake Mooney was willing to help out with the event, stressing the importance of occasions like this.
“It’s important that students know this exists,” stated Mooney, “Beyond just the LGBTQ+ Research Center, we want students to know that they can find belonging and community anywhere on campus, and we hope events like this help promote that.”
With tables stocked with hoodies, t-shirts, dresses, make-up, and jewelry, attendees of the event were able to snag finds along with donating pieces with the hopes that they find a new home. Additionally, any clothes that had not been taken were planned to be given to a homeless shelter so as not to waste them.
Attendees were left more than satisfied with the event and what it had to offer. While many were excited for the thrifting, they still knew the importance and meaning behind the event. BC freshman Helena Nogueira, who gave the event a 10 out of 10, applauded the LGBTA for this event and holds hope for it to happen again.
“It brings a sense of togetherness. There is no limit to clothes, there are no restrictions to clothes, and everybody here shows that,” said Nogueira, “There’s something here for everybody, and I think that’s what we want it to represent. There is something for you here.”
BC student Matthew Vasquez also held the event in high regard. Vasquez loved how this event brought people together for a great time and an even better cause.
“Now more than ever, we need unity and community,” started Vasquez, “It’s just important because I think a lot of people like to express themselves through their fashion, and this is just an opportunity for everyone to mix and trade, build up their style, and find a new way to express themselves.”
Attendees who wish for a second installment of the clothing swap will be glad to hear that Sanchez plans to host this event again in the future, with hopes of increasing turnout. Sanchez noted that more marketing for the event will get them to the numbers they want.
Until then, Sanchez implored higher-ups of BC to fight for trans rights in this shaky time period. With Trump’s executive orders that continue to affect trans identities, Sanchez wants the people of this campus to use their voices and the strength available to them.
“Brooklyn College really needs to step up at this time and make a statement that they will support our transgender students,” said Sanchez. “And now that we’re living in a time where trans people’s rights are literally being stripped away by the government, Brooklyn College should, and needs, to make a statement in support of transgender people because our college should be supporting our students, especially those who are most vulnerable to violence.”