Pride Quarterly: Twin Cities Pride’s Rainbow Wardrobe Takes The Community Somewhere Over The Rainbow

When it comes to expressing yourself, no matter what your gender or sexuality, everyone can agree the easiest and most noticeable way to do it is in your style. Because of this, it can feel crushing if you don’t have the ability to express yourself, especially to accurately express and celebrate your gender identity or sexuality.

That’s where Twin Cities Pride’s Rainbow Wardrobe program comes to the clothing rescue, by offering a wonderful selection of affirming clothing, accessories, toiletries, and so much more to the LGBTQ+ community. And the best part about it? It’s totally free. 

What exactly is the Rainbow Wardrobe program at Twin Cities Pride? Maddy Loch (they/she), the Programming Coordinator for Twin Cities Pride says, “The Rainbow Wardrobe is a zero cost, gender affirming wardrobe program that is hosted at the Pride office year-round… The Rainbow Wardrobe offers individuals a safe space to come and look through clothes and accessories that make them feel safe, confident, and 100% like their authentic self.”

The Rainbow Wardrobe is a wonderful celebration of queerness, and a great tool for people who, without it, might not be able to dress in ways that make them feel confident in who they are.

Loch says that the Rainbow Wardrobe started out a lot smaller than it is today. They explain, “The idea was to host it at our 2023 Pride Festival as a clothing swap in the park. After the festival, we realized how needed this resource was, so it became a year-round program that we have in the Pride office.” She continues, “Throughout the past year, the wardrobe has expanded greatly. Instead of just clothing, we now have toiletries, makeup, undergarments, gender affirming undergarments such as binders, tucking garments, breast forms, and so much more. Our wardrobe is size and style inclusive and has something for everyone, whether that’s a sparkly top for an event, or a pair of jeans for every day.”

In a world where so much is outside of our control, it’s so refreshing to know that there’s a place our community can go to find clothes that make them feel unique, loved, and celebrated. There’s nothing quite like the gender euphoria of putting on an outfit that feels right, and helping someone in our community experience pure queer joy like this is a truly priceless act of love. Twin Cities Pride’s decision to keep the Rainbow Wardrobe program going year-round also shows how much dedication and care they have for the community.

As we all know, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, clothes aren’t just clothes. They’re expression, they’re acceptance; clothing is an incredibly important cultural tool, and wearing what you want can be both a beautiful rebellion, and a radical act of homage to those who fought for the rights we have today. In short, clothing is deeply important, and the Rainbow Wardrobe celebrates that.

If you want to help out with the Rainbow Wardrobe program, you’re in luck! They’re always looking for donations. Loch explains, that they’re looking for, “clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations so that we can continue to provide this space for individuals in need. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the Twin Cities Pride office, Monday – Friday and monetary donations can be made on our website.”

They continue, “For any questions regarding the Rainbow Wardrobe, please email us at [email protected].”

Loch also makes a point to thank all of the wonderful community members who have already lent their time, donations and money to the Rainbow Wardrobe. She says, “we’re so grateful for all the individuals who have stepped up and provided the program with items such as toiletries, monetary donations for gender affirming undergarments, specific clothing sizes, etc. We’re also immensely grateful for individuals who have donated their time to volunteering for wardrobe events and ensuring the program continues to provide individuals with a safe and welcoming place.”

Summer hours for the Rainbow Wardrobe will be a little different, as the organization prepares for Pride, so make sure to check in on their website for dates and times! Loch notes that, as always, “If anyone is urgently in need of gender affirming undergarments, toiletries, clothing, etc. during our closure, please reach out to us at [email protected].”

This Pride, celebrate your style, your gender, your sexuality and yourself by wearing exactly what you want… and helping someone else do exactly the same. Support Twin Cities Pride’s Rainbow Wardrobe, and serve!

Twin Cities Pride Rainbow Wardrobe: https://tcpride.org/rainbow-wardrobe/