During the LGBT Network’s first-ever trip trans clothing push on Saturday in Hauppauge, a plain meeting room at the organization served as an oasis for self-expression.
The casual shop was stocked with racks of sparkling dresses, spring jackets, and formalwear. It also had tables for casual clothing, chest binders, accessories, sneakers and stilettos.
The free celebration, which was open to everyone, was designed to help transgender and nonbinary individuals create a wardrobe that fits their gender identity.
According to Robert Vitelli, CEO of the LGBT Network, “going to a department business at the mall, everything is sexist,” which can be “uncomfortable.”
Although style has always served as a means of liberty, Vitelli claimed that the trans community places particular importance on it because it frequently serves as the first avenue for experimenting with gender expression.
Teenagers to a transgender woman in her mid-fifties who recently started hormone therapy but has n’t come out in public attended the event on Saturday.
Some claimed that despite the community’s fearful social and political climate, the LGBT Network has offered support and understanding. The Human Rights Campaign reports that this year, more than 400 anti-EQL charges that target transgender and nonbinary people were introduced across the country. The proposed and approved laws might render receiving medical and mental health treatment more difficult for transgender youth.
Vitelli remarked,” This is providing a safe, affirming area because it can be very disconcerting. Our goal is to support LGBT individuals in being who they are.
Miles Rocco, 17, of Cutchogue, and his companion Camila Moran, 18, of Medford, each filled a searching case with fresh strands as they browsed the containers.
Rocco, who accessorized with a membrane penetrating, referred to his fashion as “emo” and typically retailers online or at thrift shops.
He stated,” I wanted more gender-neutral female clothing.” ” Having a place to go and it’s all free is definitely great.”
Jason Armus, 15, of Long Beach, was near looking for a new formal attire through containers of button-downs and blouses.
We’re working on some Christmas-related things, he said. ” Aside from garments, I wanted to have some things I feel comfortable wearing.”
According to Vitelli, the occasion was requested by people of the transgender group, and donations have been coming in for weeks. Long Island Transgender Experience, also known as LITE, for people, and Friday Night Out, a lounge for Transgender children, are two of the cultural and support initiatives run by the LGBT Network.
As the times change and in advance of well-known events like the LGBT Prom each flower, he hopes to occasionally number clothing drives.
Charity Tori Salberg claimed that seeing things from her closet on the racks made her feel proud.
Salberg, 55, of Selden questioned,” Why retain all this stuff that’s really collecting dust.” ” If someone else you put it on and feeling good about themselves.”
