New and inclusive clothes swaps to take place at Spark:York
A NEW series of inclusive clothes swaps is coming to York following the success of events across the UK. Thanks to new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Trans Support Hub CIC will host four clothes swap events at Spark:York, starting with the first on November 28.
Trans Support Hub has already delivered successful events in Manchester, Stockport, Leeds, Derby and Kirkcaldy, each designed to provide a welcoming and gender-affirming environment for the LGBTQ+ community to explore their style and identity.
The events invite people to bring along clothing, shoes and accessories they no longer wear and exchange them for new-to-them items.
At each event, visitors are welcomed into a space created with inclusivity and comfort in mind.
Founder Jamie Lowe said: "Our clothes aren’t separated by gender and a gender-neutral changing area makes it easy for everyone to try on clothing.
"And our friendly volunteers are always on hand to offer support. The swaps are exclusively for LGBTQ+ people and allies they bring along, offering a safe space for those who may find shopping in traditional retail settings uncomfortable or inaccessible.
"For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, finding clothes that align with who they are can be daunting or expensive. These events remove that pressure. They are about community, confidence and connection, and they happen to be great for the planet too."
Environmental sustainability is central to the project. By reusing and redistributing clothing that might otherwise go to landfill, the swaps help reduce waste and extend the life of garments. Textile waste is one of the UK’s fastest-growing environmental issues, with over 350,000 tonnes of clothing sent to landfill annually in the UK, according to Business Waste.
The project also supports a growing national movement towards community-based circular fashion, where people share and reuse resources instead of buying new. In Manchester and Leeds, the clothes swaps have become a regular part of the LGBTQ+ calendar, attracting attendees from across the region.
Volunteers support each event and often include a stylist and a tailor who help with repairs or alterations so that clothes fit well and feel right.
The York events will run quarterly throughout the year, and organisers hope they will become a lasting feature in the city’s LGBTQ+ community calendar as well as a model for similar initiatives across the North.
Jamie added: "Every city we visit has its own story and its own community, but the feedback is always the same. People feel seen, supported and excited to express themselves. We are thrilled to bring that energy to York."
Anyone interested in attending or volunteering at future events can find updates or get in touch on Facebook (@TransSupportHubUk) and Instagram (@TransSupportHub) where dates, accessibility details and donation information will be shared.
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