G(end)er Swap

SANTI SORENTI

Are you a trans or gender non-conforming individual in need of clothes, related resources or transitional items? Look no further.

By Carol Dierzuk

We asked our Qommunity Reporter, Carol Dierzuk, to discuss the services offered by G(end)er Swap with its founder, Santi Sorrenti.

What’s it all about?

G(end)er Swap is a UK-based clothing outreach initiative supporting trans folks with binders, clothes and related resources. They also do trans make-up workshops, clothing swaps, and all things fashion!

What are the origins of G(end)er Swap?

I have always thrifted my clothes as a way of exploring gender expression and identity. I noticed there wasn’t any organisation where queer and trans people could find clothes and could find a space to experiment with their expression. Going to stores can be quite uncomfortable, as most customer service staff don’t understanding fashion in relation to queer or trans bodies. I thought it

“I noticed there wasn’t any organisation where queer and trans people could find clothes and could find a space to experiment with their expression.”

would be a good idea to create a safe space for queer and trans people where they can express themselves through fashion.

Because of the pandemic, how difficult it is for a person to get a binder?

The demand for binders has definitely increased all around the UK. People can sign up using a Google form on our page. The packaging is completely discrete and we can send the binder to a different address if need be. You just need to cover postage costs, and you can get it delivered to any location. However, the demand is high and the wait list is long so please bear this in mind.

You’re partnering with M.A.C Cosmetics for your makeup tutorials and online workshops, can people expect future in-person workshops with different companies?

In 2021 we are planning on doing partnership workshops - more about alteration and clothing adjustments. We hope people will be able to find their own style on a budget.

Any big hopes for the future?

I hope that we can expand globally, not only across the UK. We want to work with mainstream companies to educate them and change the ways they support gender non-conforming people. The biggest goal is to bring people together into a mutual-aid community that continues on.

Can people volunteer to work with you?

Yes! You have to fill in a form on our page - genderswap.org. Anyone from across the world can volunteer.

Where to find you online?

You can find us on Instagram @genderswap_, and on our website where you can learn about upcoming events. Also, there is a Facebook page where you can exchange clothes with others and make friends!