Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond president Zara Jones started the event after her own experience as a trans woman.
Transitioning in her 40s, Ms Jones not only had a hard time affording a whole new wardrobe, but also faced the attitudes and judgment of others when she went shopping.
“The clothing swap was born out of a need to create a safe space for people to not only get new clothes for their wardrobe but to meet people and feel safe in exploring who they are,” she said.
“Personally it’s taken me three years of exploring and trying on all different outfits and styles to find what feels comfortable and what I’m happy to present myself out into the world wearing.”
The first clothing swap held at the Bendigo Pride Festival in 2021 was meant to be a one-off, but the experience was so valuable that it has continued and expanded to visit other Victorian towns.
As well as an important opportunity to find identity-affirming clothes, the events provide a way to connect with others — something Ms Jones said was “life-saving”.
“When I transitioned I lost my wife, my family, friends — I became very isolated and very alone,” Ms Jones said.
“When I connected with community I found people who celebrate me for me and love me for who I am.”
The clothing swaps are a social space where people can meet others with similar identities or experiences.
The clothes are donated by the public and are presented all together rather than being assigned to genders.
“People can turn up with donations if they’d like to but they don’t have to — they can just look through the clothing racks and are free to explore without expectations of what people should or shouldn’t be wearing,” Ms Jones said.
“They can try things on and walk around in it and if it doesn’t feel like them they can donate it back and try something different.”
The events are designed for trans and gender diverse people but allies are also welcome to attend.
The clothing swap is being held at Wesley Hall, 136 Maude St, Shepparton from 11am to 4pm on Sunday and is part of OUTintheOPEN Festival; celebrating LGBTIQA+ pride and community diversity in Greater Shepparton.
It coincides with the start of Trans Awareness Week, which runs from November 13 to 20 – ending with the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
For information, visit outintheopen.org.au/events-2022
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