Cal State Fullerton's LGBT Queer Resource Center will open a Gender Affirming Closet to provide a free, on-campus clothing resource for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming students.

“The Gender Affirming Closet is a resource where students can feel empowered to express themselves authentically," said Nat Betancourt Arellano, coordinator of the LGBT Queer Resource Center.

Located in the university's Pollak Library, The Gender Affirming Closet is set to open in the fall semester, starting Friday, Sept. 3. Students will be able to access the closet by appointment through the center's website or during open hours on Fridays, with times to be announced.

Betancourt Arellano commented on the need for this resource on campus.

Why open the Gender Affirming Closet on campus?

The Gender Affirming Closet provides safe and inclusive opportunities for queer students to find clothing. Many transgender and gender non-conforming individuals may experience prejudice, harassment and embarrassment when shopping for clothes in public; they may be scrutinized for purchasing clothes that do not “match" their gender. Additionally, often individuals may not have the ability to freely shop for clothes that most align with their expression due to fear of being rejected by their home environment.

We're addressing this issue so that Cal State Fullerton's intersectional queer student population has access to clothes without gender discrimination or shame. While gender identity is an internal experience, gender expression is a way for queer people to manifest their creativity and identities. In providing options for clothing, we hope to enable queer students' freedom of expression.

What clothing and other wardrobe items will be available?

The majority, if not all, of the clothes in the Gender Affirming Closet will come from donations. Donations are highly encouraged; however, the center's website will explain what type of apparel we are currently accepting, not currently accepting and never accepting. Depending on what we have in stock in our closet, we may ask for less of a certain type of apparel. Other categories of apparel are jackets, dresses, shirts, blouses, jeans, leggings, open-buttoned shirts, shoes and binders of any size. Binders are used to flatten someone's breast using a constructive material in order to feel more comfortable with their body. Upon donation, clothes will be organized by type of apparel, followed by size.

What is the process for students to shop for clothing?

While the Gender Affirming Closet will operate, in general, on an “equitable over equal" approach, we also want to ensure as many students as possible have access to our stock. For this reason, we will allow students to take home up to two outfits per month for free.

For more information or to donate clothing items, visit the LGBT Queer Resource Center website or contact Nat Betancourt Arellano at natbetancourt@fullerton.edu.

About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs, and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $200 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.