Queer Closet Exchange (QCE) helps queer students who might have a hard time finding gender affirming clothing, hygiene products and provides a safe space. It also provides for students regardless of their financial limitations. The exchange took place at the Social Justice Center in the Old Administration Building -139, on March 26 and 27.
Cas Haugen, a co-founder of QCE, said the project was able to support the unhoused community and recalled when an individual told them the clothes were able to keep her from freezing. They stated this was during a time when the City of Fresno had not opened warming centers up to the unhoused last winter.
Last semester, the project helped 200+ students, according to Haugen.
“I actually really need clothes right now. I was about to go and spend hundreds of dollars on new clothes. I lost a lot of weight and so it was hard to find clothes that fit me, and so this is really helping me,” Janelle Allen, an FCC student, said during the exchange.
Not only clothing or hygiene products, but accessories and unused makeup are accepted too.
“From what I see, they provide a lot of essentials that are needed like women’s, sanitary products and bath products. I found that it is really helpful for the community and the students here at Fresno City College,” FCC student, Tran Le, said.
It is a free and safe experience that aims to be approachable for everyone; it doesn’t matter if students are gay, straight, transgender or cisgender, it’s open for all, according to Haugen.
“It’s better to think of the system as like a free store than it is a thrift store, you know, you just come in and if this is something you want to take it, no questions asked,” Haugen said.
According to an exit survey provided by Haugen, 100% of 47 responses said QCE should return. Forty-three of the 47 responses ranked the exchange as five out of five in usefulness of the exchange.
Plus-size and masculine clothing, as well as gender-affirming clothing like binders, packers and tucking underwear are among the items that the QCE was looking for. Donating these articles of clothing can help support the community’s needs immensely, according to Haugen.
“Anything that we have left over gets taken to groups like Food Not Bombs, to make sure that the unhoused are getting the clothes that they need,” Haugen said.
Food Not Bombs is an all-volunteer project that distributes clothing and food to those in need.
QCE also accepts potential volunteers that can come in on donation and pop-up dates to inform the organization of their wish to help.
“They contribute by being part of the process, not only are they there to help keep stuff organized and just make sure we’re restocking tables as like, or the pants are taken or something, but also to make sure that we’re reaching the students to let them know,” Haugen said.
Donation and pop up closet dates are posted on the QCE Instagram.
