You may have a hard time finding clothes that work for your genderbending style. But how much harder would it be if you were unemployed and homeless?
Queers for Economic Justice (QEJ) and Dykes on Bike-Cycles (DOBC) are stepping up for our brethren with a clothing drive — “Butch It Up for QEJ!” — this coming Sunday at Ginger’s in Brooklyn. The basis of the event is to collect masculine-style clothing – trousers, shirts, sweaters, ties and coats – that will both keep homeless individuals warm during the winter months, and provide them with a small comfort of wearing clothes that correspond with their identities as butch or trans.
QEJ (led by Jay Toole, who I met at the ButchVoices conference) does a hell of a lot more than provide clothing. As you can learn from this video, QEJ addresses inequality to promote social change and economic justice inclusive of the diverse sexual and gender identities within the LGBTQ community. These folks aren’t just in the streets demonstrating for change: their volunteers also assist our LGBTQ kindred with the basic needs and support needed to become self-sufficient.
Event Details:
All proceeds from the sale of BBQ and baked goods will go to the Queers for Economic Justice.
There are many ways to honor MLK day, but this is one may be closest to home (was Martin reading your journal when he said “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear”?)
If you can’t make the event, don’t fear- you can make your donation here. dapperQ’s represent!
