EXPRESS YOURSELF! A DIY Fashion workshop to affirm queer and trans identities

New Student Experience was thrilled to participate in Body Politics & Empowerment Week with a new program, EXPRESS YOURSELF! A DIY Fashion workshop to affirm queer and trans identities. A small group gathered to explore how we can use self-expression as a tool for empowerment, and the joys and challenges we face in expressing our full selves through fashion and presentation. Using fabric paint, stamps, stencils, beads, and metallic studs, students decorated tote bags, created jewelry, embellished clothing, embroidered patches, and more. Some brought their own clothing to alter and many took advantage of the Gender Expansive Community Organization (GECO)’s Gender Affirming Regalia Box of donated clothing. We enjoyed the Center for Feminism’s cozy living room, ate delicious warm treats from Insomnia Cookies, and had such a great time that we decided to do it again!  Join us on Friday April 19 and 26 from 2-5pm in the Center for Feminisms for more crafting, cookies, community, and conversation!

by Teal Van Dyck, Project Coordinator of Ethics & the Common Good and Voula O’Grady, Community Development Coordinator for New Student Experience.  The event was also co-sponsored by the Queer Community Alliance Center and the Center for Feminisms