A Client's Reflection - Jason
This post is guest written by Jason E (they/he), a member of our Youth Council. Jason has also come in for two client appointments at Transform.
When your average person thinks of clothes, they probably pay very little mind. Just finding something to wear, right? However, as a trans youth, and as an adolescent in a turbulent stage of my life, clothes mean a lot. Finding clothes that made me feel like myself gave me immense validation.
I will always believe that the pure joy of being comfortable in your own skin cannot be matched by anything. I want to stress how important it is for trans kids to feel safe and welcome in their bodies and communities. As Kansas wrote in their song No One Together, “to grow without is not to grow within.”
That joy and growth is exactly what I felt when coming to Transform as a client.
The process is simple: when scheduling your appointment you fill out a survey about your clothing style, your size, and what types of clothes you're looking for. When you arrive at the shop, you've met with a curated rack, donned with articles that hopefully (and almost always) match your taste, as well as a custom made sign with your name and pronouns.
That's the gist, but so many more factors made both of my client appointments wonderful.
For one, the welcoming environment. Everyone smiles at you as they explain the process and lead you into the dressing room. Upon entry, you're greeted with books, butterflies, jewelry, accessories, and affirming words. As you try on your new clothes, you're met with praise and joy from the volunteers, letting you know exactly how good you look. (Trust me, you do :])
I must say, the first time as a client really boosted my confidence. During my second appointment, I vividly recall laughing and smiling as I showed off my outfit choices.
“I was going to film just the highlights, but all of them are highlights.”
That was the response from a volunteer as she filmed a few clips for the Transform TikTok.
It's one of those things that changes the course of your overall transition. A new wardrobe sets the tone for the young person and everyone they interact with. You're pretty much making the declaration: “Look here, this is me, and I'm not afraid to show it,” which is powerful on so many levels.
Ultimately, such a supportive community of people, whether you know them or not, have all united to make the experience possible for so many young people in the Cincinnati area.
Those who donate, the volunteers, and most importantly, the love in people's hearts; that's something I don't think I'll ever take for granted. Transform changes lives, and I can say that with 100 percent honesty because they changed mine.