Gender affirmation and more at Pittsburgh’s new free thrift store

Key Takeaways:

• QMNTY Closet, a free thrift store prioritizing trans and queer people, has opened in Pittsburgh.
• The store provides gender-affirming garments, hygiene products, and nonperishable food items.
• Operated by Trans YOUniting and Proud Haven, the store offers a safe space for individuals who may not feel comfortable in traditional thrift stores.
• The opening comes at a time when anti-trans policies are being pursued, highlighting the store’s importance.
• Community members express appreciation for the store’s supportive environment and inclusive offerings.

A New Safe Space in Pittsburgh

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh welcomed the opening of QMNTY Closet, a free thrift store dedicated to providing gender-affirming clothing and resources to trans and queer individuals. Located on East Ohio Street on the North Side, the store is an expanded service offered by nonprofit organizations Trans YOUniting and Proud Haven.

Addressing a Critical Need

“Some people just have absolutely nothing,” said Melissa Sloan, who runs the store. “To come in and be able to gather things that they need—keeping themselves warm, comfortable—with gender-affirming garments, maybe work clothes, whatever they need, it’s just going to be amazing.”

For many trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people, shopping for clothes can be a challenge, especially on a budget. Traditional stores often lack appropriate styles and sizes and can be unwelcoming environments. QMNTY Closet seeks to change that by offering a safe and inclusive space.

An Expanded Offering

The store is lined with shelves and clothing racks bearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to winter coats, stilettos, and fancy dresses. Handwritten signs designate sections like “Masculine shirts” and “Feminine Formal Wear.” In addition to clothing, the store offers hygiene products and nonperishable food items.

Previously operating out of a 10-by-10-foot space in the basement of Trans YOUniting’s QMNTY Center, the thrift store has now moved into its own dedicated storefront. The QMNTY Center, located just a few doors down, will continue to host offices and programs, including free health screenings, craft and game nights, and support groups. It also organizes Pittsburgh Pride, the city’s largest annual celebration of the LGBTQ community.

Community Support and Appreciation

The opening was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Trans YOUniting Executive Director Dena Stanley. More than a dozen shoppers filled the aisles on opening day, expressing gratitude for the new space.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Jazmine Butterfly, a Trans YOUniting board member. “It’s much needed because we have a lot of people that don’t feel safe going to regular thrift stores, and lots of times they don’t even have their size.”

“It’s just really nice that there’s other members of the community here,” shared a shopper named Willow. “I feel like this is 100 percent normal. The comfort, the love that’s going on here.”

Drag queen Alex Lightning praised the inclusive offerings: “They cater to everyone, not just some sizes. It’s been really a good shopping experience so far.”

Customers like Kitt, a gender-fluid resident of Swissvale, found clothes not only for themselves but to share with their transmasculine partner. Another shopper, Babs, appreciated finding affordable work attire without “having to spend an arm and a leg.”

A Beacon Amidst Challenges

The opening of QMNTY Closet comes at a time when anti-trans policies are being pursued by President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers. Efforts to deny trans people’s access to bathrooms, medical care, and legal documents reflecting their gender identity have created a challenging climate.

“It is a disaster, but we’ve been here before,” acknowledged Dena Stanley. “We’re gonna make it through this, and we’re gonna love on the babies, ’cause they’re the ones who really need us at this time.”

Continuing the Mission

Trans YOUniting and Proud Haven continue to offer housing and support services to transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, asexual, and HIV-positive people. With the opening of QMNTY Closet, they hope to further meet the needs of the community.

The store is open from noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. All that’s required of patrons is to sign in.