Are you a friend of Dorothy’s? If so, the Hope Pride Committee (HPC) is offering a fun event to help express yourself.
On Feb. 9, HPC will host “Dorothy’s Cabinet,” a swap clothing event where members of Hope’s local LGBTQIA2S+ community can try on, swap, (and take home) gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, and attire. Inspired by the phrase “are you a friend of Dorothy’s?” — a code phrase used during the Second World War as a way for the community to find each other — the event serves as both a way for members of the community to connect with one another as well as provide a safe and affirming environment for people to explore their gender identity through clothes.
“What we wear is incredibly telling of who we are,” says Megan te Boekhorst, the founder and one of the board members of HPC. “The clothes we put on, the way we style our hair, how we do our makeup, that all communicates something about us. No matter who we are, everybody is expressing their identity through their clothing and appearance.
“And so certain clothes, certain styles, certain things are coated or symbolize queer identity or trans identity. So, clothing, makeup, hair, jewelry, it’s all a very empowering way to express yourself and explore. Especially for younger, or even older, transgender folks.”
This is the HPC’s first-ever event. It will take place at the Reins of Freedom office, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to bring clothing to swap (though it’s not necessary to participate). Clothing will be available for all body types, along with snacks, coffee, and affirming feedback.
Formed in 2022, the HPC is part of the Hope Inclusion Project. According to te Boekhorst, who is a board member for the Chilliwack Pride Society, the HPC was created after she realized there was a need for a similar group and committee in Hope.
While the event is for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, everyone is welcome to come and try on clothes. This, says te Boekhorst, helps to ensure that closeted members don’t feel pressured to out themselves simply to attend the event.
As part of ensuring that the safety of the community is at the forefront of the event, te Boekhorst assures that measures have been taken; homophobia and transphobia will not be tolerated, and those intending to bring hate and harm to the event will be escorted out by Hope RCMP officers. For members who are closeted, but still wish to attend, exits are provided and are available should anyone need to quickly and discreetly leave the building.
Overall, te Boekhorst hopes the event will help the community to feel safer to be themselves.
“I think having visibility is a really important step towards erasing homophobia and racism transphobia,” says te Boekhorst. “The visibility also allows folks to feel safer in their communities. When a few of us start to get loud and get public and be visible in the community, it allows others to feel safer to be visible and to be their true selves in their own homes and their own communities.”
@KemoneMoodley
kemone.moodley@hopestandard.com
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