Queer Clothes and Book Swap returns to Sonoma Community Center

The Sonoma Community Center host it’s first clothes swap of 2022 on January 15, as unwanted items come out of the closet for a LGBTQ+ friendly, gender-neutral, and judgment-free event.

Attendees are invited to brings up to 10 articles of clothing and books and look for a friendly swap of donated items. The free event will be held Saturday, January 15, from 2 to 4 p.m

G. Spencer Morton, currently the Center’s Fiber Studio Artist, was inspired to initiate the clothes swap after participating in the annual Sonoma Trashion Fashion Show and saw a need to continue its sustainable fashion mission in an even more practical way. “The North Bay is in particular need of queer community connection, as it can be hard to find free, accessible, and alcohol-free spaces to express ourselves,” said Morton (pictured above).

 Everyone and anyone is welcome to participate in the swap, says Creative Programs Manager, Eric Jackson.  “Still, our purpose is to specifically provide a LGBTQ+ friendly, gender-neutral, and judgment-free event where our queer community members have safe access to these donations.”

Attendees are asked to make sure all clothing items and books are in excellent condition. It is requested that there are no holes, stains, smells, or missing fasteners on the clothes. Additionally, the Center will not be accepting undergarments, children’s clothing, or pierced jewelry.

The event embraces the word “queer” as an affirming, inclusive, umbrella term. Although historically it has been used as a slur, today the word is commonly used within LGBTQIA+ communities and among allies because it offers an inclusive, gender-neutral reference to anyone who falls outside of society’s assumed heterosexual and cisgender norm.

“I’m excited to see how this simple Pride Month offering has now grown in participants and expectation,” Jackson continued.  “I’m proud of how we continue to cultivate community.”

The SCC is located at 276 W. Napa St. The January clothes swap will be held inside Room 110.  Masks are required at all times indoors.

To learn more about this and other upcoming events at the Sonoma Community Center please visit sonomacommunitycenter.org, or call (707) 938-4626 x1.