Launching the Trans-Affirming Care Package Program!
Be your most authentic, affirmed self. Apply for the SJPC’s Trans-Affirming Garment (TAG) Program!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/JkWpexKTSP5GGHUo7
WHAT IS THIS?
The San Joaquin Pride Center's Transgender-Affirming Garment (TAG) Program* was created in 2023 to assist Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Non-Conforming folks who desire gender affirming binders, packers, breast forms, and tucking underwear to obtain safe and reliable garments.
(*It used to be called the Gender-Affirming Garment Program, but the acronym for that was GAG which... isn’t cute. lol)
It has since expanded to provide full care packages to any TGNC individual in need who lives in California.
WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGES?
That’s entirely up to you!
In your application, there’s a section where you will build your own care package.
Want breast forms, a packer, and feminine accessories? Hell yeah.
Want a chest binder and packer, but no accessories? You got it!
PACKAGE EXAMPLES
Chest binder, packer, masc accessory kit (undershirt, boxers, body powder, deodorant, bodywash bar, shaving kit, cologne sample)
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Breast forms, tucking underwear, femme accessories kit (tinted chapstick, nail polish/nail strips depending on what we have, shaving kit, perfume sample)
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I also try to throw in some extra goodies into each box, but this changes depending on what I have available at the time!
WHAT ABOUT SHIPPING?
Shipping is available for folks unable to do local pickup at our center. Care is taken to make sure the shipping is discreet, put in a plain brown box, with the sender name saying "James P" (or another variation depending on which of my coworkers are mailing it out).
Please understand that some items are unable to be put through the mail, so if you opt for the mail option you may not receive all the accessories listed. I will do my best to provide a suitable alternative, but this is entirely dependent on what I have available.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR A PACKAGE?
Right now, packages are only available to folks who live in California, and priority is given to youth between the ages of 14-18 who live in rural areas of California.
This does not mean you won’t receive a package if you do not fit this demographic, however please expect that there may be a longer waiting period as we process applications and roll out packages.
Please understand: I am trying my hardest to show that there is a need for expanded program reach to cover other areas outside of California.
Right now, this program is funded entirely through a small local state-issued grant and puts my use of funds under tight constraints. I'm already stretching the allowance of the grant by covering all of California, rather than keeping the program strictly local.
What I'm trying to say is:
If you do not live in California, apply anyways.
I can’t promise I’ll be able to send a package out, but if there’s enough out-of-state interest I might be able get my boss to allocate non-grant funds to a few OOS packages a month (and if I have money to spare myself, I will do my damnedest to send out care packages on my own dollar when I can).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Also: for individuals between the ages of 13-18, the packages are entirely free. For folks OVER 18, there is a minimum fee of $5 (or more, depending on what is in your package), but this can be waived if you take our survey.
You MUST have a virtual or in-person consultation with our program lead before the package is sent out. This is to make sure measurements are taken properly so that your garments will fit well, provide information on how to minimize risk, and give directions on how to care for your garments.
We cannot provide exchanges at this time.
In the event a garment does not fit, you will have to reapply and you may have to pay a fee.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM?
We have an Amazon wishlist with items that are frequently needed to be restocked, and items that I want to put in the packages but cannot currently. You can find that here: https://a.co/4PzzPv9
We also have a Zeffy page which you can use to donate directly, found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/sjpc-trans-advocacy-services
WHO ARE YOU?
I’m James. I’m an Anishinaabe, Two-Spirit, Transmasc NB, 2nd generation lgbt activist who’s been doing this work since I was 14. I’m now in my late 20's.
This program is a passion project of mine that I originally dreamt up when I was 16 and running my high school GSA. I can’t express how happy I am to finally get it off the ground in the way that it has.
This program is funded by the very small LGBT center I work for through a grant. We are a team of 5 at the moment, and I’m the only one on this program specifically. Please be kind to me as I work out the glitches and hangups that are bound to happen as this program expands.
If you have any questions, please feel free to message me!
James <3
