QueerSwap create sustainable social events with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. This event is presented as part of Acceptable at the time?, a day exploring art and identity inspired by Leigh Bowery and Helen Chadwick.
Participants are welcome to bring up to 10 items of gently-used clothing and exchange them for new-to-you items that suit their current style. This event is for everyone in the queer community to find clothing that fits and expresses their individuality and affirm their identity without breaking the bank.
Alongside the clothing swap, there’ll also be:
- Minor alteration and mending services to adapt your new clothes
- A book swap
- A pop-up barbershop with Lauren Thwaites, AKA the Wizard of Hair (free cuts offered on a first come-first-serve-basis)
- Drop-in make-up consultations with Geremi So (free consultations offered on a first-come-first-serve basis)
- A collage zine workshop (120 minutes)
- A drag makeup workshop (60 minutes)
How the swap works
When you arrive you will exchange your swappable items for tokens. You can then browse items brought by others, and “check out” at the end by “cashing in” your tokens for those items.
1 item = 1 token to exchange
Once the items are traded for tokens they go straight onto the floor, so make sure you are 100% sure before you pass them over.
Then you can look at all the items brought by other people, take a break to check out the market or grab a bite, do another lap to see if anything else you like has been added, and “check-out” with your chosen items whenever you are finished. We encourage people to arrive earlier so they can get the most out of the event and see more items that come into the swap before they are snagged by someone else.
If you don’t have something you want to give to swap, you can make a donation in exchange for tokens.
Note: We will not accept items that are dirty, stained, torn (with the exception of “distressed” items), missing buttons, have broken zips, etc. We also will not accept underwear, socks, tights/hosiery, or any children's items. We do allow hats, scarves, belts, and bags. Shoes must be in great condition and clean!
