OUT MY CLOSET INC
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Mission Statement
Out My Closet (OMC) is a grassroots mobile organization that serves unhoused and under-resourced LGBTQ+ youth and adults and other marginalized groups. The LGBTQ+ community, especially homeless youth and transgender women of color, faces numerous challenges, including higher rates of HIV infection, homelessness, substance abuse, mental and physical health issues, and economic insecurity. Transgender women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, with rates significantly higher than the general population. OMC has been addressing these challenges for eleven years by providing specialized large-scale elevated boutiques, counseling services, vocational, medical, and mental health educational workshops, and maintaining a digital multimedia presence to educate and empower the communities we serve. OMC creates boutique-like shopping environments in homeless shelters and community spaces, offering free high-quality clothing, shoes, accessories, and toiletries in a dignified manner. These resources not only fulfill basic human necessities but also support mental health, reinforce gender identity and expression, and encourage engagement in additional health services.
About This Cause
Out My Closet (OMC) is dedicated to empowering unhoused and under-resourced LGBTQ+ youth and adults by offering a comprehensive program that provides clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and personal hygiene resources. Our mission is to address the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable populations, fostering inclusivity, dignity, and self-worth through critical interventions. The need for OMC’s services is clear in the numbers: 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+, and they are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. These youth also face increased risks of abuse, substance use, and mental health challenges. OMC responds to these urgent needs with a holistic approach. At the heart of our efforts is the **Mobile POP-UP Shop**, delivering a boutique-style experience to shelters, drop-in centers, and community-based organizations. Our resources are seasonally appropriate, gender-affirming, and designed to meet hygiene needs in an empowering, safe environment. Access to clothing that aligns with one’s identity promotes confidence and reduces anxiety, making it a crucial aspect of well-being, alongside food and shelter. In addition to LGBTQ+ youth, our services are vital for **transgender women** and **domestic violence survivors**, who face higher rates of violence, discrimination, and homelessness. Our career-advancing resources, including gender-affirming clothing, are key in helping these individuals rebuild their lives in dignity and safety. OMC is uniquely positioned to make a substantial impact. Since our founding, we’ve distributed over 60,000 articles of clothing and 100,000 safe sex kits. We’ve partnered with 55+ community organizations to supplement their services with tangible resources and tailored support that directly meets client needs. Each POP-UP event provides over 1,000 articles, delivered in a respectful and dignified manner that restores self-esteem. Our **social justice vision** focuses on systemic change—acknowledging the disparities marginalized communities face and responding with solutions that promote autonomy and empowerment. With our holistic services, we create pathways to a brighter, more inclusive future for those often left behind. OMC’s **NYC** and **South Florida chapters** have proudly partnered with organizations such as New Alternatives, Ali Forney Center, Brooklyn GHOST Project, PrideLines, Lotus House, and Safe School. These partnerships have expanded our impact across multiple communities, including providing much-needed resources to LGBTQ+ youth, survivors of domestic violence, and asylum seekers. --- **Accomplishments**: - Donated nearly 60,000 articles of clothing, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics to marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals. - Distributed over 100,000 safe sex kits, including STI prevention resources and sexual health literature. - Conducted empowering interviews with LGBTQ+ icons, including RuPaul's Drag Race Queens, to discuss critical issues such as mental health and overcoming adversity. - Recognized for impactful work by the Stonewall Foundation, Gay City News, and AMIDA Health. Our **Queer Men's Empowerment Groups** provide safe spaces where queer men can reduce isolation, share openly, and participate in engaging activities. Additionally, OMC regularly supplies safe sex resources to nightclubs and LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring access to vital health supplies. Led by a passionate team of LGBTQ people of color, OMC is committed to fostering resilience and empowerment. Together, we’re building a society where every individual is valued and supported in their journey toward a better, more inclusive life.