Margie's Hope

Margie's Hope has many programs, that benefit the Transgender Community of Northeast Ohio, where Trans people can see faces like thiers, hear stories of others going through the same life changes as they are, and have the opportunity to support one another. There has been no other place for The Trans community to really come together than in our biggest program Margie's Closet, located in Lakewood, Ohio. A Trans affirming attire retail shop, not only is it a place where folks have access to super low cost clothing, but this is a space where trans folks can end blind shopping. By having the opportunity to try on clothing whether they buy them or not, from us, they can- in that space finally find thier measurements, try on Trans Affirming undergarments, have a friendly face to help them through it, And more importantly feel safe. These are just a few of the essential components to Transitioning, that we have found invaluable to the Transgender and Nonbinary and Gender Expansive community.

Just a few of our programs with in this program:

The Trans-affirming Undergarment program- when customers round to the nearest dollar it goes into our TAU, this helps us to purchase those undergarments.

Trans Alive:

We have two adult aged support groups that meet in Akron Ohio, and in the Cleveland area, Margie’s Closet being our own physical space, helps facilitate that group, transfolks in the area have come to depend on that peer group, for support, resource sharing, and chosen family. For some folks it's just as important as a place to shop.

A common myth:

We are for profit.

We, in fact are a complete non-profit program. We are Volunteer ran and led, our inventory of clothing is donated by the public. Our only mission within Margie's Closet is to keep the lights on, and the door open, so that we can continue to serve this community which often feels left behind. Knowing they have a space they can call thier own, has boosted Transgender moral, confidence, and they no longer feel less "silent" in the lgbT fight for equality.

Sadly our space is in jeopardy, despite having 4 operating days, and volunteer staff who can keep the door open, we have struggled to maintain financial stability, that would effectively keep access to the community available.

We at Margie's Hope assumed, and hoped we could quietly work things out with our landlord(s), so that it did not cause any ripple affect throughout our community, and any transition would be seamless enough as to not affect anyone. Sadly this has not been the case.

We humbly ask our community members for financial help, so that the community continues to have this small reprieve from a world which seems so set against them in legislation, thier jobs, and even in their living environments.

Margie's Hope isn't perfect, we don't strive for perfection, we strive for equality, and a seat at the table so our voices can be heard, or faces can be seen. And when we as an organization are having trouble getting off an island alone, we must know it's ok to extend a hand for help.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Margie's Hope, and any donation will help make Impact!

More information about Margie's Hope: Providing resources & services to enrich the lives of Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive people in Northeast Ohio.