Young LGBTQ+ individuals at our GYRO youth group recently created this unique piece which is not only a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and identity, but also a symbol of sustainability and social justice.
The gown was meticulously crafted from upcycled clothing that was previously deemed unsellable by a local charity shop. This sustainable approach to fashion production sparked important conversations about the fashion industry’s impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the gown acts as a statement on the intersections between the environmental crisis, colonialism, capitalism, homophobia, and transphobia. The project speaks to the need for marginalized communities to unite against oppressive systems in order to affect meaningful change.
Through the creation of this gown, these young LGBTQ+ individuals have demonstrated their joy, creativity, and commitment to a more just and sustainable future. We hope that their work inspires you to reflect on your own relationship with fashion, sustainability, and social justice.
The gown features upcycled items of clothing and highlights the genderless nature of clothes. A celebration of gender expression and trans and gender non-conforming joy.
Young people contributed to the construction of the gown over a 5-week period, learning skills in; fashion construction, applique techniques and design consideration. Young people also made badges and pins to go on the finished dress and attached fabric flowers, chains, crystals and necklaces. Group members also learned about influential LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ cinema and photography, sustainability and the interconnectedness of capitalism, climate change and LGBTQ+ rights.
One young person commented after a session:
“I really enjoyed that. I feel like its really boosted my confidence.”
The gown was shown at the Transgender Day of Visibility event at The Museum of Liverpool. A visitor at the exhibition, after reading the information and viewing the gown, commented:
“I think that’s the only dress I’ve ever seen that I actually like.”
Additionally, the gown was selected for exhibition for the HOMOVISION event, as part of Liverpool’s Eurovision 2023 celebrations!