The Transformation Closet provides free gender-affirming gear to anyone, anywhere in Nova Scotia

We also offer education, resources, and workshops about gender-affirming gear. The Transformation Closet is a proud program of Sexual Health Nova Scotia.

There are four main ways to get gear through the Transformation Closet:

  • We have Satellite Sites throughout Nova Scotia where you can see, feel, and try on items before you commit to them.

    Satellite Closets each operate differently, but many have open hours where you can drop-in, check out the gear, and bring your item(s) home the same day.
    We try to keep Satellite Closets stocked with a variety of gear but they might not always have what you want in stock. If you know what you’re looking for, try contacting them before you go to make sure they have it. If they don’t, they can place an order to get the item for you.
    They’ll contact you when your item(s) have arrived, and you’ll have three months to pick up your order. After that, it goes back into the inventory.
    We strongly recommend visiting one of our Satellite Closets if it’s accessible to you! You’ll be able to make sure the gear is the right fit for you— and it helps us keep our shipping costs down.

  • We have many items available in our Online Shop. Place an order directly with us— for free— and have the order sent to one of our Satellite Closet locations for you to pick up.

    Can’t make it to a Satellite Closet for pick up? We’ll mail your item(s) directly to you at a Nova Scotia mailing address.

  • If you don’t see what you need at a Satellite Closet or Online, send us an email to place your order.

    Please include the following information:

    • Name

    • Item type

    • Size

    • Style and colour preference

    • Pickup location or shipping address

  • We frequently attend events like Pride Festivals, GSA Conferences, and community resource fairs. We arrive with a wagon stocked up with a selection of gear and resources to give out.

    Reach out if you’re organizing an event that you’d like us to table at!

FAQ

How long will it take to get my order?

Order turnaround time is usually about 2 to 4 weeks. If an item is out of stock or a special order, it may take longer. 

Please keep in mind that this program is run on part-time hours, and our very small team working as quickly as possible.

How are packages shipped? Are they discrete?

Orders are shipped in plastic or paper mailers and addressed to the name you provide during checkout. The Halifax Sexual Health Centre is used as the sender address, and the sender is Sexual Health Nova Scotia. The outside of the package does not say “Transformation Closet” anywhere. We ship with Canada Post, and will not generally provide a tracking number with shipping confirmation.

How can I get my order in HRM?

We are no longer able to provide local drop-offs within HRM. If you can, please plan to pickup your order at one of our Satellite or Pickup Sites. This helps us save money on shipping and prioritize delivery to rural areas.

How many items can I get?

We provide up to three items of gender-affirming gear per person, per year. Specific item limits are listed on product pages. We do not require proof of need. 

Why? We’re a small community organization with a limited budget and unstable funding. We want to reach as many people as possible with our program, now and in the future. When choosing your items, please consider your current needs, access to resources, and ability to purchase gear. We want this program to be built around values of collective and community care. If you can buy gear, consider shopping with Venus Envyor GenderGear.ca

Can I order on behalf of someone else?

Yes! School counsellors, teachers, care workers, and support people are welcome to place an order for others. If your order is for more than one person, please add a NOTE during the checkout process. 

If you are placing an order for yourself and someone else together, please add a NOTE during the checkout process. 

What if I don’t see what I want, or it’s out of stock?

We try to keep a variety of sizes, colours, and products in our inventory and available to order, but sometimes we run out. There are some items that aren’t always in our inventory due to suppliers, cost, and space limitations. If what you want is out of stock or you don’t see what you need, please reach out to us at transformationclosetshns@gmail.com. We will always try our best to source an item within our budget that works for you!

Some examples of items we can order in are:

  • Breast forms or breast enhancers in a wider variety of sizes/nude tones

  • Wigs

  • Gear in colours or sizes not listed

  • Gear with different sensory and/or accessibility options

Does the T-Closet provide post-operative supplies?

Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide supplies for after gender-affirming surgeries at this time. Please check out the Halifax Sexual Health Centre’s Expanded Compassionate Care program. You do not need to be a patient of the clinic to use it.

Does the T-Closet offer training and resources about Gender-Affirming Gear?

We sure do! If you’re interested in hosting us for a Gender Affirming Gear 101 workshop, please fill out this interest form. When we attend events, we bring a range of educational materials to share. Every order comes with a safety and care sheet with important information about gear use, which are also available on our website here.

We frequently attend events like Pride Festivals, GSA Conferences, and community resource fairs with a wagon stocked up with a selection of gear and resources to give out. Reach out if you’re organizing an event that you’d like to invite us to table at!

How can I/we support the program?

TBH, we work on a pretty unstable grant-to-grant basis. We’re always searching for funding opportunities to keep this project alive. Keep us in mind if you’ve got an upcoming fundraising initiative in the works, or consider making a donation to help us purchase and distribute gear to folks who need it.

Does the T-closet take gear donations?

We accept donations of new or clean, washed, gently-used gear. Please contact us to coordinate a drop-off.

Are you crafty? We will happily accept donations of knit or crocheted packers and breastforms! Again, reach out to coordinate a drop-off.