Fashion is a form of expression and a celebration of identity. And not everyone likes to conform to fashion rules and gender norms set by society. At Pretty As You Please, we believe dressing to express your identity is also the more sustainable thing to do. So what better way to celebrate pride and the planet, both, than organising a gender-fluid swap party!
Hosting a gender-fluid swap party can be super fun, but if it’s your first time organizing a swap party, read this. A gender-fluid swap party has a few more things you need to keep in mind. We’ve got you covered.
Pick an inclusive venue. Make sure the venue is adequate for the expected number of people and is also safe for and supportive of members of the LGBTQ+ community. It could be a bar, a coffee place or a restaurant run by queer people. Social, present in most metropolitans, and Sidecar, in Delhi, are popular choices for LGBTQ+ events. But really, you can go for any place where the attendees can totally be themselves!
Amplify. Social media and group chats dedicated to queer communities, such as Gaysi Family and Delhi Queer Spaces, are a great way to spread the word. Create hashtags that people can include with their stories or posts, before and after the swap party. You can use hashtags such as #pride or #genderfluidclothing to reach out to the suitable audience. You can also time it before the pride parade, considering how important fashion and style is to pride.
Make sure it is diverse and inclusive. According to reports, there are 50 or more gender identities. While that may be too overwhelming to cater to, your guest list and curation should be diverse and should promote size-inclusivity. Everyone should be encouraged to attend and should feel represented. This is reflected in the choice of clothes you accept for swapping.
Jackets, oversized shirts, fun t-shirts, pants, unstitched garments, dresses and skirts are great options. Encourage people to bring clothes that are unisex, or items that cater to both genders equally and are, of course, size inclusive. You can even include accessories. Make sure to reject items that may have graphics or words that could be interpreted as hurtful.
Make it interesting with an extra something. You could bring in a queer DJ or collaborate with a queer artist. Perhaps even screen a film that explores gender identity and orientation. This way, you are creating a safe, enjoyable experience, connecting with like-minded peers and being sustainable. You can even bring in photo-booths, or props that make the party more fun. Don’t just organize an event, create an experience.
