QT Closet is a student organization dedicated to providing gender-affirming clothing—free and sustainably—to the University of Iowa and Iowa City communities. While we center queer and trans folks and offer a welcoming space to explore gender expression, we recognize that clothing access can be a barrier for anyone, and we welcome people of all identities to use our services.

Our History

QT (queer trans) Closet began in November 2019 when a small, passionate group of University of Iowa undergraduate students organized to improve clothing access on campus. The team was set to launch its first clothing drive in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic derailed plans. Undeterred, student leaders created a COVID-aware process to keep the initiative moving forward.

The first student-run QT Clothing Drive collected 1,700+ items from the campus community—clothing, shoes, and accessories. In April 2021, QT Closet student leaders and volunteers hosted the first in-person pop-up at the University of Iowa Pride Alliance Center (Pride House). Planned as a five-day event, high demand extended the pop-up an additional six days, ultimately distributing about 170 items to dozens of Hawkeyes.

Following that success, QT Closet continued hosting one student-led pop-up per semester through Fall 2022, serving more than 500 members of the Hawkeye community through collaborative campus partnerships. On October 2, 2023, QT Closet opened a permanent campus location inside the Pride House, making the closet accessible whenever the Pride House is open during the academic year.

Operations

QT Closet is located on the third floor of the Pride Alliance Center. Although our third floor is not ADA accessible, our friendly student team is happy to assist on site by bringing requested items (type/size) to the first floor.

Donations

As a student organization, we are always grateful for donations from our Hawkeye community. Donations can be dropped off at the Pride Alliance Center (601 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, IA). Click here for our hours of operation.

We accept clothing of any size with two exceptions: underwear and swimwear. Because gender-affirming undergarments can be essential for some community members, unopened packages of underwear/boxers are welcome.

Please consider item condition before donating—if it’s too worn for you to wear, it’s likely too worn for others.