Community Support and Engagement
What We Offer
Community is at the heart of everything we do. As an essential support hub for the trans and gender-diverse community, Transhealth offers the following:
- a drop-in community space
- a free community closet
- care kits and supplies
- support groups and programming
- health and resource navigation
- insurance enrollment counseling
- legal name change assistance
Community Room
Access LGBTQ resources and navigation services, play video games, check out our library, use the laptop and wifi, and enjoy our safe, sunny space for trans and gender-diverse folks to hang out.
Community Closet
Our Closet uplifts and supports community members by making it possible for so many to access free, essential gender-affirming apparel, supplies, and care kits which would otherwise be out of reach due to significant financial barriers, unsafe home environments, or housing instability. Note: we cannot guarantee the availability of items (and sizes) since it depends on donations received.
Donating to the Community Closet
Your donations make it possible for us to continue offering this essential service to the trans and gender-diverse community. If you would like to help support our closet, please consider purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist list or complete a Donation Request Form online for pre-owned items.
Visit and Contact Us
The Community Room and Closet are located on the 3rd floor at Transhealth, 10 Main St. Florence, accessible via elevator.
Drop-in Hours
- Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10AM-12PM and 2PM-4PM.
- Closed Thursday and weekends.
- Check out our events page for schedule changes/closures.
Email Us
You can also email us at thcommunity@transhealth.org
What's in the Closet
01
Everyday Clothing
Everyday clothing, footwear, seasonal items and undergarments are available. Some items have quantity limits.
02
Hygiene Supplies
A variety of hair care, body care and oral hygiene products. We also have pre-packaged travel hygiene kits with a similar range of items included.
03
Makeup and Beauty Products
Our closet has a variety of make up, beauty and skincare products
04
Binders & Transtape
We have binders in inclusive sizes & Transtape or alternatives for safe binding. We have guides & tapes for sizing help, & private, secure stalls for trying items on. Quantity limits apply.
05
Tucking Items
We have several options for tucking materials including gaffs and tucking tape. Quantity limits apply.
06
Harm Reduction Supplies
We have supplies like Fentanyl Test strips, educational resources, Narcan Kits, & Bleach Kits with items to help sanitize tools before reuse.
07
Period Products
Our Flow Kits are travel friendly, in 2 sizes for flow management, & come with pads & tampons. Custom kits may be requested & packaged, based on stock & capacity.
08
STI Prevention Supplies
Our pocket-sized Safer Sex Kits offer a mix of 6 external latex condoms and water based lube packets. Our Glove Kits have 2 pairs of nitrile gloves and extra silicone-based lube packets.
09
More STI Prevention Supplies
We also have a variety of extra lube and condoms, including non-latex condoms and internal condoms, and dental dams to build your own kit.
10
You can support our closet by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist list or submitting a Donation Request Form for pre-owned items. Due to limited space, we cannot accept all donations and do not accept donations without a scheduled drop off appointment.
Post-Op Supply Exchange
Through our Post-Op Supply Exchange (POSE) program individuals with upcoming gender-affirming surgical procedures are able to take and borrow items needed for post-op recovery. Items available include but are not limited to aftercare supplies, personal hygiene items, other self care items, educational materials.
To utilize the POSE program:
- Check if we have an item you would like to borrow by visiting the Community Room or emailing us at thcommunity@transhealth.org
- Reserve items up to 45 days before a procedure
- Exchange contact information with our Community Team and estimate how long you will need loaned items
- Pick up items; items must be picked up in person
- Confirm arrangements for returning items; items must be returned in person
- Prior to returning items, inspect for any damage and report any damage to our team. Wash covers on any items in good condition and safe for reuse.
Peer Support Groups
Transhealth offers free monthly peer support groups that are open to anyone in the trans and gender-diverse community. You can join either in-person at the Transhealth Community Room or virtually via zoom. Learn more and sign up.
- Peer Support Group for ages 18-30: meets every second Thursday of the month at 6:oopm.
- Peer Support Group for ages 30+: meets every third Thursday of the month at 6:oopm
Transforming Parents Group
Transhealth is proud to sponsor the longest running peer support group for the parents and caregivers of trans and gender-diverse youth in the area. Transforming Parents is a free group for parents or caretakers of children who identify beyond the gender binary, including, but not limited to, transgender, non-binary, queer, trans-masc or trans-fem. Some of the children are exploring and questioning their gender identity. The group has been meeting since 2012 to provide information and support. Email transformingparents@protonmail.com for more information and to join.
- Dates: First Wednesday of Every Month
- Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm EST
- Location: Join either in-person at the Transhealth Community Room or virtually via zoom
Insurance Navigation
Make an appointment now to get free on-site, in-person insurance navigation. Transhealth’s on-site Certified Application Counselors (CAC’s) provide 1-on-1 assistance with insurance applications and enrollment for MassHealth and Massachusetts Health Connector Plans. For more information or to schedule a CAC appointment, email us at thcommunity@transhealth.org
Find a CAC near you!
We offer in-person navigation support only. If traveling to us is inconvenient, we encourage you to search for a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) closest to you.
Legal Name Change Assistance
We provide on-site support for individuals under-going the legal name change process in Massachusetts. Name change assistance is available during Community Room drop in hours, no appointment required.
We are available to help:
- Fill out legal name change forms and paperwork
- Walk through the steps to update your documents and answer questions
- Notarize legal name change petitions
- Direct you to other legal resources and financial assistance
We are not able to:
- Support with out of state birth certificate amendments
- Give legal advice
- Provide off-site assistance outside of our drop in hours
Resources
Transhealth’s Community and Engagement Team is available to provide you with resources and information. Get the resources and information you need through our Resources Page, visit us, or contact us at thcommunity@transhealth.org with your question or needs.