CHICAGO — At a small thrift shop inside the United Church of Rogers Park, a quiet but powerful transformation is happening. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, newly transitioned transgender and nonbinary Chicagoans walk out with more than new clothes — they leave with confidence.
The program, called Dress Your New Body, is a free gender-affirming styling service launched in November 2024 by local stylist and advocate Missy Thrasher-Lyon.
“During this consultation, it really hit me that I could find my voice through fashion,” said Willow Mathis, a 26-year-old trans woman, as she admired a new outfit in the mirror (Block Club Chicago).
Helping People Dress the Way They See Themselves
The service operates out of New To You Thrift Shop, a nearly century-old secondhand store at 1545 W. Morse Ave., inside the United Church. Clothing is low-cost or completely free — no item exceeds $15.
Clients of all ages (from 11 to 50 so far) are welcomed into an affirming space where gender expression and personal style are treated as essentials, not luxuries.
“It’s amazing watching people figure it out on the spot,” said Thrasher-Lyon. “Their self-concept evolves right in front of your eyes.”
Rogers Park Roots, Fashion with Purpose
Raised in Rogers Park, Thrasher-Lyon said her early life in a low-income household taught her how to be fashionable on a budget. But it was her marriage to a transgender woman that truly opened her eyes to how clothing and gender identity intersect.
Teaming up with her inclusive church community, she created a safe environment where people could access affordable fashion with guidance.
“I’m a preaching gay man,” said Rev. Seth Botts, of United Church of Rogers Park. “We have a trans man that’s singing, a gay man playing piano, and queer identity is central to who we are.”
Curated Style, Community Collaboration
Clients begin by filling out a style and comfort survey, which informs their one-on-one styling session. Thrasher-Lyon, a cisgender ally, is always joined by a trans or nonbinary co-stylist — such as Judas Rotter — to ensure authenticity and inclusion.
Even local businesses play a role. From barbershops like Twisted Scissors in Avondale to tailors and cafés, the Rogers Park queer community has helped the service thrive.
“Joy is resilience right now,” Rotter said. “If fashion brings people joy, that’s powerful.”
‘I’m So Scary In My Flannel And Kitty Cat T-Shirt’
Client Diego, a transgender man who discovered the service through a flyer with the trans flag, found new ways to express himself through fashion. He left with curated outfits and the confidence to walk taller.
“People say trans folks are scary or perverts,” Diego said sarcastically. “Oh yeah, I’m terrifying in my flannel and kitty cat tee.”
He and others emphasized that affirming clothes are not vanity — they’re mental health tools, tools of survival, and a source of joy.
Have you or someone you know used a gender-affirming service in Chicago? What role has fashion played in your self-expression?
Share your story in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we celebrate every thread of identity.
