Euphoric Self-Expression: The rise of gender-diverse fashion in Victoria

We all should have the opportunity to express ourselves freely and safely. However, for trans and gender-diverse communities across the globe, this hasn’t always been possible. Stigma and discrimination have all too often forced people to hide who they are. 

Today, however, we get to bear witness to a renaissance of gender-diverse fashion in Victoria. From genderless, high-concept looks to the best breast forms for gender euphoria across MTF (male to female) transitions and even drag fashion, innovative and inclusive garments are being produced right here in our state.

Here are just some of the key spots across greater Victoria where you can engage with gender-diverse fashion and passionate designers.

Why Gender-Diverse Fashion is Thriving in Victoria

As a state, Victoria is known for its progressive cultural identity. Across the country, Victoria has a long-standing reputation for supporting LGBTIQ+ communities. For example, the Victorian AIDS Council (now known as Thorne Harbour Health) has existed for over 40 years and is Australia’s first organisation addressing HIV and LGBTIQ+ health and wellness. 

Now, partner organisations like Equinox and Transgender Victoria support the well-being of trans and gender-diverse folks seeking to live as their authentic selves. Combine this with Melbourne’s reputation for producing trendsetters and cultural tastemakers, and you’ve got the perfect storm where gender-diverse fashion can thrive. 

The Who’s Who and What’s What of Gender-Diverse Fashion

Local Designers

Victoria is home to an impressive array of local gender-diverse fashion labels. From completely genderless collections designed to be universally flattering to brands that masterfully blend masculine and feminine, the Victorian fashion scene has loudly embraced a gender-diverse future.

Take Monphell, the Brunswick-based label that produces high-quality, versatile garments “bound to no age, sex or season.” Each look on the label’s site is modelled by at least two different genders, proving that its designs are meant for everyone. Thanks to the brand’s oversized tops and bottoms, Monphell is also an excellent choice for gender-diverse folks looking to ease their dysphoria with boxier fits that don’t hug the body.

Another fabulous example of gender diversity in fashion is Minming Zhou, a Melbourne-based brand designing androgynous looks that match traditional tailoring with feminine silhouettes. At Minming Zhou, designs are less focused on gender and more intent on embracing an art form that transcends the boundaries of gender as we know it. These bold, exciting looks are perfect for trans and gender-diverse shoppers who want to make a statement.

Many gender-diverse folks also long for undergarments that help them wear their clothes with greater confidence. That’s where Tuck & Bind, another Melbourne-based brand, comes in. Offering everything from the best breast forms to intricately designed packers, the selection at Tuck & Bind can turn any outfit from just ‘okay’ to a gender-affirming work of art.

With more gender-diverse brands emerging every year, Victoria has become a hub for LGBTIQ+ seeking to express their gender more authentically through clothing.

Clothing Swap Events and Inclusive Op Shops

Gender-affirming clothing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! From Melbourne to Bendigo, dozens of LGBTIQ+ pride organisations across Victoria regularly host trans and gender-diverse clothes swap events to ensure gender-diverse fashion is accessible to all. These events are free to attend – you don’t even have to bring your own clothing to exchange in order to participate! Clothing swap events have played an enormous role in the rise of gender-diverse fashion in Victoria, connecting people to the clothing they need and celebrating the incredible diversity of gender expression.

Inclusive op shops are another safe and affordable way to find gender-diverse fashion. Rainbow Rack, Ballarat’s first LGBTIQ+ inclusive thrift shop, recently opened in September 2024, bringing reasonably priced gender-diverse fashion to regional Victoria. The store strives to provide a warm, welcoming space where trans and gender-diverse shoppers can explore fashion without judgment. For those feeling self-conscious about their gender exploration, Rainbow Rack offers discrete, after-hours shopping by appointment.

Accessible opportunities like these have heavily influenced the rise of gender-diverse fashion, allowing more people to express themselves. 

Digital Spaces

LGBTIQ+ content creators have conquered social media, bringing gender-diverse fashion to the forefront of conversations.

Roland “Row” Rodriguez is a Melbourne-based trans fashion influencer who spotlights luxury and glamour through the unique lens of gender diversity. Her stellar looks have earned her over 100,000 followers on her popular Instagram account. Row is living proof that gender-diverse fashion is fashion – an eye for fashion is all you need to look incredible, no matter your gender identity. 

House of Diesel is one of the hottest ballroom families in Victoria, blending performance, fashion, and nightlife into an unforgettable image. Their promotional use of social media has skyrocketed the house into local stardom. After their electrifying performance at the Fashion x Underground runway during Melbourne Fashion Week, the group of LGBTIQ+ performers has solidified itself as gender-diverse fashion icons.

Row and House of Diesel are showing the world that gender-diverse fashion is here to stay and inspiring hundreds of others along the way.

Embrace Gender-Diverse Fashion Movements in Victoria

Supporting the rise of gender-diverse fashion in Victoria is easy! Together, we can all make a difference in uplifting and empowering queer and gender-diverse folk to be who they truly are. 

Whether you’d like to shop at a genderless fashion brand, volunteer at a clothing swap, or simply follow along with a trans or gender-diverse creator’s journey, you can play a part in normalising gender-diverse fashion and help LGBTIQ+ communities feel safer in their self-expression. Your patronage and pride supports passionate makers and performers, and keeps the LGTIQ+ community in Victoria as accessible as possible for younger generations of queer and gender-diverse citizens.

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