gender affirming
op shop
“Affirmation Station has become my go-to opshop when I need to update my wardrobe. I always find great items and the space feels so safe and affirming…”
Opening Hours
Our Op Shop is open by appointment only on Thursdays and Fridays 12PM to 6PM and Saturday 11AM to 4PM.
Location
We are located at 279 Lygon Street, Brunswick East.
booking
Text 0480 627 087 with:
- Your name & pronouns
- Your preferred time (see opening hours below)
- What you’d like to do during your visit
We want to create the safest space possible for our staff and community. By offering appointments for trans and gender questioning people only, we can make sure the space is safer and more affirming. It also means we can offer more personalised peer support! For example, if you’d like help choosing a dress or picking out a binder, you can let us know when booking - that way we can tailor support to you.
- Browse the racks at your own pace
- Purchase items at only $5 each
- Relax in the Community Lounge
- Styling support from our 100% TGD staff
- Thursday: 12–6pm
- Friday: 12–6pm
- Saturday: 11–4pm
As long as you like during our opening hours! We have games, Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee available if you’d like to just hang out.
No stress - just text 0480 627 087 with your details and we’ll let you in. If you’re hoping for a personal shopping session, there might be a short wait depending on how busy we are, but you’re always welcome to browse or relax in the Community Lounge while you wait.
Our Affirmation Station team works Thursday–Saturday, so replies will only be sent during those times. If you’ve texted with your details, we’ll confirm as soon as we are back at work. Sending multiple texts won't mean you get responded to any faster.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring along anyone who makes you feel more comfortable, including friends, family, or support workers. Everyone must respect the visitor agreement. Our priority is to maintain a safe, affirming space for transgender, gender diverse and non-binary people.
No, these bookings are for help shopping within the op shop or relaxing in the community lounge. If you would like support navigating your gender journey our free Peer Navigation appointments are the perfect place for that!
Transgender Victoria is a peer support charity. We run social support events and programs, and offer free peer navigation services. Our staff are not licensed mental health clinicians. If you need mental health support we recommend wonderful organisations like the below.
- Rainbow Door – 1800 729 367
- QLife – 1800 184 527
- Drummond Street Services
- The Iceberg Foundation
- Trans Wellbeing
- Safe Place Therapy
want to make a donation?
1: Gather Your Items
Collect the items you wish to donate, ensuring they meet our donation guidelines. Accepted second-hand items include quality clothing, shoes, accessories, unopened makeup, toiletries, wigs, binders, and more. Refer to our donation guidelines for specific details.
2: Prepare Your Donation
Ensure your second-hand items are clean, in good condition, and meet our acceptance criteria.
3: plan your Visit
We currently are only able to accept donations on Thursdays between 12PM and 5PM. Please text us on 0480 627 087 to let us know you are coming.
4: Drop Off Your Donation
Upon arrival, a staff member or volunteer will assist you with the donation process. You'll be directed to the designated donation area where our team will inspect and sort your items.
We’re currently accepting donations from people within the community.
Accepted items:
- All clothing items in good condition
- Shoes in good condition
- Unworn briefs and socks
- Accessories such as jewellery, belts, scarves, hats, etc.
- Wigs
- Binders
- Unopened makeup
- Unopened toiletries
High-need items:
- Plus-size clothing
- Size 42+ femme shoes
- Masc shoes under a size 38
We cannot accept:
- Any homewares, including furniture
- Stained or very worn clothing
- Baby furniture including cots, nursery furniture, and car seats
- Electronic items without prior approval
Corporate donations
We’re delighted to be supported by some of Melbourne’s best brands and retailers such as Denimsmith, A.BCH, Kuwaii. If your brand would like to donate any stock to our op shop, we’d love to chat. Contact us if you'd like to discuss further.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are at the heart of the work we do in supporting people on their gender journey.
Are you:
- Passionate about human rights?
- Eager to see a world that accepts and celebrates gender diversity?
- Keen to build your skillset?
If this sounds like you apply today! We have a diverse and flexible range of opportunities and are constantly on the lookout for enthusiastic and talented people to join our team!
visiting affirmation station
Opening Hours (by appointment only): Thursday: 12PM - 6PM
Friday: 12PM - 6PM
Saturday: 11AM - 4PM
Make an appointment:
Text 0480 627 087
accessibility at affirmation station
We’re committed to increasing safety and inclusion for our TGD community and their allies through multiple accessibility and inclusion strategies.
Here’s what we currently offer:
- Public transport access – the 6 or 1 tram stops directly at Albert St/Lygon St, right outside our venue. The Brunswick Train Station is 1.2km or a 16 minute walk away.
- Parking: there is limited all day parking on side streets around Affirmation Station. If you are driving directly to Affirmation Station make sure to leave plenty of time to park.
- Step-free access
- Accessible bathroom
- All-gender bathrooms
- Sensory-friendly adjustable lighting
- Quiet Room/Low-sensory space
- Free or Low Cost Services - a lot of our events are low cost or free but if anything every feels financially inaccessible, feel free to reach out
- Closed captions available for online and in-person events upon request
- Air purifiers in all indoor spaces
- Free N95 masks available at the door
- Free pronoun badges available at the door
- Free tea and coffee accessible at our community events or if shopping at our Op Shop or hanging in our Community Lounge
- Interpreter-friendly – you’re welcome to bring your own interpreter to any of our programs, services or when shopping. Welcoming to also reach out to us if you would like us to organise.
- Alternative communication methods supported (e.g. writing instead of speaking)
- Chairs with and without arms
- Neurodivergent-inclusive and trauma-informed staff and practices
- Trans-led team with lived experience of access and inclusion needs
- Fidget toys within the space
If there are other ways we can support you to access our space – whether online or in person – please reach out.
We’re always open to feedback, learning and growing alongside our wonderful communities.
