Queer Liberation Project –
Queer Liberation Commons & Queer Closet
UFM seeks to extend its service to the people of Manhattan by providing a platform for historically underserved communities.
The Queer Liberation Project is…
an open and affirming place that commits to celebrating and educating queer peoples and allies about the cultures, experiences, stories, and needs of the Manhattan LGBTQIA+ communities.
In partnership with local communities, we are dedicated to promoting social justice and transformation through education.
The Queer Liberation Project facilitates…
- Community-engaged projects that highlight the presence and histories of the queer peoples of Manhattan
- Courses that directly relate to queer lives and experiences
- Opportunities for enhancing Allyship from both within and outside the queer communities
- Resources for queer-identifying peoples and gender/sexual affirming clothing & supplies
The Queer Liberation Commons (abbreviated to QLC, pronounced “click”) offers all the communities of Manhattan a space that celebrates the queer communities. These commons are open to all community members.
Get Involved
For any questions regarding the Queer Liberation Project, please contact Dr. Aliah Mestrovich Seay (she/her): aliah@tryufm.org
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:00pm; 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Queer Closet
The Queer Closet & Queer Sanctum are spaces located directly adjacent to QLC and are exclusively for members of the queer community. We recognize that seeking support can feel intimidating, especially if you’re navigating uncertainty or anxiety about your identity. We find purpose in providing a safe and inclusive environment where you can access the resources and support you need. The Sanctum offers a comfortable lounge area for relaxation and connection within the queer community. The Queer Closet is a collection of clothing items, apparel, and body & sexual health products for people in need of gender, sexual, and expressive-affirming products. If you’re feeling hesitant or unsure, please know that our volunteers and staff are here to assist you. You can drop by during our standard office hours (M-F 8:30 am-noon, 1:00-5:00 pm), and a friendly team member will be available to help you find what you need. If you would like a more private experience, please feel free to reach out to us. You can contact us by calling (785) 539-8763 or emailing aliah@tryufm.org, and we’ll arrange a personalized appointment at a time that suits you, whether it’s during the day, evening, or weekend. Your comfort and well-being are our priorities. Anyone can donate during our standard office hours. For donations outside of our operational hours, please use the side entrance to the building and leave items in the donation space in the hallway outside of the closet.
Here are the kinds of items we are looking for:
- Clothing items* (masculine, feminine, any)
- Body & Facial Beauty Products
- Sexual Health Products**
- Hair Products & Blowdryers/Curlers/etc.
- Bobby Pins, Hair Ties, Clips, etc.
*Undergarments must be new and in original packaging
**Must be unused and in original packaging without breaches
Courses
All Queer Liberation courses are open to all community members, regardless of sexual, gender, or expressive identity(ies).
Queer Liberation Community Workshops – Join the Manhattan Community in our monthly Queer Liberation Community Workshops! These democratically facilitated meetings are held for you to direct the course of the Queer Liberation Project. From course development and funding procurement to painting the walls and other fun activities, these workshops offer means to directly engage in progressive social activism through education.
