Trans Clippers Project Gives People A Chance To Reclaim Their Gender Expression During The Pandemic

Neighbor Lauren Keisling trims the hair of Ryley Copans in their backyard with a brand new pair of clippers. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

At a time when clippers are scarce, there’s an effort underway to get them in the hands of transgender people to help them maintain their gender identity.

The Trans Clippers Project just made its first set of deliveries around Boston thanks to community fundraising and local volunteers.

Grace Walker, who’s the Massachusetts coordinator for the project, leads the local team. The national group is now in the midst of fundraising to order another batch of clippers. Organizers say the project has spread to 18 states with a spin-off starting up in Toronto.

This month, Walker, along with other volunteers, personally delivered nearly 20 brand new hair clippers to trans folks in the community. She included information about food pantries and online support groups, along with a handwritten note of encouragement.

“It’s a little care package and each one has their name that I ironed on to there,” Walker said. “I want everyone to feel that they are cared for and that they’re not alone.”

Read the rest of this story at WBUR’s website.