I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into Out of the Closet. Turning the street corner in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, my friends and I were greeted with its bright pink-and-turquoise storefront and a tower brandishing its bubbly logo. OTC is a vibrant community hub where LGBTQ+ shoppers, allies, and people from all walks of life can hang out.

From its eccentric color scheme to its punny shop name, Out of the Closet (OTC) is pretty distinctive. But there’s a bigger reason this thrift store chain is so special.

If you by chance missed the “Free Testing” and “AHF” signs on its exterior, you’ll realize as soon as you walk in that OTC is more than just a secondhand shop: most locations across the country offer a pharmacy with free rapid HIV testing. From rapid results in just a minute to free condoms, prevention information, and connections, to immediate linkage to treatment for those who may test positive, the store offers a full spectrum of support. And beyond delivering high-quality HIV care to local communities, 96 cents of every dollar spent at OTC is donated directly to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to support its worldwide services.

“We are very much a safe space for the community,” Andrea Corrales, OTC District Manager of Retail Operations said. “A lot of our customers, our shoppers, our community, within Out of the Closet, they’re just looking for a safe space where they can be themselves, where they can shop for themselves.”

Fashion has long been a tool for self-expression that empowers people to explore their identity in creative, fun ways. OTC embodies this and opens its doors to all – from fashionistas shopping on a budget to those seeking a queer-friendly space.

The first Out of the Closet opened its doors in Los Angeles in October 1990, and since then it has expanded to 25 locations across the United States – often opening in underserved communities that welcome the award-winning retail establishment and also need access to prevention and healthcare services.

“There remains a lot of [HIV/AIDS] stigma, particularly in the South,” AHF Senior Director of Communications Ged Kenslea explained. “With Out of The Closet’s testing model, an individual doesn’t have to go to a clinic. They can go shopping and also duck in to get testing. It provides a safe space.”

Out of the Closet’s efforts aren’t limited to its brick and mortar establishments – yearlong programming meets local community members where they are. OTC runs clothing drives and provides apparel for drag shows, prom nights, and other community events when groups request support, helping everyone access items for special occasions. You can also spot OTC’s signature branding in Pride parades across the country, where OTC and AHF celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and share resources about their programs.

The organization also steps in during times of crisis. In early 2025, following the devastating wildfires in Southern California, the team began providing hot meals the very next morning – ultimately serving over 75,000 meals to first responders in the Pacific Palisades and evacuees from Altadena. In the early weeks after the disasters, Out of the Closet staged free clothing giveaways in Altadena for those who lost everything, helping people rebuild a sense of normalcy.

Through initiatives like these, Out of the Closet demonstrates that its impact goes far beyond the sustainable finds. It operates not just as a charity, but as an active, hands-on supporter of the communities it serves.

With thrifting’s clear appeal of sustainability, uniqueness, and affordability, Out of the Closet adds something more: every purchase helps fund lifesaving services. By stepping through those bright pink-and-turquoise doors and finding ways to express yourself, you’re making a real difference for the community.