A space opened in January to help Medina County’s LGBTQ+ residents find gender-affirming clothing for free.
It was one of the first ideas for the county’s newest LGBTQ-serving organization, The Rainbow Society of Medina County. Executive Director Carrie Cochran wants the burgeoning organization to be the county’s resource center, like the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland is for Cuyahoga County.
Since the clothing space MoE’s Closet opened in January, an abundance of donations has led to the closet outgrowing their current private, appointment-only location.
“We have quite a bit more than we have room for, and we have a lot in boxes,” Cochran said. “We’re on a mission to get our permanent home.”
Cochran “felt a need to get louder” after Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, she said. She started the Rainbow Society in January 2025 as a not-for-profit rather than a nonprofit to allow her to raise funds through a merch store and a “Rainbow Rewards” card that she created using her background in graphic design.
The card, offered at $10/month, allows subscribers to get discounts from participating businesses—something that would be tricky to do with a 501c3 designation.
The organization also hosts social events, like game nights and a monthly nature walk.
Cochran is doing this work in her spare time alongside her marketing day job, she said. She hopes funding will help lighten the load.
“I’m ambitious,” she said. “We’re slowly gaining volunteers and funds.”
Cochran has a personal connection to Rainbow Society. Her brother is trans, and his nickname was “MoE” (When asked about the spelling, Cochran said, “He was never a conformer.”) They lost touch after he left Medina County for “gayer pastures,” she said.
“If Medina had been a more accepting place … I wouldn’t have lost my brother, and other people wouldn’t have lost their daughters, sons, brothers, friends, neighbors—loved ones,” Cochran said.
People can book an appointment online to take 10 items per month from MoE’s Closet. Eventually, she would like the closet to become an affordable thrift store for everyone, while those in need can keep booking appointments for free clothing.
It has already impacted one trans woman’s life, someone who survived domestic abuse and human trafficking.
“After she told me her story and how much just having the program available meant to her, I started crying,” Cochran said. “I think there’s no stopping for me now.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To donate or book an appointment with MoE’s Closet, visit The Rainbow Society of Medina County’s website here to learn how.
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