Our Win of the CGLCC Business of the Year Award! A Milestone in Our Journey

It’s hard to believe, but here we stand as the 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year at the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) Awards! (As well as being a finalist for the Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year, AND the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Impact of the Year! A finalist in three of the five categories, WHAT? 🤯)

It was an honor to share the stage with brands and icons I’ve admired for ages. To be recognized alongside two other badass businesses- Renée Yoxon (who won Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year) and Alex of Chroma  (who won 2SLGBTQI+ Community Impact of the Year) was incredible! These are people in my community whose visions for community and accessibility I’ve admired for years. 

It’s such an overwhelming feeling that I’m still processing it. The last few years have been nothing short of transformative. Winning this award is a moment of reflection and gratitude for all the hard work we’ve put into building Origami Customs, and all of the incredible support we’ve received from you, our community!

The Road to This Moment

When I first started Origami Customs, I never imagined we’d come this far. We’ve always been a company driven by a mission—to create high-quality, gender-affirming products for those who need them most. Our mission has always been to support the trans and gender-diverse community by producing garments that not only look great but also enhance mental health, boost confidence, and, most importantly, provide a sense of belonging and safety. What we didn’t expect was the impact we would have and the growth that would follow.

The past three years have been a whirlwind of expansion and growth, even as we constantly face backlash for having the “political stance” of wanting to help trans people. Despite very real financial setbacks because of the political climate surrounding trans rights and the challenges of running a queer-owned business, we’ve made monumental strides in expanding our production capacity, our team, and our community. More than anything, our mission of inclusion and community has been the driving force behind everything we do.

Why We Won the CGLCC 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year Award

Our Commitment To Creating Gender-Diverse Fashion

One of the things that sets Origami Customs apart is our commitment to revolutionizing fashion. We didn’t just want to make clothing—we wanted to change the conversation about gender and fashion entirely. In the past few years, we’ve introduced groundbreaking technology that eliminates the gender binary in fashion. With our innovative approach, we ensure that every product we create can work for any body or gender presentation, making us the first company in the world to completely remove the binary from undergarments.

We knew early on that the fashion industry’s rigid gender expectations weren’t working for everyone. So, we pioneered a new way of thinking about clothing—a way that allowed individuals to choose garments based on their needs and desires, not based on gender norms. Through our unique technology, we’ve eliminated the need for garments to be categorized by “men” or “women” and have embraced a more inclusive approach that fits the diverse bodies and identities of our community. This wasn’t just an innovation in product design—it was a revolutionary step forward in how we think about clothing and identity.

This recognition from CGLCC is a reflection of that commitment to innovation. We’re proud to be leading the charge in creating gender-affirming products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their gender identity. Whether it’s our binders, gaffs, or other undergarments, we’ve ensured that these items not only support gender affirmation but also support mental health and quality of life. That’s what this award represents: our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community support.

Our Commitment To Our Community

At the heart of Origami Customs has always been our dedication to the trans and gender-diverse community. Our business isn’t just about selling products; it’s about creating real, meaningful change. We’ve always believed that everyone should have access to gender-affirming products, regardless of their financial situation. This belief led to the launch of our Community Program, through which we give away gender-affirming products to people who cannot afford them.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen the incredible power of this initiative. Thanks to partnerships with over 50 NGOs worldwide, we’ve donated thousands of products to individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have access, as well as creating free educational resources for our community. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with these organizations and the impact we’ve made together. By working together, we’ve helped countless people feel more confident, more validated, and more supported.

Our Commitment To Our Staff

But we didn’t stop there. We also made sure that our team reflects the diversity of the community we serve. Even in the midst of financial struggles, one of our biggest joys is in the growth of our team. In just three years, we’ve more than doubled our permanent staff, with all of our employees coming from marginalized TGD identities. We’ve also been able to increase staff wages by 28% in 3 years and provide a cutting-edge, comprehensive gender-affirming healthcare benefits package. This growth has allowed us to increase our production capacity, but most importantly, provide stable, meaningful employment to members of the Queer and Trans community.

Looking to the Future

Winning the CGLCC 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year Award is just the beginning. We’re not slowing down anytime soon. We’re committed to continuing to grow our community and the support we can provide, and we’re excited about the plans we have in place for the coming years.

One of our biggest goals is to continue growing our Community Program and expanding the number of gender-affirming products and education  we can provide for free. We want to reach even more people in need, particularly those in communities that face the most significant barriers to access. This includes TGD people in marginalized communities, those without stable housing, and individuals who face systemic discrimination in healthcare and employment.

We also have big plans for product innovation. We’re working on new designs and technologies that will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gender-affirming fashion. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of body type or gender identity, has access to clothing that affirms their sense of self. And we’re committed to staying at the forefront of this industry, creating new products that continue to challenge the status quo.

Additionally, we’re excited to continue our partnerships with other organizations and contribute to the larger movement for gender justice. By amplifying the voices of trans and gender-diverse people, we can make a real difference in shaping the future of fashion, healthcare, and society.

Thank you, To All Of You

As I reflect on this incredible honor, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our customers, the dedication of our team, and the incredible organizations we work with. You are all part of this victory, and I want to thank each and every one of you for helping us get here.

To my team—thank you for your hard work, your passion, and your commitment to our mission. You are the heart of this company, and this award belongs to all of us. To our customers—thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey and for allowing us to create products that help you feel more like yourself. And to our partners and supporters—thank you for standing alongside us as we continue to push for change.

This award is not just a recognition of our success—it’s a recognition of the collective power of our community. Together, we’re building a world where everyone has the support they need to live authentically. And we’re just getting started.

This award only fuels our determination to keep pushing forward, and we are so excited for the future. With the continued support of our community, we know that we can achieve even greater things in the years to come. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here's to more innovation, more inclusivity, and more positive change for the trans and gender-diverse community.

The best is yet to come. ✨