Out of the Closet
| Company type | Nonprofit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Thrift store, Retail |
| Founded | 1990 in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Michael Weinstein |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Nine states in the United States |
Key people | Michael Weinstein (President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation) |
| Products | Apparel, furniture, household items, books, music records |
| Owner | AIDS Healthcare Foundation |
| Website | locations |
Out of the Closet operates as a nonprofit thrift store network dedicated to supporting medical treatment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This retail chain is managed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that offers healthcare, prevention programs, and educational services to patients. AHF holds the distinction of being the world’s largest nonprofit provider in HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, and education. Currently, AHF oversees 25 Out of the Closet stores spread across nine states within the United States.
The revenue generated by Out of the Closet thrift shops plays a crucial role in funding AHF’s medical care for patients who lack financial resources. Impressively, 96% of each dollar earned at these thrift outlets is allocated directly to HIV/AIDS treatment services. Beyond retail sales of apparel for men and women, furniture, household items, books, and music records, select locations also offer complimentary rapid HIV testing and facilitate prescription pickups through affiliated AHF pharmacies.
Background
Out of the Closet was established by Michael Weinstein, president of AHF, who drew on his retail background gained from his family's furniture business on the East Coast. The inaugural store opened its doors in Atwater Village in 1990. Since 1997, AHF has held the federal trademark for the "Out of the Closet" brand.[1][2]
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Currently, there are over 20 Out of the Closet outlets spread across various regions in the United States, including locations in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, and New York City.[3] The Capitol Hill branch in Seattle began operations in 2014.[4] More recently, a Houston store was launched in 2019, with an Austin location following in 2024.[5][6]
Beyond their typical thrift retail functions, several Out of the Closet stores provide healthcare services such as free rapid HIV and STD testing available on a walk-in basis. These services are offered alongside counseling conducted in a dedicated section within the store.[7] Additionally, AHF delivers comprehensive support services designed to eliminate barriers to treatment by linking patients with case managers and health benefits counselors. The ultimate objective is achieving HIV viral suppression.[8][9]
Out of the Closet stores have also extended support by supplying complimentary clothing to transgender and gender non-conforming students at higher education institutions such as Roanoke College in Virginia.[10]
Accolades
Out of the Closet thrift shops have received numerous honors. The Wilton Manors, Florida branch was awarded “Best Thrift Store in Broward County” by Out South Florida for both 2023 and 2024. Similar distinctions have been earned in cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.
In 2024, the Houston outlet was recognized as the “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store,” while the Dallas location was highlighted among top thrift stores for exceptional “secondhand savings.” That same year, the Columbus, Ohio store gained acknowledgment for providing complimentary HIV testing services.
References
- ↑ "No, Out of the Closet Thrift Store in WeHo is Not Closing for Good on Santa Monica Blvd - WEHO TIMES West Hollywood News, Nightlife and Events". 2021-02-17. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ↑ ""Out of the Closet" Trademark Settlement". IPWatchdog.com | Patents & Intellectual Property Law. 2008-11-10. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ↑ https://locations.outofthecloset.org/
- ↑ Cohen, Bryan (2014-05-14). "Out of the Closet thrift shop plus HIV/AIDS center opening in Pike/Pine this summer". CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
- ↑ "Out of the Closet Thrift Store Opens in Houston". OutSmart Magazine. 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ↑ Flores, Zara (2024-06-07). "Out of the Closet Thrift Stores offering second-hand goods, STD testing in downtown Austin". Community Impact. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ↑ Flores, Zara (2024-06-07). "Out of the Closet Thrift Stores offering second-hand goods, STD testing in downtown Austin". Community Impact. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ↑ "At a new Austin clinic, you can get tested for HIV or thrift a new sweater". KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station. 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ Atlanta, Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat (2025-05-30). "Georgia tops states in new HIV cases. Here are 10 easy ways to get tested in Atlanta". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Out of the Closet provides free clothing for transgender and gender non-conforming students". www.roanoke.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
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