Love Your Labels is an LGBTQ+-led nonprofit dedicated to uplifting queer and trans youth through creative expression and community building. Founded in 2018 by Joshua Croke, the organization is rooted in the belief that self-expression is lifesaving, and that creative practices offer powerful tools for identity exploration, mental wellbeing and community. 

Fashion design is a focal point of Love Your Labels. Its flagship initiative, Threads, teaches design and sewing skills to LGBTQ+ youth. “Threads works to create an affirming, supportive environment for youth and provide space to explore identity and build community through the creative lens of fashion,” explains Josh.

Using a project based learning model, Threads provides hands-on experience in garment construction while fostering life skills such as collaboration, communication and problem solving. Participants work toward creating a custom runway garment featured in the program’s culminating Youth Fashion Showcase and leave the program with their own sewing machine. 

Through project funding from the Foundation, the Threads program expanded in 2025 to offer two cohorts, and general operating support helped Love Your Labels focus on strategic planning and long-term sustainability. 

“At a time when attacks on trans rights and LGBTQ+ people are increasing at the federal level, we see the psychological harm happening to our young people,” says Josh. “Part of our resistance work is bringing the community together and rooting in joy and celebration of queer and trans identity.” 

In 2024, Love Your Labels brought Cass Dallas on board to serve as a therapist-in-residence, integrating emotional regulation, stress management, and social-emotional learning into the Threads curriculum.

The team has seen an increase in need for mental health support both from youth and parents. “We've had more requests from parents and families on how they can support their kids and the community,” says Josh. They’ve built a parent and caregivers group and are working with the Worcester Public Schools LGBT Family Advisory Council to address needs for students in and out of school. 

Since its launch, Threads has served over fifty youth and continues to grow, with a goal of introducing youth job opportunities that build skills and career readiness in safe, affirming roles. “What it comes down to,” says Josh, “is that our young people are looking for space and connection, now more than ever.”

This story was originally published in our 2025 Annual Report.