Meet Salome Hall

We recently connected with Salome Hall and have shared our conversation below.

Salome , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

The first trans person I ever heard of was my cousin. I don’t know her name, where she lives, or even if she’s still alive. All I knew as a child was that my family referred to her as a “he-she.” And it made me angry.

I grew up in a deeply religious household where unconditional love was preached as the greatest virtue. But that love always seemed conditional—limited to certain people, excluding others, like my cousin. They said, “God is love,” but only for those who fit into their narrow definitions. Everyone else? Condemned to Hell. Even as a child, it felt profoundly wrong.

I always knew I was meant to do something in this world, though for a long time, I didn’t know what that was.

I escaped poverty and domestic violence in Brownsville, Brooklyn, by enlisting in the Navy at 19. It gave me an education in privilege—what it means to have it, and what it feels like to live without it. But my time in the military also left me with scars—mental and physical trauma that I still carry. I returned to civilian life feeling devalued and defeated. Chronic illness forced me to leave school, and being labeled “disabled” left me feeling like I wasn’t enough, like I was failing just by existing in the body I was given.

Even so, I had agency—more than my trans siblings, who face relentless barriers and a society that tries to erase them. As a first-generation Black, Asian, queer, disabled veteran, I’ve walked a path through systems designed to make people like me invisible. And yet, I’m still here. That realization became the foundation of my purpose: to fight for those whose paths are even harder than mine, for those seen as disposable by society.

I created Sisters Affirming Sisterhood Project because I know that if just one person on this planet can walk through the world feeling free, authentic, and affirmed, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose. My cousin didn’t get that chance—but I will spend the rest of my life making sure others do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I run Sisters Affirming Sisterhood (SAS) Project, a nonprofit born from a passion for uplifting trans-folx, fighting systemic injustice, and championing sustainability. Our mission is multi-faceted but deeply interconnected: we provide clothing and toiletries to those in need, with a focus on the trans community, while advocating for gender affirmation, environmental justice, and fair labor practices.
What makes this work exciting is how personal it is to me and how transformative it can be for others. At its core, Sisters Affirming Sisterhood Project is about freedom—the freedom to live authentically, to access what you need without judgment, and to reclaim dignity in a world that so often strips it away. We also push back against fast fashion’s exploitative cycle, upcycling clothing to give it new life while standing in solidarity with garment workers who deserve fair wages and safe conditions.
The most special thing about this work is the people. Every donation, every garment we upcycle, every connection we make is a reminder that a community built on love and solidarity can challenge even the harshest systems. We’re not just about clothing; we’re about empowerment and creating spaces where everyone, especially those society overlooks, feels seen and valued.
Right now, we’re preparing for Threads Reimagined, our upcoming fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 6th, 2025, at Judson Memorial Church. The show will feature upcycled, multifunctional, and gender-neutral designs created by incredible BIPOC and Queer designers from Philadelphia and beyond. This event is more than just a showcase—it’s a statement about the power of creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. It’s also a vital opportunity to raise funds for our next steps: launching a mobile boutique to bring our services directly to underserved communities and eventually establishing a brick-and-mortar space.
Long-term, I see Sisters Affirming Sisterhood Project expanding nationally and globally. What started as a micro-initiative in Philadelphia has always had big dreams—to connect and empower people across the world. But at every step, we’ll carry the spirit of the creative, activist, and queer communities that nurtured us in Philly.
Ultimately, this work isn’t about me—it’s about all of us. It’s about imagining a world where we all have what we need to thrive and taking bold steps to make that a reality.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. A Persistent Passion
Dedication and follow through are integral to showing your commitment to the project
2. Education & Awareness
Being informed on the issues and legislation that affects your work helps you prepare and plan.
3. Community Engagement
Being aware of community needs and challenges are essential to beings seen as an authentic ally.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Fiscal sponsorship
Funding has been primarily from small dollar donors who are a part of the community we serve. A sustaining sponsorship would allow us to provide resources without interruption
Diverse collaborations + Volunteer acquisition
We would love to partner with corporate and small business owners for inventory or donations of goods
National tours
Meeting people where they are is a part of our outreach initiative. We’d like the resources to visit small cities and provide a safe space for acquiring affirming items

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sasproject.org
• Instagram: @_thesasproject_
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/sasproject

Image Credits

With the exception of one photo, all images were taken by me, Salome Hall.
The group photograph that is in a warehouse was taken by Holly Guevara