TRJP
The Rainbow Jacket Project began as a project by two high school students in Evansville, IN. Classmates Nic and Emme noticed many trans individuals struggling to purchase clothing that reflects who they are. The pair decided to take action, founding an organization to address this need. Nic and Emme assembled a team of peers to help bring their vision to life. After months of work and generous aid from the community, TRJP opened its doors in February of 2019.
​
Today, TRJP is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit, run by a team of dedicated volunteers. A number of our volunteers identify as trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming, and many others have loved ones in the trans community.
Nic Johnson
Co-founder
he/him
Emme Lang
Co-founder
any pronouns
The Rainbow Jacket Project strives to create a safe, supportive environment for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. We offer free clothing and accessories to help affirm people's gender identities, regardless of age or socioeconomic status.
​
TRJP is located at 314 SE Riverside Dr, in a space graciously provided by St. Paul's Episcopal Church. For more information, check out our FAQ page.
In Memory of Lydia Johnson
(1963-2024)
Lydia was the driving force behind The Rainbow Jacket Project for four years. After taking on Nic and Emme's roles in 2020, she poured countless hours into the organization. Lydia spearheaded TRJP's journey to becoming a formal nonprofit, serving as its president until the final weeks of her life.
Lydia was a brilliant, witty, hardworking, and giving person. She was a painter, an award-winning journalist, a leader, a mother of two, an avid reader, and a prolific knitter of scarves. She was a proud Christian and member of the Episcopal Church. She was fascinated by U.S. history and genealogy. She traveled to four out of seven continents. She was a lifelong fan of Queen, Prince, and Led Zeppelin — and especially Robert Plant. She was fond of everything old: graveyards, churches, and haunted houses and hotels. She loved card and board games. She dominated the playing field in Words with Friends, consistently wiping the floor with her opponents.
After many years fighting lung cancer and other chronic health issues, Lydia is finally at peace. Her legacy will endure in TRJP and all the lives she has touched through it.