Trans YouTubers and DIY undergarments: 'Queer-and-trans-world-making-and-sharing' within the fashion system's informal economies.

This article examines the production and distribution of do-it-yourself (DIY) gender-affirming undergarments worn on the lower torso by trans YouTubers, situating these practices within influencer identity, trans experiences, activism, and personal storytelling in the twenty-first century. Through qualitative analysis of YouTube videos, oral histories with three trans content creators, and a co-curated fashion exhibition, the research highlights how these creators engage in "queer-and-trans-world-making-and-sharing" by making and openly sharing accessible tutorials and garments to support community members' gender affirmation. The study emphasizes the importance of digital spaces like YouTube for knowledge exchange, emotional support, and activism, noting that while some trans influencers sell branded products, the DIY undergarments themselves are primarily shared non-commercially to address gaps in marketplace availability and affordability. The work also reflects on the intersection of personal identity, community building, and the challenges of representation and accessibility within and beyond trans communities.