The Gender Gear Collective started as a few individuals that wanted to help the transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse community in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Their first step was providing free binders at the Pride festival in Rapid City in June of 2024. The overwhelming emotional responses and gratitude from recipients of these binders made it clear that gender affirming resources are lacking in the Black Hills. By June 2025, the Gender Gear Collective expanded their board and applied for 501(c)3 status which was approved on July 28, 2025. While the Gender Gear Collective continues to grow, they are currently running programs with the help of the board of directors and volunteers.