A SHOP for cross-dressers, drag queens and trans women is set to open.

Co-founder Wain Kara Douglas, 49, is setting up The Brighton Birdcage Shop as a “safe haven” for people who may be “feeling nervous” about buying women’s clothes.

The Brighton resident and drag performer is setting up the Gloucester Road store in the North Laine with his partner Nick Jordan, 48.

Mr Douglas said: “It’s a place where people can come down, have a coffee and a chat, and feel confident about who they are.

“It’s not a fancy dress shop. This is something we take very seriously”

Mr Douglas said the discreet shop will sell shoes, make-up and dresses, underwear and jewellery in a comfortable environment.

There will also be a service where wigs can be styled in-store so shoppers “can find the person or

personality” they are.

Mr Douglas, who performs in drag as Kara Van Park, said people will be on

hand to advise on things

such as make-up and how to walk.

He added: “It’s not a shop where anybody can just walk in.

“To gain entry you will have to press a buzzer.

“So if people feel they need to be discreet – be it a straight married man who likes wearing women’s clothing – it’s a safe haven and they don’t have to fear something like a hen party coming in.

“I think it could, without sounding dramatic, change people lives.

“It’s somewhere people can get something without being pointed at or laughed at.

“We’re here to says it’s OK to be who you are.”

Mr Douglas spoke with his transgender friends while thinking of the concept.

They discussed how the store could help members of the trans community without them feeling “patronised” or “insulted”.

The drag performer says the store will also be a one-stop-shop for drag queens who struggle to get their outfit in one place.

The shop is expected to open by the end of next month.

Mr Douglas said: “I know a lot people experience problems which make them feel nervous and not able to be themselves.

“That is really sad and is a shame.

“Me and my partner have become more and more passionate about the project as we’ve been getting on with it.”

For more information, go to www.thebrightonbirdcage.co.uk.