BIND SAFE.

Bind Safe is an informational hub and educational video series promoting safe binding practices, education around the basics of gender dysphoria, and additional resources for youth, parents, medical professionals, and allies.

Chest binding is used to give the appearance of a flat chest by compressing chest tissue with constrictive materials. This can be helpful for trans, non-binary, and gender queer folk, who want to give off a more masculine gender expression.

This webpage contains videos showcasing real lived experiences and perspectives of individuals who bind, as well as professionals from the medical community. We’ve also included a tutorial video, a downloadable PDF of binding tips, and a list of binding-related resources for continued learning and support.

Bind Safe is supported by the Community One Foundation, and led by Kyra Shenker and the Get REAL team.⁣

OUR STORIES

Real experiences and perspectives from individuals who bind.

Kyra, Bea, Benny, D’Andrew, and Taymah share their experiences and thoughts around binding to help broaden
understanding, and start a conversation so many are afraid to have.

Introductions from Kyra, Bea, Benny, D’Andrew, and Taymah - five diverse people, who share in the experience of binding.

Kyra, Bea, Benny, D’Andrew, and Taymah discuss reasons why people may hesitate to bind, and the ways in which the stigmatization of binding has personally impacted them.

Putting on a binder for the first time can be life-changing, and the cast reflects on how that first time felt, for them.

Kyra, Bea, Benny, D’Andrew, and Taymah discuss the importance of an open dialogue around binding, and how a lack of understanding can lead to both transphobic misconceptions and unsafe binding practices.

SAFE BINDING

A deeper look at how to bind safely, and additional resources for continued learning and support.

This section contains a binding tutorial, input from Dr. Thea Weisdorf, a general practitioner who specializes in trans care,
and a downloadable educational PDF of safe binding tips, and resources.

In this binding tutorial, Kyra walks us through some crucial binding information, including:

Different kinds of binders
How to measure yourself for a binder
How to put on a binder
Additional tips on how to bind safely

In this short video, Dr. Thea Weisdorf, a general practitioner who specializes in trans care, discusses the importance of safe binding practices, and the need for open access to information about binding.

Our team has worked to create an informational PDF that includes general tips on binding, as well as a list of additional resources for continued learning and support.

Click here to download PDF!

INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE

Trans rights are human rights, and trans care is primary care.

Kyra Shenker, Dr. Tehmina Ahmad, and Dr. Thea Weisdorf share a mix of personal stories and medical perspectives
about the need for a better understanding of binding - and 2SLGBTQ+ healthcare in general - within the medical community.

Dr. Tehmina Ahmad shares an emotional story about the medical community failing to provide a safe space for a trans patient, and why she decided to go into medicine. Content warning: this video contains mentions of transphobia, and assault.

In this short video, Dr. Thea Weisdorf, a general practitioner who specializes in trans care, discusses the importance of safe binding practices, and the need for open access to information about binding.

Kyra, Dr. Tehmina Ahmad, and Dr. Thea Weisdorf discuss the importance of trans care, and the need for more inclusive education within the medical community.

BINDING RESOURCES

For trans folk, their support systems, medical health providers, and other professionals.

Binding basics for youth & their allies

Fenway Health Binding Resource Guide is an official medical resource that outlines safe binding practices and additional resources.
Point 5cc’s mission is to create trans-inspired clothes that build and support the LGBTQ+ community. In these articles they explore some basics in binding safely, different types of binders and websites to purchase binders as well as tips for binding for all body types and sizes.
Clue published an LGBT+ Health article that discusses chest binding, tips and risks
TransGuys.com focuses on providing practical information for trans men around the world. This article provides in depth descriptions on where to get a binder, how to decide on a binder for you and how to bind safely
Trans Safe Space Network is an info hub, safe haven and support system for transgender people, families, friends and allies. This article offers a fun educational comic on binding as well as extensive binding resources on a budget.

Resources for medical practitioners & other professionals

Healthy Binding offers concrete advice for trans and non binary people about binding health and training for health professionals about binding health
Pride in Practice empowers providers to give excellent care to LGBT patients with clinical education and resources
In this article, Smart Sex Resource describes how to address chest binding with transgender and gender diverse clients. Smart Sex Resource is a practical resource for health care providers and other professionals.

Free and low-cost binders

FtM Essentials and their parent company, Early to Bed, created a Free Youth Binder Program. Designed for folks 24 and under who are unable to purchase a binder on their own due to financial circumstances.
Point of Pride provides new or gently-used chest binders to any trans person who is in need and cannot afford or safely obtain one. To date, they have donated more than 2,500 chest binders to trans youth and adults in need in all 50 states and 35 countries (and counting!).

A huge thank you to the Community One Foundation for helping make this project possible, and to Dr. Thea Weisdorf, and Dr. Tehmina Ahmad for their guidance and advice throughout.

The material included on this webpage does not constitute medical, or other professional advice or opinion. All information, including text, graphics, images, videos and any other material, including any links to such materials, are provided for informational and educational purposes only, and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have seen or read online.