#safe binding

[earlgraytay]

Hey, PSA for younger/newer transmascs:

Tumblr has been showing targeted ads for "FTM binders" off Amazon. They look like this:

Do not buy these.

A binder is a piece of medical equipment. If you use one incorrectly, or use a poorly made one, you can really fuck up your ribs. This article from the Cleveland Clinic talks about how to bind safely.

A $14 binder is guaranteed not to be safe. There's a reason reputable companies charge more- sometimes a lot more. They have to carefully design binders so they don't crush your ribs or make you sick.

You know how everyone says Don't Bind With Duct Tape? Don't bind with Amazon binders.

#ftm #transmasc #trans man #transgender #trans boy #trans info #chest binding #safe binding #being a gender is suffering #being a gender is awesome

[transmasc-advice-blog]

Binding

Binders

I found that Spectrum Outfitters worked best for me (prices range from $50-$39). I also have binders that are older and stretched out or that don’t work as well (like gc2b) that I use when I don’t need as flat of a chest because they are easier on my rib cage lol. If you do that, do NOT count that as a break!

Practice safe binding!

Don't bind for more than 8 hours

Don't sleep in a binder

Don't exercise in a binder

Get the right size

Try to only wear a binder for 5 or 6 days a week (this one is hard, I know)

If it hurts, take it off!

If you notice bruising, something is wrong! Your binder might be too small or you may be wearing it for too long.

TransTape

Wearing binders all the time is not too good for you so I recommend using a variety of different binding techniques. One is TransTape!

The reason Ace bandages are unsafe is because as you breathe it gets tighter and tighter and can really hurt you. But TransTape doesn't do that, it's like the tape athletes use when they sprain their ankle or something. It's safe as long as it is used properly. Plus, you can wear it for up to 5 days, exercise and sleep while wearing it, and it's water proof!

TransTape isn't the only brand of course, but they do have a lot of great resources.

Learn more at their website here. I recommend starting with this page and the FAQ.

KT tape is another option if you cant afford/arent allowed to order TransTape. You can find it at most drugstores and box stores for relatively cheap. The adhesive isnt as strong as TransTape, keep that in mind when applying.

Men's Compression Shirts *I have not used these myself (yet) but I hear they work pretty well*

Made for cis men with gynecomastia but hey we can use em. Obviously will work much better for smaller chests, but could still do something for bigger chests, maybe for under a hoodie?

They won't flatten you as well as binders but the goal is more to masculinize the shape of your chest than to completely flatten it. They are also safer than binders.

Other stuff

The color black will make you look flatter

Layers! Lots of layers! (don't overheat)

Sports bras

Compression bras

Button ups <3333

Resources

Pain-Free Binding Techniques | Youtube Video by Arthur Rockwell

Binding 101 - Point of Pride

Binding Safely - Spectrum Outfitters

How to Hide Your Chest (without a binder) | Youtube Video by Iris Olympia

Binder Care - Spectrum Outfitters

Please free feel to add!

#binders #chest binding #chest binders #trans tape #transtape #binding techniques #safe binding #ftm #transgender #trans #transmasc

[homoashell]

REMINDER TO NOT WEAR YOUR BINDER FOR MORE THAN EIGHT HOURS A DAY AND NEVER SLEEP IN IT!!!

BE SAFE POOKIES

#starr's thoughts #Targeted #targeted #safe binding

[transgooglesearches]

Your binding info page is a bit out of date.

There is actually one kind of tape that is safe to bind with. Kinesiology tape (aka "K-tape" or "Trans Tape") is an elastisized sports tape that can be safely used for binding without wrapping around a person's ribs.

K-tape is used to pull aside each side of a person's chest without wapping around like in this picture so that it doesn't put pressure on ribs or impede breathing.

K-tape is actually the only way that I can bind safely because a regular binder would risk setting off my fibromyalgia, and it's also the only binding method I know of that can be safely used while exercising.

Thank you for the information! I don’t always have computer access so unfortunately I can get behind on keeping pages up to date, I’ll edit it in the upcoming days though!

#not a search #safe binding #helpful #info

[crippledwithrage]

I'm somewhere between a B and A cup, so I'm on the smaller side of chests. I've tried different methods of taping and all it did was make them not jiggle when I walked- like a tape bra.

This method, however focuses on the pec shape rather than flattening perfectly.

I came up with it after wasting half a roll of trans tape on other methods, but this one really helped me!

All bodies are different so don't be afraid to experiment with different styles!

Make sure ur musty ass is clean when you put the tape on or you'll be taping over dirt and sweat which is going to give yourself an infection.

Here's a tutorial I found on larger chests and bodies!>>> https://youtu.be/USNvHelRBoU

When making the anchor (the part that sticks to your skin before you pull the rest of it) make sure it's flat and attached well using heat and friction.

(Round the fucking corners of the tape! It gives more traction! )

The first strip is 3 segments and starts near the bottom of the breast where the skin folds over, and pulls up towards the armpit diagonally.

Be sure to pull up first. If you pull down, it may damage the tissue and make top surgery impossible.

The second piece pulls downwards diagonally from the top towards the bottom of the ribs at the back (near your floating ribs). Make sure it doesn't wrap all the way to your shoulder blades.

(That way you can reach It to take it off properly)

It's important not to do this backwards because you shouldn't pull down! It should look like pecs, but remember, cutting board flat is unrealistic and dangerous!

The skin will itch in the middle so feel free to use anti itch cream to alleviate.

Remember > the tissue may be more dense like mine which makes this using transtape frustrating.

Again, feel free to alter it if it doesn't work.

If you have sensory issues, be aware of your boundaries! You can feel the tape on you but don't be afraid to say that it doesn't feel right.

Adjust it or try a different binder. Fytist is the best for sensory friendly binding.

With tape, you'll be able to feel your shirt on your chest and back when using transtape too, so that's something to get used to.

Wear a heavy jacket or sit against something to make that odd sensation go away.

I'm disabled, and I have issues with my oxygen levels so breathing properly is a must. Binders can make it hard to breathe and cause joint pain which is a bitch of a time for me. In the summer, especially, since they get hot.

Binders work for me, luckily, but this method of tape allows for clear breathing.

No squeezing sensation and free range of movement.

It minimizes pain, and allows me to breathe freely as I would with nothing on. If you have breathing problems and can use tape, I highly suggest this.

You can sleep in this stuff and use it for 4 ish days. If it hurts or pulls, or even blisters, take it off! It's better to have a bad day than to live with a mistake forever. Bind safely!

This is for those of you who feel like they're not "flat enough ". Markipier is a cis man and I personally love that he never hides that his chest is somewhat fuller. He has pecs and wears tighter shirts, and this is literally the norm for men. This is the shape you should be going for, not cutting board flat. Most men aren't flat anyways.

When in dysphoria, remember markipier!

Lastly, if you can get cutting board flat, be sure to check if your method is safe and that you're not pulling down. If it's safe, congrats! But I will find you and I will delete your minecraft worlds if you bully others about their chest.

Stay safe out there, queers!

#trans #ftm #transgender #trans ftm #disabled #neurodivergent #lgbt #trans tape #chest binding #binding tape #binding tips #safe binding #nonbinary #enby

[dogbunni]

alright trans mascs in the UK listen up, bc I have some knowledge to impart.

you know that high street fashion brand. Peacocks. no one ever goes in there anymore. kinda dying off. well they sell these sports bras, and I decided to buy some on a whim, bc binding has been hell for me recently and I can't really do it anymore. and oh my god. they don't get me flat, but it's pretty damn close. look.

here is one of the bras I bought, it's a UK10-12. it came with padding but it's easily removed.

and here I am wearing the same bra but in white. (vest top over it bc I'm shy 👉👈) like I said, it doesn't get me flat, but as someone with a C cup chest it's not half bad

and once I have a top on over it, look at that. tell me that isn't good. this bra cost me £7, even with buying 3 of them it's still cheaper than my binder or any of the KT tape I've tried in the past. and tbh, my binder doesn't get me flat anyways. I'm literally never binding again, these sports bras are it for me!

obviously I can't say how well this would work for people with chests larger than C cup. but for £7 it's so cost effective, and I was wearing one yesterday and had someone ask if I'd gotten top surgery. no one's ever asked me that before, even when I wore my binder religiously. fucking. peacocks, man.

#transmasc #trans masc #trans man #safe binding #binding #im pretty sure peacocks is only a thing in the uk but id be very happy to be wrong

[transmangains]

This is your sign to use oil when removing trans tape. I just ripped off a piece of my nipple

#trans man #ftm #trans #trans guy #transmasc #transgender #testosterone #closeted trans guy #binding #safe binding #unsafe binding #trans tape #therapists choice tape #kt tape #binder #chest binding

[bat-farme]

#trans man #transmasc #binding tips #safe binding #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbtqa #lgbt memes #lgbtq rights #transgender #196 #fanter

[ashbeesstuff]

Binded and needy

#bd/sm community #bd/sm puppy #nb nsft #nsft pics #queer nsft #safe binding

[tepli-mravenci]

dad accidentally put my (still fairly new) binder in the dryer and when I wore it afterwards my ribs hurt for the next 4 consecutive days

so uh, a friendly reminder to not put your binders in the dryer

#trans #transgender #genderfluid #is what i am #mspec #transmasc #nonbinary #genderqueer #lgbt #reminder #safe binding #ftm #ftm trans #binders

[crayonssz]

"binding is like sex, do it safe or don't do it" -me to @crumboat this morning

(their actual name is cumboat btw)

#duckies dumbassery #duckies bbgs #trans #binding #safe binding #chest binding

[speedbills]

I am recently seeing the news regarding GC2B binders going downhill with their newer binders and it’s material. I’ve noticed that the newer binders that I’ve bought within the last year have been more painful on my back and ribs than the originals I bought a couple years ago. I just didn’t put two and two together until now. I heard of people ending up with broken ribs and what not. I will be purchasing new binders soon from FYTIST, as I’ve heard very great things about them and they are a trans-owned company.

For any other trans-men, people of trans-experience who bind—You can purchase binders or binding products from the following companies (if you’re choosing to no longer bind with GC2B like me) who’s products have great feedback like the following:

FYTIST, Spectrum, TransTape, TransGenX Tape (Amazon).

Please, I cannot stress this enough, remember to always be safe with your binding and take care/listen to your body!

#p #transgender #safe binding #chest binding #gc2b binder #ftm #trans #nonbinary #lgbtq #transguy #transman

[talisidekick]

Why Signs Showing Safe Binding for Children/Teens Is A Good Thing

Yes, this is going to stir some TERF's, gender criticals, rad-fems, and other transphobes into a bit of a frothing and angry mess, but good, because it needs to be said.

First off, no one is trying to tell your cisgender kid to bind. Signs that give steps for careful binding for under age teens or children just entering puberty aren't for cisgender kids.

What they are is informational posters for transgender and questioning kids that do bind and may be looking at binding products without a lot of information because of a lack of social support from their family or community. To re-state: No-one wants to encourage your cisgender kid to try binding.

Ideally, the solution that is the best is puberty blockers until the child or teenager has had time to consider how they feel about life. Puberty blockers are harmless, and allow any person on them to either pursue HRT at a later date (when they can sufficiently make an informed decision themself, or get approval earlier after lengthy psychological evaluation), or resume natural puberty later on in life. Whichever the individual lands on. Base point of this paragraph: easy access to transgender medical care via informed consent is necessary and the best solution, not bureaucratic hoops.

However, since many countries, and parts of other countries have decided the high rate of suicide amongst transgender and queer kids is an acceptable loss for the 'protection of cisgender children' in a situation (or situations) where cisgender children have never been at any sizeable risk, many transgender children and adults will take up the practice of binding. Why? Because they've been given no other option either by family, society, or due to a financial barrier.

So back to: why are these signs good? Because it means those binding who are unaware of the long term effects of it can be informed ideally bind a little more safely in a situation where it's their only option to be themselves. It's not propaganda for cisgender children or adults to be turned or fooled into being transgender, but rather to stop trans children and adults from causing extreme long term damage to themselves. Ideally, the best solution is to eliminate the need to bind at all; by providing sufficient medical care for a documented issue with literally decades of study behind it, and a satisfaction rate (99%~) higher than that of knee surgery (85%~); a practice that despite the amount of surgery's performed that end up leaving dissatisfaction in the resulting situation of the patient, no one seems to have a single issue about.

But I can already hear the argument coming of "what about those cisgender few that DO end up thinking they're transgender but aren't, that would bind or try transitioning?" And I'll give you three answers to that:

What about the transgender adults and children that commit suicide when sufficient medical and social care isn't provided? Are their lives worth less?

This also isn't a question that actually supports NOT having transgender care or information on it publicly available, but one that supports having more knowledge and psychological study being done on transgender care, the overlap of other medical conditions, and the easy access and publication of that information for the education of children and adults. Why? So adults, parents, and their children can understand more about transition and transgender peoples situation and make informed decisions with the aid of well trained and knowledgeable medical professionals who are supportive in helping the child make the right decision for them.

The number of cisgender folk that do unfortunately get lead to believe they are transgender and attempt transition is exceptionally small, and can be further reduced with the accurate publication and easy access to education on transition, transgender experiences, and possibly overlapping medical conditions as discussed in answer two (2) above. This doesn't mean stricter psychological requirements, but rather, more easily obtainable factual public information.

The end point to this: binding posters help transgender kids and adults reduce the level of harm to themselves in situations where the ideal options aren't available to them/have been deliberately removed to harm them.

If you are against these kinds of posters, that means you're for the deliberate harm of transgender and queer children and adults, not the protection of cisgender people.

You're just out to cause harm, and if you dislike that fact, perhaps consider what you could be doing instead to HELP without harming other people in the process.

Every person on earth is capable of good, but the line between doing good by causing evil for others, and doing good for all is a thin one. Make sure you're on the right side of it. Always double check. Transgender people need help being themselves, and ideally if we can eliminate any chance of cisgender folk thinking they too might be transgender, that's the goal. But one should never be at the cost of anothers life. Cisgender people aren't 'first' and transgender 'second', we're equal, we're all just people. Denying transgender people the care they need causes deaths. Lets all do better. Let us make sure transgender adults can live long productive lives in society as their true selves, and transgender children can make it past graduation.

Bind safely. The signs are there to help.

#suicide mention #tw suicide #trans #transgender #ftm #transmasculine #transmasc #trans positivity #2slgbtqia+ #lgbtqia+ #lgbtq+ #lgbt+ #binding #safe binding #protect trans kids #trans lives matter #trans rights are human rights #if you have a better binding guide please link it in the comments #queer

[cosimad]

Taken from Tatiana Maslany’s InstaStories, June 2nd, 2022. In the image, Tatiana is wearing a crop top with the phrase “support trans futures”, and she states that gc2b is “an awesome company that also makes comfortable binding options designed by trans people for trans people.” Tatiana will star in the Marvel She-Hulk series airing August 17th, 2022 on Disney+. 

#tatiana maslany #she-hulk #trans rights #gc2b #my supportive queen #safe binding

[azemthewanderer]

trans tape: first application

okay, my tape arrived today. bright pink like i wanted.

first attempt at application: awful, couldnt figure it out, my meds had not fully kicked in and i was crying on the bathroom floor. wasted two 4 section sheets. friend told me to take a break and i did

Second attempt at application: 3 hours later, meds kicked in. i was more calm, and my expectations were lowered, did still waste tape but not as much. its on, fully. i know that its not on perfectly, that this isnt right in some places. and im not flat. but i am flatter.  and its on. about 3-4 pieces on each side

WHAT I LEARNED/ WHAT I MESSED UP

if you fuck up cutting it, it will curl up. 

it is hard to remove from the paper without stretching it, if anyone has tips for this please share 

it is not going to go well your first time (i knew this going into it. but i was still disappointed during that first attempt.)

you need to pull back to under the armpit,

one side is flatter than the other currently, because i pulled the tape back under the armpit on one side and not the other

it is like, the flatness right now is how it is when you wear a bra that you have stretched out and no longer really fits. like yeah its flat but not super flat.

there is a tightness, which is just cause my body isnt used to it.

it hurts only very slightly in one place but not like a BE WORRIED pain more like a oh this is tight and new pain.

NIPPLE COVERS ARE IMPORTANT BUT ALSO COMFORTABLE 

i should have gotten the large sized tape not the medium

it does not stick to itself

i probably fucked up that under armpit piece actually now that i think about it, the site says dont raise your arms when applying it. WHOOPS but also how else am i gonna put it there

rub the tape after applying it. thats how it sticks. but once you stick it, you cant/shouldn't move it. commit to your stick

OVERALL

i will do better next time i apply it. the real test will be if my mother asks me to put a bra on tomorrow or not. if she needs to send me out to do something. i am leaving it on for a while i think. it is actually quite comfortable i do want my body to get used to it though.

#transgender #trans #ftm #trans tape #ftm binding #safe binding #tape binding #first time binding #Lance tape adventure

[sapphicczaroftorture]

Any comfier or at least less soul crushing methods and tools for binding other than the clasic binder and tapes?

The air is not getting to where it should and it's painful 🥴

#non binary #safe binding #chest binding #enby #afab struggles #reddit refugee #egg irl #traaaaaaannnnnnnnnns #traaa