FtM

Binding

Many transmasculine people will bind their chests to make their breasts appear smaller. This can dramatically decrease chest dysphoria however it can be very dangerous if done incorrectly or with incorrect materials and may even lead to damaged ribs or make it harder or impossible to get top surgery (removal of breasts).

There are two different types of chest binders, each with pros and cons

Half binder

These come down to just above your waist.

Pros:

• Cooler

• Doesn't roll up

• Usually cheaper

Cons:

• May induce dysporia due to bra like shape

• Cannot be worn by itself (ie. with nothing over top)

Full Binder

These come down to your hips, like a shirt.

Pros:

• Can be worn as a normal tank top

• Some say it's more comfortable

Cons:

• It rolls up

• Usually more expensive

• Hotter

Binding Do's and Don't's

DO NOT:

• Bind with anything that is not from an official trans binder store. This includes cheap ones off amazon and wish.

• Bind with anything that is not meant for binding (ie. bandages or duct tape). This WILL hurt your ribs.

• Bind for over 8 hours

• Exercise in your binder - try wearing a sports bra instead

• Wear a binder while swimming - there are some clip on binders that are made specifically for this but if you don't have one of those DO NOT use a regular binder. This will restrict your ability to breathe and it will be extremely hard to take off while it is wet

• Sleep in your binder

• Buy a binder that is sized down on purpose

DO:

• Make sure you get the right measurements

• Take breaks while binding

• Make sure to stretch

• Drink a lot of water (especially if it is hot weather)

• Buy from a Trans specific shop - GC2B are excellent (and have a sizing chart) and Sock Drawer Heroes are an Australian based Trans company (so shipping may be cheaper)

IMPORTANT NOTE - When putting your binder on, make sure your nipples are facing the front and not down or to the side. Failing to do so can cause serious damage.

When taking off your binder

• Stretch your arms above your head then stretch side to side to stretch out your ribs

• Cough a few times

• Take some slow deep breaths

Washing a binder

Make sure to wash your binder regularly so it doesn't start growing things from all the accumulated sweat.

1. Get a container and fill it with water (can even be the sink)

2. Lather up the binder with laundry or dish soap then let soak for around 10-15 minutes

3. Rinse out binder and ang dry it (make sure to get all the soap out before drying

"Is it Normal?" Binding Edition

Yes -- This is normal :)

• Getting winded after walking quickly/ upstairs with binder on, but able to catch your breath

• Chafind in the underarms area

• Soreness (suring or after) in arms, shoulders, or back

• Mild anxiety about tightness

• Chest sagging

No, take it off and rest. See a doctor if the problem gets worse or doesn't go away after taking the binder off (or after one week):

• Nausea during or after binding, in cluding nausea caused by pain

• Bruising

• Out of breath/ can't catch breath when not wearing binder

• Skin rash

• Sharp pain in ribs

• Not able to cough or sneeze

• Numbness in arms

• Feeling too tires/ sore to do everyday activities

• Suddenly having any of the above symptoms even if you've been binding for years

NO, see a doctor ASAP, could be a sign of serious injury :(

• Anything from the above category if you can just tell/ feel something is wrong - better safe than sorry

• Extreme claustrophobia/ panic attacks

• Sharp pain in chest/ heart skipping beats or beating very fast

• Not being able to breathe

• Dizziness

• Blueness in lips or fingertips

• Change in shape of ribcage

• Fainting

Packing

'Packing' refers to creating a bulge in your underwear, often to achieve a more masc look and feel. FTM, trans and transmasculine people often pack in order to curb gender dysphoria or to better express their gender. A 'packer' is a soft realistic penis, often made from silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) that you use to pack. Packing is a personal decision, and it's not something that every transmasculine person chooses to do. It's totally up to you if it's something that makes you feel good.

STP

STPs are devices that allow people with out penises to stand whilst peeing (STP - Stand To Pee). This can allieviate an enormous amount of dysphoria for transmasculine people. STPs are essentially a funnel with a large area at the top that gets pressed against your genetalia and thus the urethra to collect urine, and a tube that runs through to the other end of the STP where the urine comes out. Some packers have STP funcionality but make sure to double check before you buy if it can be used like this.

Check out the resources below for more information on packers and STPs