Amplify Your Voice @amplifytoo - Tumblr Blog

Answers to all your burning questions

False information often just aids stigma. Check out this STD glossary and get the facts!

#std #compsexed #sexualhealth #reproductive health

But you know what is scary? The Trump admin’s push to block contraceptive access. Text “FREEBC” to 877-877 to stop them. Happy Halloween!

For over a decade, Advocates for Youth has worked with immigrant youth activists toward policies that protect them from deportation. Today is the 5th anniversary of #DACA, and our board members are sending support and solidarity to young immigrants.

14% More Men Are Using Condoms: Study (via Time)

Condoms are one of the best ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, but they are not an especially well-used form of birth control in the United States. However, new data indicates that 34% of men are using them, which is 14% more than in the past.

#condoms #birth control #reproductive rights #health care

Birth Control Now Available Without Doctor Visit In Colorado

If Black Gay Men on TV Were All Masculine ‘Professionals,’ Would We Still Care About Diversity? (via The Root)

“The point is that we have seen artists attempt to diversify representations of black queer femme men, and those instances are still rebuffed in grotesque ways. And it makes one wonder: Would the same folks discussing nonmonolithic representations of the black queer male experience complain if all we saw on television and film were traditionally masculine and “professional” versions of the community? - Preston Mitchum, International Policy Analyst at Advocates for Youth

#diversity #femme #men of color #queer men of color #representation

10 things parents should do to prepare their daughters for puberty

“The way you act gives your children a sense of what you think and believe about sexuality,” says Debra Hauser, president of Advocates for Youth, one of the groups behind the sex-ed video series AMAZE. “How you interact with your partner or spouse … what you say when you find your 3-year-old touching herself for pleasure (‘don’t do that’ or ‘don’t do that in public’?)… Each sends a message.”

#puberty #parenting

Laverne Cox Will Show You the Long, Intense Fight for Transgender Rights

Every day, people question why we advocate for trans rights. “How many trans people are there, really?” we are asked. Or, “Isn’t this just a new niche issue that serves as a distraction from the issues that really matter?”

But trans people have always existed, and our lives have always mattered. And though we have and continue to face rampant discrimination, so too have we built beautiful communities and movements of resistance and love.

Through a collaborative video from the ACLU, Transparent producer and artist Zackary Drucker, Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox and the creative team of Molly Crabapple and Kim Boekbinder, we are telling the story of trans history and resistance.

#trans rights #laverne cox #molly crabapple #kim boekbinder #transparent #reisistance #trans history

projectqueer

Trystan Reese and Biff Chaplow have already two adopted children.

rewiredotnews

The implicit biases of health-care providers that women of color have poor reproductive control is still reflected in our contraception counseling to this day. Our collaborator Andrea Jackson found that among family planning providers, there was an increased tendency to recommend long-acting contraceptive methods to women of color. This highlights the undertones of a medical community that is often unknowingly influenced by the historical stereotypes of 'the welfare queen.‘

Onouwem Nseyo, MD, OB-GYN, interviewed in ‘It Behooves You to Understand Why People Are Getting Sick’: A Q&A About Police Violence and Reproductive Health - Rewire (via wearerewire)

Vote for our panel for SXSW !!

With the mass introduction of legal restrictions to abortion care, the dystopian plot of Handmaid’s Tale is becoming more plausible. How do women succeed if they can't decide when, if, and how to parent? Moderated by journalist Imani Gandy, this panel will contemplate a potentially devastating Handmaid-esque future and try to answer the question “What if Roe v Wade were to be overturned?” by turning to the activists whom have worked to provide access to safe abortion care in the past and today.

Help us get to SXSW by voting for our panel here!

#SXSW #the handmaid's tale #roe v wade #abortion

oh-archivist

God okay so I’m going to say this now; PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not risk your health or anyone’s in the form of getting a “cheap” binder of ebay or where ever. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE save your $4-$10 dollars for those cheap ebay ones and put it towards a gc2b binder. Or if you want an Underworks go for that but I highly suggest gc2b. They’re about $40 (with shipping) and will last you WAY longer than any cheap ebay one. They are MEANT for lasting you. I wash mine many times week, wear it daily, Wear them daily. I have two. Had them for almost a year now. But I cannot urge you enough to PLEASE save up your pennies for a PROPER SAFE binder. Binders you can breathe in, binders you can move in, binders that don’t crush your ribs, binders that are comfortable, binders that are safe.

This isn’t a safe binder:

It uses clasps and not compression.

This is a c2b binder; made by trans people for trans people:

These binders have no clasps but uses spandex to compress you safety.

Measure your chest before ordering to make sure you don’t get one too small or too large.

UPDATE (06/12)

I wanted to add more information on where you can buy binders and info in general about binders

You can buy binders from these sites

@gc2b-apparel (OPs #1 Recommendation)

@shapeshiftersinc

http://www.f2mbinders.com/ (AKA underworks)

http://www.t-kingdom.com/

http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/index.php?language=en

http://www.danae.info/en/?___from_store=nl

http://showcase.designveronique.com/designveronique/shop/postsurgical/men-1.html

http://en.nabeshirt.com/shop/

Used Binders

If you can’t afford a binder, don’t despair! Used binders are often passed on by post-op trans men or those whose binders may no longer fit. There are a few programs available that help distribute donated second-hand binders:

In A Bind – Started in 2012, to date In a Bind has provided safe compression garments to over 1500 youth in need. Trans* masculine and genderqueer youth living anywhere in the USA can apply to receive a free binder. In a Bind depends on donations. Recently had top surgery? Go up or down a size? Find a style that works better for you? Donate those binders you’re no longer using!

Black Trans Advocacy FTM Binder Grant

MORF Binder Exchange – Since February 2011, MORF has been providing free binders to trans* masculine people in the UK and around the world. The free scheme (all you pay is the postage) has so far redistributed hundreds of binders. In 2014 alone, over 280 binders were sent out.

FTME Free Youth Binder Program – Age 24 and under only; USA only.

Replace the Ace – USA only

Big Brothers Used Binder Program – Donation required

Mazzoni Center’s Binder Recycling Program – Only for youth enrolled in P.A.C.T.S., Philadelphia.

Point 5cc Tshirt Company – Free binder with purchase of t-shirt

Come As You Are’s Binder Bucks Recycling Program – Canada only

Qmunity Binder Exchange – BC, Canada only.

Trans Fellas

Northern Ireland Binder Scheme – Age 25 and under, N. Ireland only.

You can also try asking around for an inexpensive hand-me-down binder on one of themailing lists for trans guys or check out LiveJournal’s FTM Garage Sale and the FtM Sales, Swap, and Support group on Facebook.

How to Choose a Chest Binder

If you still remember your old bra size, you can find out your binder size by using theBra to Chest Size Converter Tool. If you don’t know your old bra size, you can measure yourself the old-fashioned way:

Take a snug measurement of the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure (best if measured while clothed) and write that number down onto a sheet of paper.

Measure underneath your chest where the crease is and write that number down as well.

Add those numbers together and divide the sum by 2. This number will differentiate your size not only from brand to brand but from binder to binder as well.

Selecting a binder brand and style can be difficult: there are so many options that it can be overwhelming! Plus, there aren’t very many reviews of binders other than those about Underworks’ and T-Kingdom’s more popular models. After buying your binder, help make the experience easier for guys in the future by contributing your review to one of the review sites listed below.

Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.

Lastly, consider the location of the company you’re buying from. Buying from a company that’s closer to you can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs.

How to Put On a Chest Binder

It might seem silly, but you’re probably going to need some help figuring out how to put on your new binder, particularly if you purchased one of the longer styles.

Put your binder inside out and upside down.

Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.

Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.

Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs. You may need to pull the bottom of the binder out from underneath itself if you don’t want it folded under. For others, leaving it folded under may help stop the binder from rolling up.

Don’t be disappointed if you look in the mirror and it looks like you have one big boob in the middle of your chest. You just need to adjust your chest. Reach in from the neck hole and push your chesticles down and out. You’re basically pushing your nipple toward your armpit to achieve the flattest looking chest possible.

FTM Chest Binding Tips

Very important: When binding, you should not by any means feel as though you can’t breathe or like you’re going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.

Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath.

Depending on the size of your chest, you may need to layer clothing on top of the binder to get optimal chest flattening. You’ll find that some of the shirts in your closet require you to layer more than shirts in your wardrobe.

You can swim in your binder. Just wear a sleeveless or sleeved T-shirt over it. Don’t worry if your binder seems less effective after a swim, this isn’t permanent. Simply wash it and it will go back to normal.

Your chest will look bigger than it really is when you look down at it. Check in the mirror for a more accurate side view.

Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.

Conclusion

Chest binding, as cumbersome as it may seem, can be very freeing for transgender men. There’s a plethora of quality FTM chest binding products available for body types of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of what you use for binding, please remember to put your health first. Now that you’re armed with all the information you need to find the right binder for you, go forth and feel more comfortable in your skin!

FTM Chest Binder Reviews

Chest Binder Reviews Site: Written reviews of various chest binding products. Binders are rated for effectiveness, comfort, and discreetness.

Binder Reviews’ YouTube Collab Channel: This is a collab channel dedicated to providing reviews of a wide variety of chest binders on different sizes and shapes of people.

(Note: These sites are no longer updated.)

More FTM Chest Binding Resources

Binding Safely for Your Body: Tips for All Body Types and Sizes

The 6 Best Tips for Binding in the Summer

Hudson’s Guide to FTM Binding: Includes a complete list of other products you can use for chest binding, such as compression garments and sports bras.

FYI Binding Tips: The Butchelor has some useful tips on how to put on a binder, how to keep it from rolling up, and how to wash a binder.

Do you have any tips about binding? Want to share your experience with a particular binder brand or model? Do you know of other binder manufacturers, particularly those outside of Asia and the US? Please leave your comments below.

Last updated: 05/20/16 (x)

lgbt-userboxes

This isn’t a userbox but I wanted to reblog this here for all of our followers who bind!! Stay Safe lovelies and just a reminder not to use Ace bandages!!! - Daniel

guys-positivity

This has to be the hundredth time we’ve reblogged this but it is always important.

turtlewithteeth

@hate–police Hey, thought you might need to see this!

projectqueer

While she made her offer, she also completely destroyed the right wing talking points about why trans people shouldn't serve.

Dr. Christine McGinn isn’t your typical doctor. A former Navy surgeon, once nominated as flight surgeon of the year, spoke out against Donald Trump‘s hastily announced ban on transgender service members on CNN over the weekend and offered to help some troops caught in limbo as the policy is fleshed out.

McGinn, who is also transgender, will perform free gender confirmation surgery for any military member who has already scheduled the procedure with her office.

CLICK THE HEADER LINK TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

For First Time, Millennials And Gen X Were A Majority Of Electorate In 2016 (via NPR)

“One other major question for how millennials shape future elections is whether they increase their voting rates. Perhaps the most striking thing about Pew's new finding is that it didn't come sooner. In 2016, there were far more eligible young voters — 126 million in Gen X and millennials — than older voters, with nearly 98 million eligible between the boomer and silent generations.

But younger voters have only just now overtaken their elders because younger generations — and especially millennials — have lower voting rates than older generations, Pew also found. Only around half of millennials voted in 2016, compared with about two-thirds of older cohorts.”