Helping the NB folks!

A blog for all of the wonderful people who back-flipped out of the binary. HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A TRANSTASTIC DAY!

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Hey there! I'm afab and I identify as genderfluid but a LOT of the time I feel more masculine. I was wondering if it's okay to refer to myself as a trans guy when I do feel masculine or if that's more for people who feel masculine all the time. Thanks!!

Yeah, of course it is! :D-Mod N

[nonbinarysapphic]

use the right pronouns for people even when they cant hear you

[my-lesbian-aesthetic]

Can I point out one exception? Don’t use pronouns when it could out the person. If a trans woman isn’t out to her parents and uses she/her pronouns, don’t use she/her in front of her parents. If you aren’t sure, ask the person. Don’t put trans people in danger

[bitter-trans-lesbian]

I think this is the only time I’ve ever seen someone giving an example of a time you should not use correct pronouns for someone and agreed with it.

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

If Im fem-alligned nb/demigirl, can I use the word lesbian?

Kii says:

If you identify as partially female and not as male, you can use lesbian.

[bend-the-binary-blog]

For the agender anon who asked if they can ID as lesbian -Noah

[bend-the-binary-blog]

can you be agender and a lesbian? i've identified as lesbian for a while now but i get confused as i'm not a girl

I guess not, sorry O.O. I’m not a lesbian myself, but I guess your gender has to be female/feminine (demigirl, genderfluid girl e.c.t) to ID as lesbian

Other terms you could use is 

Womansexual

or gynesexual

-noah

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

Hi folks! As you may know, we have a “other trans resource blogs” page and a “looking for trans resource blogs” tag, and if you know of a good blog we’re missing, send us an ask!

Are you a mod on another trans related blog? Do you know of any good trans resource blogs? Send us an ask if you know of any good blogs and we might add them to our list!

We’d especially like informational blogs, blogs for specifically for trans people in languages other than english, and blogs for trans feminine people, but send us whatever you’ve got. They don’t need to be teen-specific, blogs for trans adults are also okay to send in.

They must be:

1) Mainly or entirely about transgender things

2) Accepting of all trans people, including nonbinary trans people and trans people without dysphoria

3) Active blogs, or blogs that will respond to questions and are only inactive because they don’t get many asks

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Probably one of the best videos ive seen

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Is it okay to question between two pretty different genders? I thought I was a demigirl (female and agender) for a long time but now I've been feeling like a demiguy (male and neutrois) all of sudden. Advice?

It’s perfectly normal, dude. The same happened for me, actually. You see, when you first start questioning your gender, you might subconsciously want to stick to the gender/gender roles imprinted on you at birth, yet once you realise that you can completely detatch yourself from those imprints, you can be your true self

-Mod Noah

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

I literally cannot use "it" to refer to someone else. I have been dehumanized by that before and have heard it used that way for others as well and I really just cannot do that. I'm sorry and I don't know how to fix it but I can't do it.

Kii says:

If you know a specific person who uses it pronouns, I would talk to them about this and perhaps they will give you an alternative. 

However, if this is just a general statement, imagine that you use he pronouns, and there is an amab trans person refuses to use them because it makes them uncomfortable and brings back memories of being referred to as “he”. It doesn’t seem very fair, does it? Someone’s pronouns are not about anyone’s comfort but their own, so I would definitely try to keep that in mind.

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Using somebodys incorrect pronouns purposely is, well...I hate to say it, but it is transphobic

no matter the pronoun it’s transphobic

-Mod Noah

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Hello! Could you please link me to the Budget Binders page? I can't find it anywhere for some reason and I really need/want a binder right now but I'm super broke. Pretty please?

Do NOT go to budget binders! I spent 10 pounds bying one of their binders back in NOVEMBER 2015 and I still haven’t heard anything back from them

All they do is take your money. 

They don’t make binders anymore 

They just take money

[adulthoodisokay]

Honestly, Canada, now you’re just rubbing it in our faces.

[whorenitos]

@chestking this is your fault.

[chestking]

I support this tiny gay moose

[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)

[bend-the-binary-blog]

These binders are fine, guys. Well, one of them. The tank top binder is perfectly fine. It has elastic straps on the side so you don’t stop breathing! The reason why people break their ribs is because they either get the wrong size or strap the hook and eye clasps down to tightly! 

Seriously tumblr, not everybody on this website can just get 50 dollars from their parents. Not everybody can put on a gc2b or underworks binder (I have a tumour covering my right shoulder, so I can’t do that think when you grab the back of the binder and pull it over your head. I’ve tried it with shirts. It’ just ends with pain) 

Also, the reason why I say ‘fifty dollars’ is because, despite the fact that the actual binder is 35 dollars, the shipping is normally 20 dollars.

I’ll say it again to tumblr: NOT EVERYBODY HAS ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY A ‘GOOD’ BINDER. THESE BINDERS, AS LONG AS THEY’RE THE TANK TOP ONES (and you get the right size and don’t strap that sucker down too tightly) IT WILL BE FINE

I normally hate ranting, but I had to get this off my awesome chest binder

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

We’re looking for other trans resource blogs

Are you a mod on another trans related blog? Do you know of any good trans resource blogs? We are starting a new page on our blog to list blogs that might help our followers out, so send us an ask if you know of any good blogs and we might add them to our list! 

They must be:

1) Mainly or entirely about transgender things

2) Accepting of all trans people, including nonbinary trans people and trans people without dysphoria

3) Active blogs, or blogs that will respond to questions and are only inactive because they don’t get many asks

Please reblog this to spread the word and send us any helpful trans blogs you know of!

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

What does dysphoria feel like??

Ryn says:

I wish I could give you a solid answer. It’s different for everyone. For me it sort of feels like I’m separating from my body and seeing it from the outside and like trying to make changes and it’s weird. But that’s only sometimes. There’s also different types of dysphoria. Physical dysphoria can be like that, while social dysphoria can feel different and come from people not viewing you or treating you as your gender. I’m sorry there’s no solid experience. Every trans person’s experience is different, and some don’t feel dysphoria at all. You don’t need dysphoria to be trans. Followers or other mods want to add on? 

[bend-the-binary-blog]

My personal dysphoria is me just getting mad at my body for not being the way I feel 

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

I have heard from a few trans guys on testosterone that rubbing the leftover T from your syringe on your face can increase facial hair. Does anyone know if this actually works? I was wondering because it has oil wouldn't it cause more acne though

Kii says:

Personally, I’ve never heard of this and it doesn’t really seem possible to me, but I could be wrong. Followers?

[bend-the-binary-blog]

I, personally, don’t think it would. There is a difference between the androgel and the stuff you inject i believe.

[bend-the-binary-blog]

Heya everyone. This is mod nic, i.e, the creator of the blog. I know I'm super inactive. I made this blog when my gender was causing me lots of stress and now I've realized that, at least for me, it doesnt matter. As long as I'm me, and I'm dressing how I want and comfortable with myself, gender isn't nearly as big an issue as I thought it was. Yeah, I still have dysphoria at times and it sucks, but I'm not masculine aligned and don't plan on transitioning in anyway, so whatever. I'm at peace with myself. This blog is helping others, which makes me so so happy, but I am not helping. I feel guilty but honestly, the other mods might as well delete my name if they haven't already. Also, thank you so so much to the other mods who have done everything and helped people, y'all are lovely!!! I'm leaving, but I won't delete the blog. Have a wonderful day, from ya fave nb gal. ♡ ~ Nic

[ftmtranstastic]

Hey I just started T and I was wondering what most people start off with. Rn I'm supposed to do 100mg every two weeks but I feel like that's not enough for such long intervals (my blood work is normal.) I want to discuss w my endo but I don't have an appointment for two months yet. I know some ppl mess around a bit w dosages themselves and I would feel better doing them week to week as well. I'm concerned. I feel like most ppl start off with more than me

I wouldn’t be worried at all. I wanted to do mine every week so I was started off at .2 ml of 200mg/ml depo so that equates to 40mg per week. There’s a reason they start low, so you should be good

[bend-the-binary-blog]

also, your natural T levels just might be higher than some other ppl! One of my cousins has higher T levels, and all that means is that her voice is slightly deeper and her hair grows a lil bit faster. Although you should be good eventually :D

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

just a tip on tagging triggers: avoid tagging potentially triggering content like, "tw thing" or "cw thing" or "tw: thing" etc- Not trying to be picky or anything, its that xkit won't pick up the intended thing. its more helpful to tag things like: "thing tw" or "thing cw" or "thing /" etc etc

Jay says:

just adding in that at least for me the xkit blacklist picks up words that are in the post as well, so if a post contains the word used for the tw, it’s also gonna be blacklisted

idk if that’s just me or what

[bend-the-binary-blog]

nope. it’s just you

it has to be the first thing in the tag. for example, if you say ‘tw: boobs’, then xkit won’ work