What the actual fuck. This is bullshit.
In summary, the FDA is saying that chest binders are ONLY for those recovering from mastectomies and that it is predatory and unsafe for them to be marketed to trans youth (ignoring the fact that they were originally invented for cis men with conditions like gynecomastia). (The specific brands called out are: TransGuy Supply, the Fluxion, GenderBender, ShapeShifter Apparel, Marli Washington Design, TomboyX, FLAVNT Streetwear, Early to Bed, TOMSCOUT, For Them, and UNTAG (according to Advocate))
So what does this mean for you:
It will be harder to find binders marked as for trans people (especially the by trans for trans brands)
But that does not mean they will not serve the same purpose
This will probably lead to more underground binders that are unsafe (like the many Amazon binders)
This will put small binder companies out of business (and harm larger ones)
Obviously demonizing gender affirming devices
This DOES NOT mean you cannot get a binder (many trans organizations and even other trans people will donate binders and give them away for free. See if there are any places local to you or online where you can get one. Also, there are companies who are not affected by this yet (as much as they suck now, GC2B isn't on the list, and spectrum outfitters I've heard is really good and I personally have a Wivov one that is great)
You have other methods if a binder is out of the question (trans tape is the biggest one, but I have seen many YouTube videos where people who can sew made their own binder, as well as you have the double sports bra (make sure if you do this one you have on one forward and one backwards to evenly distribute pressure) and tights method (although any form of DIY binder is risky so please fully research what you are doing before you do it and listen to your body!!))
You (if possible) should raise awareness about this. Tell people how this will cause more people to end up in the hospital due to unsafe binding practices. Or worse, dysphoria ruining their mental health.
This is not the end. We will persevere. We will come out of this stronger.
Please, whether you are binding or not, be safe. ❤️
romaincrisis
blakekathryn
stormborns
annaxmalina
ellievsbear
baratheonpilled
