Binders are an article of clothing meant to flatten chests. They are often used by FTM trans people and AFAB (assigned female at birth) non-binary or gender non-conforming people. Unfortunately, they have several health risks, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Bruising
- Pain
- Tissue damage
- Rib damage
- Infections
Despite this, the rewards far outweigh the risks for many people. Many trans people experience gender dysphoria due to their bodies, and binders help. They:
- Reduce gender dysphoria
- Provide a sense of comfort in ones body
Binders are not a bad or scary thing. If someone in your life is wearing or asking for a binder, the best thing you can do is support them.
The He/She/They Project 