Binder Exchange Program
Donate a Binder
We are collecting chest binders for our Binder Exchange Program!
The Pride Center of Terre Haute is seeking donations so we can offer free chest binders (specially-designed chest compression garments) to any transgender person (FTM, MTF, genderqueer, non-binary, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and every other non-cis identity within the trans umbrella) who needs one and cannot afford or safely obtain one. Details on how to donate are below!
- We are accepting all sizes, colors, and conditions in half and full tanks.
- Please wash your binder before donating.
- If you don’t have a chest binder but would still like to support the program, you can purchase them from gc2b and donate it to the center!
- When donating your binder, please provide include a note with the following information:
- Your name
- Your email
- Size/manufacturer info of your donated binder(s)
- Bring your donated binder(s) to the Pride Center of Terre Haute located at 630 Wabash Avenue during our open community center hours.
Receive a Binder
The Pride Center of Terre Haute offers a free chest binder to any transgender person who needs one and cannot afford or safely obtain one.
Requirements:
We have only two requirements in order to keep our program as inclusive as possible.
- You identify as transgender (FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and every other non-cis identity within the trans umbrella).
- You cannot afford to purchase a binder, or you cannot safely obtain a binder.
Binding Safety Tips
Please review the following binding safety tips. This guide comes from individuals who have experience wearing binders. Please consult your doctor if you have further questions.
- Use only a specially-designed chest binder or compression garment. Never use duct tape or Ace bandages as binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can harm you.
- Wear the correct size. Don’t wear a size too small! Wearing a size too small for a tighter fit does not equate to better binding, and it can put you at risk of physical harm.
- Don’t bind for more than 8 hours a day, OR beyond when your body tells you to stop.
- A compression garment is stressful on the body. Binding for long hours every day over time breaks down tissue and can cause breathing problems, back pain, and skin irritation. While they are incredibly important for many people, they should not be worn for extremely long periods with no breaks.
- Take days off every once and a while if you can! This will give your body time to relax.
- Never sleep in your binder! Binding for this long can be harmful to your body, even if your body feels fine. You may feel more comfortable sleeping in an athletic compression shirt if you find binding to be a comforting feeling.
- Remove your binder before exercising. Sports bras are designed to move with you as you workout, while a binder can make movement more difficult.
- Don’t wear your binder if something doesn’t feel right, you feel pain, or you struggle to breathe. Binders should not cause pain or breathing trouble!
- Stretch! Stretching is generally good but can also help relieve stress from binding.
- Depending on your style of binder (especially full-length or mid-length styles), it might be easier to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it on like a regular t-shirt. Stick your feet in between the shoulder straps and pull it up your body to your chest, then stick your arms through the holes.
- To make binding more comfortable, some folks wear a light shirt underneath or apply baby powder to their skin.
Binding resources:
- Hudson’s FTM Guide: Binding
- TransGuys.com Chest Binding Guide
- Buzzfeed’s “All The Questions You Had About Chest Binding, But Were Afraid To Ask”
- Binding 101: Tips to Bind Your Chest Safely
- Dressing Well Without Binding
- Tips for Binding in the Summer/Hot Weather
- Binding Safely for Your Body: Tips for All Body Types and Sizes