Step-by-step educational guides designed to help navigate transition, legal processes, healthcare systems, advocacy, and everyday life. Whether you are changing your name, updating documents, starting HRT, or learning how to support a trans loved one, these guides aim to make complex topics easier to understand.
What’s the best way to make this season more enjoyable for the transgender people important to you? Here are ten gift ideas for the transgender men in your life.
These gifts are more than just “guy” things, since he’s more than just a guy to you; they affirm his core identity and remind him of the value of chosen family.
Disclaimer: None of these items are sponsored! All listed products are based on my honest and personal opinion, so take them with a grain of salt.
Chest Binder ($45) or TransTape ($20)
Most transgender men will bind their chest at some point to create a more masculine appearance and alleviate chest dysphoria. By getting him a chest binder, you’re also ensuring he binds safely with proper tools and sizing.
GC2B came under fire when they altered their original binder design, but I still believe they make the best binder for price, comfort, and accessibility. The GC2B Classic 2.0 utilizes the design of their beloved binder with an added durability stitch to provide a daily binder that gives excellent compression.
TransTape is a medical-grade adhesive that allows guys to flatten their chests without wearing a traditional binder. The process is pretty unique, and it isn’t suited to all body types, but it’s an amazing alternative that most guys will want to try out at least once.
Want to know more about binding, safety precautions, and recommendations? Read this guide!
Stand-to-Pee (STP) Device ($50)
STPs allow transgender men (or anyone, really) to urinate standing up through a funnel that creates a seal over the urethra. They offer a great deal of convenience since most men’s restrooms emphasize urinals over stalls and provide gender euphoria. STPs also increase safety since standing to pee delivers stealth, compared to the assumed suspicion of sitting to urinate in public male spaces.
TG Supply’s Lou is considered the best budget-friendly “all-in-one” STP for beginners. Despite sitting at a relatively low price point, the Lou is capable of daily packing, standing-to-pee functionality, and intimate “play” activities. And unlike some unwieldy STPs, the Lou takes little practice to master.
Consider yourself quirky and crafty? Basic STPs are easy to make at home, although they won’t look very “penis-like” to be stealth at a urinal.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Kit ($25)
If he travels frequently, a portable HRT kit is a great gift to keep his medication secure. These tend to use hard casing to allow users to store testosterone vials, syringes, bandages, and alcohol wipes. The case protects the glass vials in case of being dropped and ensures everything stays organized – which can reduce the hassle when going through TSA.
Note: Always keep your prescription label with your medication, especially when traveling with testosterone. HRT kits also don’t insulate medication, so remember that testosterone needs to be kept at a certain temperature to remain usable.
Guys have a complex relationship with these early “beards.” It’s the first facial hair we’re able to grow, so we’re hesitant to shave, similar to teenage boys – regardless of how bad it may look. The Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s both provide excellent starter shaving sets that ease him into shaving.
Journaling can be a great tool to deal with stress and self-esteem issues, which all men experience – including transgender men. By getting him an affirmation journal, you’re guiding him to reframe negative thoughts into optimistic ones and dig into core beliefs holding him back.
Unlike other gift recommendations, I don’t have a particular product in mind. Any affirmation journal works, but he’ll probably appreciate one centered for masculine experiences (in other words, don’t get a sparkly pink one unless he likes pink and has a good sense of humor).
If he’s not the most keen on journaling, you could make a challenge with a reward at the end through joint goal setting. It’s never too early to make New Year’s resolutions!
Transgender Guide & Workbook ($20)
For guys less-than-confident about their transition, workbooks provide structured guidance regarding medical, social, and legal transition. These books are both self-help and data-packed to answer questions he wouldn’t think to ask.
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook by Anneliese A. Singh and Sage Buch’s The Transmasculine Guide to Physical Transition Workbook: For Trans, Nonbinary, and Other Masculine Folks are tied for this spot. Both books have interactive exercises to inspire readers to delve deeper into their identities and gender affirmation journeys.
There’s something magical about reading a good memoir. As transgender men, we lack quality media that authentically represent our gender identity and manage to still tell a captivating story. Unlike other nonfiction, good memoirs weave advice while exploring the author’s life to inspire the reader.
There are hundreds of transgender memoirs out there, but the three I recommend most are Becoming a Visible Man, Balls, and Some Assembly Required since they’re great starting points – even for folks not into reading nonfiction.
Becoming a Visible Man was published by Jamison Green in 2004, considered a classic amongst transgender memoirs as Jamison relates his medical transition at the age of 40. Most assume folks have to transition as soon as possible, usually around the age of 18, but Jamison represents an experience just as common, even if rarely shown.
Chris Edwards wrote Balls: It Takes Some to Get Some in 2016 to chronicle his experience seeking gender affirmation surgery. There’s a stark lack of information regarding female-to-male bottom surgery, and Balls has been praised for humanizing the journey.
Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen was the first transmasculine memoir I ever read, so I’m admittedly attached to it. Like the other two books, it’s humorous but instead focuses on Arin Andrews’ time in high school as a transgender young person. If the transgender man in your life has identified as trans since he was a teenager, he’ll enjoy the read.
Pride flags are cool. The only problem with pride flags is that most folks get the cheapest one available. Even if his current flag was purchased at a pride festival or queer nonprofit, there is a high likelihood that the quality will be terrible and that it was produced in sweatshops overseas. In my previous work at a queer nonprofit, they purchased flags in bulk from Temu to sell at full price – so it’s more likely than you think.
My recommendation is getting a flag through a small business, like Flags for Good. Their flags are made ethically for the same price you’ll see at major pride festivals. They also design flags, so you can give him something unique – like a pride flag catered to his home state or city.
Gifts don’t have to be physically wrapped and put under a tree to be enjoyed. If he’s more into making memories, plan something to do together based on his interests. Make a day (or weekend) trip to your nearest city, look up cool shops, drag shows, museums, concerts, and support meetings.
Even in conservative states, cities remain liberal hubs with plenty of attractions and are pretty open-minded. So get to planning!
Charity Donation (Pick Your Own Budget!)
Maybe he’s not into physical gifts, and none of the above options stuck out. For a guy who’s got it all, you can donate to a cause in his name – just make sure he’s keen on the idea.
There are hundreds of nonprofits out there, so pick a charity best tailored to him. The most common ones include the ACLU, HRC, Lambda Legal, Trevor Project, A4TE, Trans Lifeline, and SAGE, but make sure to consider smaller organizations or local nonprofits.
Looking for more gift guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
Every person deserves support. Transgender people are no exception. But where do you find information, resources, and tools? With thousands of websites out there, getting connected can feel overwhelming. Here are ten important transgender websites you should be aware of.
Advocates for Trans Equality
A4TE was formed in 2024 when the National Center for Transgender Equality and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund merged. For transgender Americans, A4TE might be the most important organization to be aware of.
Transgender people deserve access to healthcare. The Trans Health Project by A4TE guides users through understanding trans-inclusive (and exclusive) coverage through the American insurance industry, how to get a letter of medical necessity, and a hub of directories (like OutCare) for finding a trans-friendly healthcare provider.
Each state has different regulations regarding transgender healthcare. The Project includes information regarding each state, as well as Medicaid policies. It also provides templates to give to your provider, easing the insurance process with checklists and letter formats, as well as appeal templates if your insurance company disagrees that your care should be covered.
ID Document Center
You don’t need a law degree to legally change your name or gender marker. Regardless, it can feel like you should – updating your documents is complicated and you’ll have to navigate a complex system with forms, deadlines, and meetings.
The ID Document Center explains the processes behind updating one’sinformation on birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID, passports, social security, immigration documents, and selective service based on the individual state.
Name Change Project
Low-income individuals in select cities are eligible for pro bono legal name change services through A4TE and its partners. Eligible applicants are connected with law firms and corporate legal departments local to their region. At the time of this article, A4TE’s Name Change Project services individuals in the following cities:
Atlanta, Georgia
Chicago, Illinois
New York City (all five boroughs in New York and Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Union, and Middlesex counties in New Jersey)
Long Island, New York
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you live outside of the above cities, you can still find assistance through organizations listed in A4TE’s Trans Legal Services Network.
And Other Incredible Services
A4TE takes on a small number of critical court cases each year to establish new legal precedents regarding transgender law. Impact litigation services are generally unrelated to ID cases that would otherwise be covered in the ID Document Center.
Folks residing in the United States or Canada can utilize Trans Lifeline, a grassroots nonprofit that operates an anonymous and confidential hotline for trans people, by trans people.
Unlike other crisis services (such as 988), Trans Lifeline does not use nonconsensual active rescue and will not call emergency services or law enforcement without the explicit consent of the caller. They’re also not affiliated with the federal government and cannot be impacted by federal attacks, such as those targeting the Trevor Project or 988.
Trans Lifeline also hosts a Resource Library, which contains resources that are unlikely to be found elsewhere, such as information on police abolition and community safety.
Originally known as TS Road Map, the Transgender Map has existed online since 1998 and contains over 2,000 pages of researched content to guide visitors through trans-related topics.
It’s regularly updated through the massive undertaking of one individual. Coming out advice, HRT, clothing, voice training, disclosure, handwriting, documents, marriage, films, forums… Transgender Map covers nearly everything you could think of when it comes to transitioning.
Are there books you want to read but don’t have access to? Transgender media isn’t frequently distributed through major publishers, so readers are forced to purchase literature when these items are not available in local libraries. Trans Reads is the community-driven solution to make transgender books accessible.
As a digital community library, anyone can upload content for Trans Reads’ librarians to curate. All items are publicly available at all times. The only downside to the site is its sorting, and it contains thousands of pieces that you’ll have to search through. While Trans Reads offers some reading lists, there aren’t many – its librarians are focused on collecting and uploading items, so you have to know what you’re looking for ahead of time.
Interested in more free clear web virtual libraries?
Internet Archive / Originally created as a library in 1996, the Internet Archive uses web crawlers to collect as much data as possible to provide “universal access to information.” Items can be virtually borrowed with a free account.
Library Genesis (aka LibGen) / The most well-known shadow library on the clear web. Due to constant attacks and takedowns by the federal government since shadow libraries disperse paywalled content for free, you might have to search for its current URL or mirror.
Audiobook Bay / Similar to The Pirate Bay, generally safe, but use with caution. Check the website’s Reddit to find the most current mirror. To access Audiobook Bay, you’ll likely need a VPN like Proton.
Project Gutenberg / PG is the oldest digital library and has provided books via open format files since 1971. Out of all of the libraries listed, it’s the easiest to access since all of its items are public domain and therefore not subject to copyright takedowns.
Queer Liberation Library / QLL offers books through its free account system, and its site is great when used in tandem with others like Trans Reads, since its librarians offer a ton of book suggestions.
Digital Transgender Archive
DTA is the world’s largest trans-focused online archive. It contains thousands of items similar to the Internet Archive before the 2000s, hosting uploaded books, artworks, publications, audio recordings, and films.
The Digital Transgender Archive is the best place to research transgender history, especially in tandem with the Internet Archive. Items date back to the 1500s up to modern day.
Strands for Trans
Many transgender and nonbinary people feel uncomfortable going to salons or barbershops. Hair plays a role in gender expression and our ability to feel represented. However, salons and barbershops have gendered expectations – so there’s little way to know if a stylist will be transgender-friendly.
Strands For Trans is a data map that allows visitors to locate self-identified transgender-friendly salons and barbershops. To be eligible, businesses have to submit their application for review through the Strands For Trans website, similar to Everywhere Is Queer.
REFUGE
Using archival data from Safe2Pee, REFUGE is a community data map that shows transgender-friendly restrooms. Visitors upload and pinpoint safe locations to help their peers feel comfortable.
Unlike other maps, REFUGE leans heavily into user experiences – so it’s easier to know if a location is genuinely trans-friendly based on other transgender people’s experiences.
Erin in the Morning
Erin Reed is an American journalist who provides daily updates on transgender-relevant news and legislation. Her videos are bite-sized and easy to digest; her substack and newsletters are detailed and researched. Stay aware of ongoing attacks on trans rights as well as victories, subscribe to Erin in some way to be connected to the national picture.
In addition to daily content, Erin also manages two maps of interest. The National Risk Assessment Map visualizes anti-transgender legislation for transgender adults and youth to better understand safety risks. Erin’s Informed Consent HRT Map is a public pin map of known informed consent HRT providers throughout the United States.
Similarly, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is an independent think tank that visualizes legislation on a larger range of issues. MAP’s data is updated less frequently than Erin’s, but covers more topics like bathroom laws, healthcare regulations, name change protocols, and religious exemptions.
The Transgender Legislation Tracker visualizes and tracks transgender-related legislation throughout the United States. Each state is accounted for, showing currently proposed, passed, and active bills, as well as federal legislation. Erin in the Morning is best used to digest and understand these bills, but the Transgender Legislation Tracker directs you to the actual legislation.
Turn Me Into…
The following sites are great resources for individuals who are questioning their gender or are early in their transition. In a society that demonizes transness, it’s easy to feel conflicted or uncertain. All of the following sites debunk common myths and walk visitors through the questioning process.
The Gender Dysphoria Bible is another great resource. The “Turn Me Into” websites are shorter and cover general topics many questioning folk have early in the process. The Gender Dysphoria Bible, on the other hand, is extensive. Similar to the Lesbian Comphet Masterdoc, the Gender Dysphoria Bible touches on ideas you probably didn’t consider related to trans identity.
And as an honorable mention, the Pronoun Dressing Room is good for folks experimenting with pronouns, names, and gendered titles. The site allows users to try out identities without needing to come out publicly or use social media accounts.
Reddit
On its own, Reddit is a BEAST. It’s a collection of communities that use forums to chat. Reddit is used by all sorts of people – right-wingers, leftists, liberals, apolitical types. Heck, even my grandmother uses Reddit. Compared to traditional platforms like Facebook, Reddit allows for greater anonymity and niche communities.
There are millions of subreddits (individual communities or forums) out there. There are thousands of trans-specific subreddits, so I can safely promise there is a community out there for you. These are the largest and most generalized three for trans folks.
No matter who you are, names have unparalleled importance since they often define us and serve as a core aspect of our identity. Names may have even more significance to transgender people since they play a vital role in affirming our gender identities and overall health.
Looking for more educational guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
Disclaimer: This article should serve as a GUIDE, not a MANUAL. Every journey is different, and thus, there is no singular way to be trans. Some of these tips may be helpful, while others may not – and that’s okay!
Choosing a new name can be a stressful process. Many (but not all) transgender people choose a new name to identify with as part of their transition since most names have a traditional gender associated with them, so a new name is needed as part of the transition journey. The new name is referred to as a chosen name or affirmed name, whereas the old name they were assigned at birth may be called their deadname, former name, birth name, assigned name, legal name, or some other variant.
The term ‘preferred name’ is ill-advised since it linguistically implies a transgender person’s new name is simply a preference to their previous name – and thus their previous name is still able to be used. Preferred names do exist, but only if someone has multiple chosen names they like being referred by, and not if the only two ‘options’ are a chosen name and a deadname.
One of the most common sources of names (for transgender and cisgender people alike) is family history. There is a certain prestige associated with being named after an important relative, which is why it’s not uncommon for people to pick names from these traditions. Take linguistics into account while picking your name, too. Heritage can be a fantastic inspiration, but be mindful of whether your prospective names have certain races and ethnicities associated with them.
It’s a good idea to take your family into account, regardless of the name you ultimately choose. If you have three cousins named some variant of Megan, do you really want to be the fourth? What about the family drama of picking the same name as your sibling? And while ancestor names are great, you might (or might not) want to be a 20-year-old guy named Bartholomew in 2025. Relatedly, you can also discuss names with your family, such as your parents, assuming they are supportive of your identity. At the end of the day, the name you go by is yours to decide.
Personal Interests: Make It Fun!
The other most common inspiration trans folks draw names from is from personal interests, like celebrities, authors, musicians, actors, historical figures, and characters they admire. This isn’t something just trans people do, either – plenty of cisgender prospective parents use celebrities when coming up with names, as evidenced by name trends whenever there’s a new famous baby born or a new actor that ascends to stardom. However, as mentioned in the previous section, be mindful of names that have associated races and ethnicities attached to them, since it’s poor taste to take a Japanese or Black name as a white person.
There are additional factors to take into account when using this type of inspiration. First, be aware that celebrities are people – musicians are more associated with scandals, but any human is capable of doing less-than-admirable things. In the very least, your chosen name will remind you of a person you used to look up to. At most, you might have an extremely infamous name like O.J. that’s widely associated with a public scandal. Furthermore, your interests will inevitably change – it’s human! Just be mindful of the fact that your favorite anime or TV show will be different from today compared to ten years from now.
It’s Your Name, Resonate With It!
At the end of the day, you don’t need a reason behind your name. You’re allowed to pick any name you resonate with – so consider names you’ve always liked. Some folks use baby name books to spark inspiration, which works too!
While family may provide great suggestions for prospective names, friends and community members can also be a good source. Is there a nickname you’ve always gone by that could work? Are there ways to masculinize, feminize, or androgynize your name? You don’t have to get an entirely new name – some individuals choose to alter their name to simply better fit their gender identity.
Try It Out: Getting Used To Your Name
It can be awkward adjusting to a new name. Make an active effort and practice using your new name in conversations. If you’re struggling with it, the advice I recommend to cisgender folks adjusting to friends and family members’ new names is PRACTICE. Specifically, for each time you mess up, say aloud the correct name in a sentence at least five times. The only way to correct old habits is by forming new ones, which is why folks struggle with change unless they make the effort.
There are also resources online for this same purpose. Take an extra step and use your new name in other online settings, like forums and social media accounts, so you can normalize your chosen name in additional settings. Some sites I recommend include:
Names are a big deal! Do you care if your name is easy to spell or pronounce? In places such as the United States, non-white names will often be misspelled or mispronounced, as well as nontraditional white names like Mehgnn, Airwrecka, or Brandeigh. I want to emphasize that there is nothing wrong with having a “difficult” name, but be prepared to correct people.
Another important aspect to consider is whether you need your name to come across as “professional.” Ultimately, people make predictions based on names alone – even before someone has met you, they’ve already made assumptions about you. Certain names are associated with distinct ages, personalities, and other factors. Do you want one name used universally, or would you prefer different variations like Benjamin, Ben, Benny, and Benji?
Making It Official
To legally change your name outside of marriage or divorce, you must file a court order. This generally requires paperwork to be filed with your local circuit court. Contrary to popular belief, you do not file your name change in your birth city/county – you file your change with the county you live in. The exact forms vary by state, but guidance isn’t too difficult to find since many people change their legal names for non-transition reasons. The forms have to be filed electronically or otherwise online unless you qualify for an exemption. If you qualify, your documents can be filed in person at your local courthouse.
Once filed, you’ll be assigned a court date in the near future, where you will appear before a judge and explain the reasoning for the change before it is officially signed. On that date, you will need to make sure you have your stamped copies of your Name Change Request and Order for Name Change, as well as any criminal records (including any documentation showing previous felonies discharged). Answer the judge and their questions honestly. If the court denies your name change request, ask for another hearing – you have the right to do so. If it was denied due to a mistake on your part, ask the judge to continue the hearing to a later date so you can correct the error. Otherwise, you have the right to file an appeal as long as you file within 30 days of the judge’s decision. Occasionally, some judges will deny trans-related name changes due to personal bias – but these aren’t permissible and are overwhelmingly overturned once appealed. In the words of Lambda Legal, “a judge cannot arbitrarily deny you a name change based on transphobic or sexist notions.”
Looking for a way to remove your deadname while browsing the internet? This free Chrome extension visually replaces your deadname with your chosen name – although it doesn’t actually change your name in the computer code or legally.
This order almost always requires a fee, although it can often be waived if you meet certain income-based criteria. The fee varies drastically based on median county income, but criteria waivers often include:
A number of states require applicants to publish their upcoming name change in a local newspaper, although this is being changed since it is unhelpful and outs folks. This requirement was originally created to notify debt collectors in order to better follow-up on cases.
If your court file open to the public poses a legitimate risk to your health or safety, you can file a Motion to Impound, which requires courts to make your forms private and therefore inaccessible to the public without specific permission granted by a judge. This comes up more often with trans folks since these records potentially out you as transgender.
As one final note, always remember you are allowed to change your name. It’s your identity! It’s okay if the name you choose today isn’t your forever name.
For most, college is both exciting and terrifying. Along with turning eighteen, entering college is the cornerstone of young adulthood for Americans. Finished with high school, college is the first real transition Americans experience as they move away to live separately from their parents. That brings independence, new social opportunities, the need for money management, and everything else that comes with living on your own.
Until recently, the legal understanding of Title IX was that if the law applies to biological sex, then discrimination against one’s adherence or nonadherence to biological sex-associated gender roles and stereotypes wholly falls under Title IX as sex discrimination. If a gay man is harassed on campus because he isn’t masculine enough, it constitutes Title IX because anti-queer harassment ultimately relies on sex-based stereotypes. All Biden’s guidance did was allow LGBTQIA+ students to file discrimination more easily since they could argue it was based on sexual orientation or gender identity rather than having to make the roundabout case above. TLDR: You are still protected under Title IX as a transgender student, but under the Trump administration, you’ll have to file your argument differently.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects students’ information and confidentiality. Once in college, your parents can no longer have access to your records without your explicit consent. So, while your parents would know if you changed your name or pronouns on school documents while in high school, that is no longer the case at college since FERPA forbids that information from being shared. FERPA also requires schools to prevent outing as much as possible, so staff are unable to share your personal information with other professors or students.
Colleges cannot require proof of your gender identity or legal changes to update most documents like student emails, IDs, and rosters. The only exception to this is your health records and college diploma, which will require legal documentation to change.
Professors need to call you by your chosen name, even if it’s not legally changed. People are allowed to make honest mistakes, but purposely misgendering and deadnaming transgender students puts them at increased risk of harm since it outs them.
Colleges have a responsibility to take action when informed of bullying, harassment, and discrimination on campus – including when it applies to queer and transgender students.
Students have a right to use the restroom and locker room that aligns with their gender identity, and colleges cannot force students to use separate facilities. It’s great if a school has a gender-neutral bathroom, but they can’t require you to use it since that would violate the Equal Access Act. I’ll caveat here that locker rooms are up in the air since the Trump administration is waging a war on transgender students’ access to sports.
You have the right to present yourself as your gender identity. Colleges cannot police or restrict expression simply because they dislike it or it’s “controversial.” The Supreme Court has a long history of supporting students’ right to self-expression. Schools cannot ban you from wearing a dress unless they ban dresses amongst all students, nor can they ban a shirt with a progressive rainbow unless they ban all graphic shirts.
Students have a right to choose who and who not to tell they are LGBTQIA+. Colleges are forbidden from outing students under FERPA, which includes details like your deadname, transgender status, and medical history.
If your college offers extracurricular activities (like chess club, Christian associations, or D&D), you have the right to form and be in a school LGBTQIA+ association like a Gay-Straight Alliance.
These laws apply to all American universities and colleges that receive federal funding. Even if they are religious, institutions that use federal funding must adhere to Title IX, FERPA, and other federal laws. Schools that do not want to follow these rules must either be entirely privately funded or apply for religious exemption, which is relatively difficult to get. Out of those colleges, I wouldn’t recommend trans students since these colleges are notoriously anti-transgender.
In addition to these federal protections, you may be further entitled (or marginalized) based on where exactly you live in the United States. Some states, like California, New York, and Illinois, have comprehensive laws protecting LGBTQIA+ students, while others, like Texas and Florida, fall short.
Even if you live in a conservative state, your university might still include LGBTQIA+ identities in its nondiscrimination policies – so it’s important to research your schools! I highly recommend Campus Pride Index as a free resource. They’ve been researching and compiling colleges since 2006 and have a searchable database that gives users insight into cost, atmosphere, and other useful metrics on what LGBTQIA+ resources are available at their school. It’s by far the easiest way to determine if a college has a queer resource center, campus events, nondiscrimination policies, and healthcare coverage. They even maintain lists of the country’s best and worst campuses for LGBTQIA+ students. If your school is not listed on Campus Pride, you should still be able to locate relevant policies. Most often, you’ll want to search for “nondiscrimination policies,” “student handbooks,” or general “policies and guidelines.” If internet searches fail you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your admin staff – they’re there to help you when you have questions about campus policies!
Amongst your university’s policies, you’ll also find guidelines on how to report harassment, discrimination, and general bullying. Always try to follow your college’s established procedures first when you experience harassment – give your administration the benefit of the doubt and remember to document all incidents, filed complaints, and communication you have with administration. If your school refuses to take your complaint seriously, you should then involve outside resources like local LGBTQIA+ nonprofits, GLSEN, or your state ACLU chapter. These organizations will help you determine the next steps best suited for your situation.
Some situations might require you to file a lawsuit against your school. You will likely want to have guidance from a legal authority like the ACLU before proceeding with filing or sourcing a competent legal group to represent you. You can also file complaints to the United States Department of Education – but given the political climate, you might not get a good response regardless of your legal rights. If you go this route, remember you only have 180 days to file a complaint with the Department and to file the discrimination as “sex-based.” Complaints that are not fully completed are automatically trashed and not investigated. Include as many details as possible, and keep in mind that your complaint is required to be confidential under federal law.
You’re going to be busy the first week of the semester. Everyone is. Try to get all your paperwork completed before the first day of class and reduce future headaches. Nearly all of this will require working with your campus administration, for better or worse.
As mentioned above, universities do not legally have to have a court order or medical documentation to update your name or gender marker in most of their electronic systems, but the process for doing so likely won’t be easy or straightforward unless they have already set up their systems for these changes. Many schools use ancient software to process and store student information, which is why admins huff and puff at being asked to change a student’s name. However, a process being annoying or difficult is not grounds to deny you from changing your name or gender marker at school. At college, you are paying to be there – the admins essentially work for you, and your comfort, safety, and overall confidentiality are worth pursuing. Some examples of items you can (and should) change include:
Your official school email, including associated accounts with it, like Word and Outlook.
Your public name in homework submission portals like Blackboard and Canvas.
Your school ID.
Classroom rosters.
Sports uniforms, if applicable.
The only items that require a legal order from a court to update in university software are:
Your diploma and transcript.
Financial aid information stored by FAFSA and your college’s financial aid office.
And personal health information stored by your college’s health center.
Anything else can be changed as an unofficial nickname. Your university is able to mark you as your identified gender in the class roster sent to campus professors without a court-ordered gender marker change. Legal orders only require your school to comply, but it is entirely possible to change most items before that point.
Dr. Genny Beemyn has the most current database of universities and colleges that allow transgender students to use a nonlegal name or pronouns in their files, originally hosted through Campus Pride’s TPC. Check their site to see if your school makes the list.
I’m not naïve – and I don’t recommend you be, either. Despite the law and clear instructions, I have been told myself by college admins things along the lines of “no, we can’t do that without court papers” and “hmm, yeah, I think we know the law better than you do and we don’t have to update your information.” I’ve also come across administrators who are extremely willing to make those minor changes – and my experience isn’t an anomaly. Given the environment academic administrators work in, you’re going to get a mixed bag of individuals who are willing to help as well as others who will throw a fit at your request. Some of them might be aware of LGBTQIA+ issues and why it’s important to get these items changed, while other administrators will huff because “it’s against their religion” to treat you with respect or update your information. And unfortunately, they hold all of the cards. In the event you experience discrimination from your university administration, you will have to follow your campus’ procedures for reporting it – which requires more conversations with admin. Depending on how LGBTQIA+ competent your school is, this paperwork could be an uphill battle.
Map of Healthcare Laws and Policy Exclusions by State, Movement Advancement Project
Regardless, the Trans Policy Clearinghouse has a list of colleges that explicitly list their transgender healthcare inclusions – now hosted on Genny Beemyn’s website.
The last major player in this category is housing. Most people don’t know who their roommate will be, although a growing number of universities are trying to match students with compatible roommates based on preferences. This can be even more anxiety-inducing for transgender students since you have to worry further about what gender you’ll be assigned for housing and whether your roommate will be chill with your identity or totally hateful. At least 470 schools are documented as having “gender-inclusive housing” on campus, which means there is a dorm, facility, or other living space that students can live in regardless of gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Genny Beemyn has an ongoing database of schools that publicly list having these housing options available, but the vast majority of high-ranking colleges on the Campus Pride Index will have this available.
Live Your Life: Finding the Basics for Survival
Considering most Americans begin college around the age of eighteen, university presents the first genuine opportunity for students to medical transition through gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy. The feasibility of doing so will depend on your school’s healthcare coverage, but the bottom line is that the ACA requires such care to be possible if you manage to complete their required steps, since gender-affirming care is medically necessary. Typically, these steps include sourcing a licensed mental health professional who is willing to write a letter certifying that your transgender identity is ‘established,’ not a phase, and you can make major decisions like beginning HRT based on your current mental state.
No matter how conservative your university is, you are not the first transgender student that has attended it, although you might be one of its first openly trans students. Transgender people live in all climates, including cities, suburbs, and the rural countryside. If your school has an LGBTQIA+ resource center or queer student organization, ask them first where trans students go for gender-affirming healthcare. If your school doesn’t, you’ll have to do some research: ask around online, like city-specific Facebook groups and subreddits, call the nearest LGBTQIA+ nonprofit, or visit a government health department. The last two will have staff available with the purpose of finding relevant resources – so use ’em!
Even if you’re battling administration for the items I referenced in the previous section, you can still email your upcoming professors prior to the semester. Most professors make an effort to use students’ nicknames anyway to foster a better classroom environment. So, if you happen to know who your professors will be, send them an email before the first day explaining your situation and that your assigned name and gender on their official roster don’t match what you go by. Use this email template and plug in your information. Even though my college admin eventually did change my name in their systems, I still had to send out emails since rosters were sent before the admin had made the change.
If you’re going the route of emailing your professors, remember it won’t solve everything. Without your university administration updating official rosters, you will encounter issues with other staff. Most often, this applies to substitute teachers and teacher assistants – subs sometimes get copies of the official roster rather than the one your regular professor uses. This means you can potentially be outed by a sub until your campus information is actually changed.
If you are beginning to live openly trans for the first time, you’ll discover how difficult it can be to advocate for yourself. More than anyone else, you have your best interests in mind – and there are uneducated people in every space, including college. Prepare for headaches, find quick resources to give to curious folks, learn when to shut down ‘curious’ Devil’s advocates, and have a plan in place to deal with incoming microaggressions. This is easier said than done, but I cannot emphasize how important it is for your own sake as well as future transgender students that will inevitably attend your university. Yes, it can be easier to just ride out the semester and not correct the side remarks by your professor – and sometimes, that’s what you need to do to emotionally and physically survive. But by not confronting those hard conversations, you leave the work for the next student that comes.
To an extent, you can also research trans-friendly restrooms, businesses, and events close to campus prior to the semester beginning – although sometimes it’s smoother to wait until you have real people to ask while navigating your first weeks. When you’re early in your transition, you need to feel safe and comfortable. Genny Beemyn has TPC’s previous list of universities with published maps of gender-neutral restrooms on campus, BUT I also recommend the REFUGE app. REFUGE is a free mobile app that lets users pinpoint trans-friendly bathrooms. You might be the first in your area to utilize the app and have a blank slate, or you might find a filled map with a treasure trove of tips. Either way, REFUGE allows you to build an underground resource for yourself and others at your school.
While on campus, the best (and most traditional) way to determine whether a space is LGBTQIA+ friendly is through “safe space” signage. Today, these signs are most common among less progressive schools where acceptance isn’t seen as the norm, but they’re great anywhere. Beyond campus grounds, these apps and sites are good ways to find trans-affirming spaces:
Strands for Trans is an online database for barbershops and hair salons.
Everywhere Is Queer is a mobile app for all businesses (including virtual ones), similar to Strands for Trans. Businesses self-report whether they identify as LGBTQIA+ friendly.
For bars and nightlife, look into GayCities, Travel Gay, and Yelp. GayCities and Travel Gay are better options if you live near a metropolitan area, but Yelp is more helpful for less populated regions.
Beyond websites and mobile apps, the best way to really determine whether a business is trans-friendly is by word of mouth. Find other queer and trans people on campus or a queer nonprofit – their experiences are worth significantly more than self-reported labels online. And while I’m aware of other websites that compile businesses, like Pink Robin, Hey Fam, LGBTQ+ Business Week, LGBTQIA Hub, and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, these sites focus heavily on e-commerce. Large cities like NYC and the Queer Money Project – and cities are more likely to have listings on apps such as Qlist and MisterB&B.
Support Yourself: Self-Care Matters
In order to thrive at college, you have to think beyond the basics. Between assignments and dealing with less-than-supportive classmates and staff, you will need an outlet for support. Be proactive and plan to create support as your semester begins. And if you’re struggling with coming out at college, Campus Pride has a resource tailored for you – and here is the most current copy of the Coming Out as a Transgender Person Workbook.
The simplest way to get connected with like-minded peers is to join a student organization. Clubs and other associates exist no matter the size of your school, including if you attend community college. Look for organizations that cater to queer identities (if possible) or interests you have. If you find your university lacks sufficient organizations, you’re entitled to create your own as long as you follow your school’s policies and have a staff member to serve as the club sponsor. In my experience, LGBTQIA+ college student organizations are way more active than high school ones – from anti-bullying campaigns to social functions, they’re worth checking out and giving a chance.
Speaking of which, check to see if your college has an LGBTQIA+ resource center. These are specific departments created by the university to handle LGBTQIA+ issues, training, clubs, and support. Schools with resource centers typically score higher on all metrics of the Campus Pride Index since they help recruit and retain queer students by fostering a safe campus environment. If your school lacks an LGBTQIA+ resource center, it may have something related like a “diversity department.” These are more common in community colleges and smaller schools that lack the funds to have multiple departments.
It feels like a stereotype, but queer people are good at finding each other. Use your natural gaydar to find safe friends to connect with. They don’t have to necessarily dress or “look” gay, but trust your gut when you feel good or bad vibes from your fellow classmates. People pay to go to college and learn, so they’re at least marginally more open-minded than the general population.
Being transgender shouldn’t limit you from traditional college activities that your cisgender peers get to enjoy. Don’t limit yourself to hobbies and organizations solely surrounding your queer identity – use every resource available to you and try every club that you find interesting. Beyond clubs, the most common social resources are sports and Greek life.
Currently, per “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” transfeminine individuals are barred completely from participating in college sports. Transmasculine and nonbinary folks might be technically allowed right now, but you’re unlikely to find these spaces welcoming. As most readers probably know, these bans are based on vast misunderstandings of existing laws and policies – but the harm still exists.
The TLDR is that anti-transgender sports bans overwhelmingly overestimate transgender people’s involvement in athletic competitions and overwhelmingly underestimate the laws that already dictate when and if transgender people can perform. For example, while approximately 10,500 people try out for the Olympics, fewer than a dozen might identify as transgender. That calculates to 0.001% of those folks trying out. To not be automatically disqualified during this process, transgender people must provide medical and legal documentation of their gender identity – which includes proving they have been consistently using estrogen HRT and using testosterone supplements for multiple years to force their hormone levels to be identical to biologically female competitors. This standard by the International Olympic Committee is enforced in other sports, and for decades, it was the same applied to student sports. The Trump ban supersedes these precedents and bars trans people from competing no matter what. In the context of school, sports are well-understood as crucial for supporting students’ emotional and physical well-being since they provide an outlet for exercise while fostering team-building. Yet, because of the Trump administration’s ban, transgender students are forbidden from having these experiences.
“Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” is centered on competitive sports, so it’s unclear how strictly it is applied to noncompetitive or intramural sports clubs, but I advise caution since it will largely depend on the political climate of your school on whether they will use the executive order against you.
You don’t find many LGBTQIA+ people in Greek life. Part of it comes from its long history of strict gender roles for frat boys and sorority girls. Another part comes from Greek organizations not being kind to marginalized folks, especially considering how many organizations get accused of sexual harassment and hazing. Then, of course, Greek life is associated with higher incomes since joining these associations generally requires annual fees. Despite this, there are Greek organizations with explicit mission statements that include transgender people – and there are also organizations founded by LGBTQIA+ students.
Some sororities include:
Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΠ)
Alpha Epsilon Phi (ΑΕΦ)
Alpha Gamma Delta (ΑΓΔ)
Alpha Lambda Zeta (ΑΛΖ)
Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ)
Alpha Pi Delta (ΑΠΔ)
Alpha Sigma Alpha (AΣA)
Alpha Sigma Tau (ΑΣΤ)
Alpha Xi Delta (ΑΞΔ)
Beta Phi Omega (ΒΦΩ)
Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ)
Delta Gamma (ΔΓ)
Delta Phi Epsilon (ΔΦΕ)
Gamma Phi Beta (ΓΦΒ)
Gamma Rho Lambda (GRL)
Eta Epsilon Gamma (ΗΕΓ)
Eta Iota Mu (ΗΙΜ)
Kappa Alpha Lambda (ΚΑΛ)
Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)
Kappa Delta (ΚΔ)
Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ)
Kappa Omega Omicron (ΚΏΟ)
Kappa Theta Epsilon (ΚΘΕ)
Kappa Xi Omega (ΚΞΩ)
Lambda Delta Lambda (ΛΔΛ)
Omicron Epsilon Pi (ΟΕΠ)
Phi Omega (ΦΩ)
Phi Sigma Sigma (ΦΣΣ)
Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣAI)
Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ)
Sigma Omega Phi (ΣΩΦ)
Sigma Phi Chi (ΣΦΧ)
Sigma Sigma Sigma (ΣΣΣ)
Theta Phi Alpha (ΘΦΑ)
Zeta Omega Eta (ΖΩΗ)
Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)
Zeta Theta Psi (ΖΘΨ)
Some fraternities include:
Acacia
Alpha Sigma Phi (AΣΦ)
Beta Gamma Pi (ΒΓΠ)
Beta Theta Pi (BΘΠ)
Chi Phi (XΦ)
Chi Psi (XΨ)
Delta Chi (ΔX)
Delta Lambda Phi (ΔΛΦ)
Delta Phi Upsilon (ΔΦΥ)
Delta Sigma Phi (ΔΣΦ)
Delta Tau Delta (ΔΤΔ)
Delta Upsilon (ΔΥ)
Kappa Delta Rho (KΔP)
Kappa Kappa Psi (KKΨ)
Kappa Psi Kappa (ΚΨΚ)
Lambda Chi Alpha (ΛXA)
Omega Delta Phi (ΩΔΦ)
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)
Phi Kappa Tau (ΦKT)
Phi Sigma Kappa (ΦΣK)
Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠKA)
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠKΦ)
Pi Lambda Phi (ΠΛΦ)
Psi Upsilon (ΨY)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣAE)
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)
Sigma Epsilon Omega (ΣΕΩ)
Sigma Phi Beta (ΣΦΒ)
Sigma Phi Epsilon (ΣΦE)
Sigma Nu (ΣN)
Sigma Tau Gamma (ΣTΓ)
Tau Beta Sigma (TBΣ)
Tau Kappa Epsilon (ΤΚΕ)
Theta Chi (ΘX)
Theta Delta Chi (ΘΔX)
Theta Xi (ΘΞ)
Zeta Alpha Delta (ΖΑΔ)
Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT)
And some all-gender Greek associations include:
Alpha Delta Phi Society (ΑΔΦ)
The Euglossian Society (ΕΥΓ)
Lambda Alpha Lambda (ΛΑΛ)
Lambda Delta Xi (ΛΔΞ)
Nu Delta (ΝΔ)
Phi Sigma Pi (ΦΣΠ)
Th Delta Sigma (ΘΔΣ)
Theta Pi Sigma (ΘΠΣ)
Zeta Delta Xi (ΖΔΞ)
Sigma Omicron Rho (ΣΟΡ)
Even if you are introverted, shy, or otherwise not a social person, I highly recommend creating an in-person support system. Go to club meetings, join your local community, and make IRL friends. Entirely online support systems don’t foster the same level of mental wellness – although they can still be useful. For that purpose, here are some online resources for transgender college students.
⭐ Looking for generic trans resources? Click here.
Between going to class, making friends, and inevitably dealing with conflict, you need to set aside time for self-care. Do things you enjoy. Engage in therapy. Work on setting boundaries. Develop hobbies to do in your free time that don’t feel like work. And if you struggle with self-care, here’s an info hub by GSA Network.
And of course, small things matter. Assuming your dorm or living space allows it, cultivate your room to foster a sense of pride. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your room, so make it inviting – hang up a pride flag, put up some posters, and decorate the space to inspire joy. After a potentially long day at class dealing with people, don’t you deserve to feel comfortable and proud of who you are?
Wait, what’s binding? In short, binding is the practice of compressing one’s chest to have a flatter and traditionally masculine appearance. It’s considered standard practice amongst the transgender community, similar to packing and tucking, since it is a non-medical alternative to alleviating gender dysphoria. If you want to know more about binding basics, read this post instead.
Looking for more educational guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
More than any other season, summer presents additional challenges. Binding should never be painful, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would call binding physically comfortable. The issues that make binding unpleasant year-round intensify with heat, which is why extra caution is advised during the summer.
No matter what, remember the golden rule of binding: Always listen to your body. If you feel pain or begin to feel light-headed, stop binding immediately and take a solid break. A properly sized binder should feel like a tight hug, it should never cause you pain.
Consider how your preferred binding method will combine with summer heat.
Full-length and tank-style binders are notoriously hotter since they compress the entire torso compared to half-length and racerback binders. More guys experiment with K-tape during the summer, as it is cooler than half-binders and can be easily used for swimming. In contrast, traditional binders aren’t always swim-safe and can deteriorate over time due to excess water exposure. However, remember you should NEVER use ACE bandages, duct tape, or other non-recommended items to bind.
Try Sports Bras and Compression Tops
If your emotional health and gender dysphoria permit it, try binding with sports bras or compression tops instead of traditional binders. These garments are easier on the body and will prevent heat exhaustion with looser compression than your regular binder. Even if you don’t generally use sports bras, it’s best practice to carry an emergency one during the summer to change into if you have to take off your binder. Binding is a tool that many transgender people use, but it’s not a requirement – the practice of binding (or the lack thereof) doesn’t define your gender. Taking care of yourself and your body is gender-affirming care in its own right.
I want to note here that while I advise my fellow trans peers to take off their binders when it’s hot, it isn’t always feasible. If you are an adult and worried about a transgender youth binding during the summer, do not force them to take off their binder. Offer them spaces to cool off instead. Even if you are a PE instructor or coach, it’s no less appropriate to ask a transgender youth to remove their binder than to ask a cisgender girl to remove her bra. Binders are essentially underwear and allow transmasculine individuals the ability to survive despite gender dysphoria.
Take (extra) Breaks throughout the day
If you bind regularly, you’re likely no stranger to “binder breaks.” It’s best practice to give yourself breaks throughout the day via stretching and limiting binding to eight hours per day. Make these breaks more frequent during warm weather and stay mindful of your physical health while outside.
Material matters!
If you’re prone to sweating (which increases with HRT usage), remember that material matters. A moisture-wicking fabric will keep you drier than non-breathable fabrics. Linen, muscle tees, jerseys, and button-down shirts are summer staples since they conceal curves better than other fabrics. Some individuals wear a tank undershirt under their binder to soak excess moisture. Regarding overshirts, remember that white colors reflect heat – so if you dress emo or goth, be prepared for intense heat. While most folks worry about their binder possibly showing, don’t forget that cisgender people are largely clueless – few cis folks know what binders are, so they’re quick to assume your binder is an undershirt or accessory.
Powders exist – so use them!
Whether you sweat a lot or experience skin irritation, there are numerous powders available on the market that prevent chafing. Just consider purchasing talc-free if you have a family history of ovarian or similar cancers. Similarly, you can also apply regular antiperspirant deodorant under your binder to decrease sweat and odor, although this won’t lower chafing as powders would.
Hydrate, Hydrate, hydrate
Drink more water. Make an effort to drink water when outside in the heat, since hydration both reduces overheating and prevents skin irritation.
Juices and sodas are great in a pinch, but water is best when you’re sweating a ton. Relatedly, commit to at least one salty meal a day to replenish the sodium lost from sweat.
Keep it clean!
Wash your binder. This is basic advice in general, but you should wash your binder at least once or twice a week regardless – and more often when you’re sweaty, like during the summer. Binders are essentially underwear and compress heat and moisture. With the added effects of HRT causing increased sweat and acne, don’t add to the mix with an unwashed binder.
Cool off (When you can)
If you’re able to, consider taking a cold shower partway throughout the day – at the very least, stay in air conditioning and other cool spaces. If you’re outside a lot and unable to access air conditioning, look into cool packs – you can purchase them online and slide them under your binder for immediate heat relief. Another technique is wetting a cloth with cold water and wrapping it around your neck.
Binding, or the practice of compressing one’s chest to have a flatter and traditionally masculine appearance, is a pretty standard practice amongst the trans community, similar to packing and tucking. Anyone can bind – even if you’re not transgender, there might be moments when it’s beneficial, like if you’re cisgender but engage in cosplay or drag.
In the transmasculine community, binding is one of the first steps in transitioning. Being assigned female at birth, breast tissue naturally forms during natal puberty and creates distress from gender dysphoria unless preventative measures are taken, like puberty blockers. When trans men begin testosterone through prescribed hormone replacement therapy, breast tissue no longer forms – but HRT cannot reverse tissue already created.* Since few transgender people have the fortune to have supportive parents and the ability to access puberty blockers as youth, binding is the norm.
*Technically, testosterone-based hormone replacement therapy CAN impact breast tissue, but it cannot get rid of it entirely. It’s all extremely anecdotal, but you might experience breast tissue shrink in size. More commonly, HRT affects the composition of breast tissue and makes it less firm, similar to breast tissue cisgender men have. However, these changes are rarely enough to override the need for binding.
Q: DO I HAVE TO BIND? A: Nope! While binding is common, it is not a requirement to be transgender, and there are many reasons transmasculine folks may choose not to bind, such as having a chest too large for traditional binders, disability, or comfort. Generally, you should talk with your doctor before binding if you have asthma, scoliosis, lupus, COPD, arthritis, Hypermobility Joint Disorder, GERD/IBS/IBD, migraines, TMJD, or fibromyalgia.
Q: HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO BIND? A: Anyone who has breast tissue is old enough to bind, although this statement might make people queasy. American youth are entering puberty earlier than ever, so it’s reasonable to say that if breast tissue is causing them significant discomfort, they should have access to binding. While binding can have long-term consequences, preventing kids from binding safely will only make them more likely to DIY, which can be dangerous. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s no upper age cap for binding.
Q: WAIT, DID YOU SAY THERE ARE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES TO BINDING? A: Yes, but those consequences come with caveats. Long-term binding can impact the density of your breast tissue, which can potentially limit your options for chest surgery later. However, these effects (which are common at 10+ years of binding) do not bar you from chest surgery – and it’s worth stating that the average transmasculine person gets chest surgery way before this deadline.
There are plenty of anti-trans parents who will rant on how chest binding will impact children’s bone development during puberty, so youth shouldn’t be allowed to bind. While it is a possibility, there isn’t research to back up this claim: there is little long-term research on transgender people as a whole, and even less on minors. Chest binding, when done safely, isn’t dangerous – a binder should feel like a relatively tight hug and should never cause pain. You should also never wear two or more binders, since the added compression can cause a lot of pain. Exceeding safety recommendations puts you at actual risk of developing skeletal issues, and as mentioned above, barring safe binders from youth pushes them to resort to DIY methods with higher risk.
Always get the right size.
Yes, a smaller binder will give you a flatter chest – but the right size vastly minimizes your risk of common side effects. Keep in mind that cisgender men don’t have completely flat chests, and everyone has some breast tissue. Don’t strive for a perfectly flat chest.
DON’T KNOW YOUR BINDER SIZE? FOLLOW THESE STEPS.
Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. This is the part that comes out the farthest from your body. Do this while you are dressed.
Write down the measurement. You might want to measure more than once to check it.
Wrap the tape measure around your chest, right under your breasts. This is where the crease is.
Write down the measurement.
Add the measurements together and divide by 2. This is your chest size.
Put the end of the tape at the outside edge of one of your shoulders. Measure across your body to the outside edge of your other shoulder. Make sure you are standing up straight. Avoid tensing up, hunching your shoulders, or wrapping the measuring tape around your shoulders.
Write down the number you get. This is your shoulder size.
If your shoulder measurement is 1.5 inches bigger than the shoulder measurements listed for your chest size… Buy a larger size, usually the next size up.
If your shoulder measurement is smaller than the shoulder measurements for your chest size… Buy the size that matches your chest measurement.
If you have a larger chest or broad shoulders… Consider a tank binder. This might be the most comfortable style for you.
If you buy a binder that is smaller than your measurements… Return it for one that fits. The effect on your chest is probably not enough to notice, and the wrong size puts pressure on your back and ribs.
Wearing the correct binder size MATTERS. Over time, using the incorrect size can restrict breathing, irritate the skin, break skin around the edges of the binder, cause overheating, and bruise/fracture the ribs.
TYPES OF BINDERS
Full-Length Tank As one of the two main classics, the full-length or tank binder has a long panel of compression and can be tucked into your pants. They compress more than just the chest – they also flatten the hips and stomach, which is why these are the most common binders used by cisgender men.
Full-lengths are best suited for individuals with large chests or folks who want additional compression around the stomach and hips. Newer tank binders are made to look like casual shirts, which is a benefit you won’t find with other binder styles. On the other hand, I’ve been told that the more a binder resembles a regular tank top, the less compression it offers. They’re also far less comfortable – from personal experience, full-tanks are hotter and irritating to wear, and I was never able to get the hang of tucking them in, so it would always roll back up.
Half-Length The other classic binder is the half-length, which is identical to the full-length, other than the lack of material. These stop above the ribs, so they’re cooler and allow for a greater range of motion.
Half-lengths are ideal for individuals with smaller chests compared to full-length, but they can work for folks with larger chests if you’re okay with less compression. They offer better breathability, so they’re more comfortable for all-day use and sports. On the other hand, half-lengths are the most well-known – people will know you’re wearing a chest binder unless you cover it up with a shirt.
Racerback The racerback binder came into style within the last decade, offering even more range of motion than the half-tank. They’re identical to the traditional half-tank other than the back support design resembling the same ‘x’ pattern that racerback sports bras use. The same pros and cons apply to these as half-tanks, but their strap design is easier to conceal for folks who don’t want to possibly out themselves for wearing a binder.
Strapless Strapless binders are the most commonly portrayed in film when depicting transmasculine characters, but they’re far from the most commonly worn by actual transgender people.
These are often the cheapest since they’re made in mass production for cosplay, but they offer significantly less compression and support than other binder styles. You have to be precise with strapless measurements, too, since the wrong size could mean the binder falling off. These are also difficult to find by major binder brands due to their association.
I’ll also note that strapless binders like these are considered less safe than other styles – they’re created for cosplay purposes and worn for a day or two at a time, not regular long-term binding. They’re easy to access, but always use with caution.
Pullover & Zipper These aren’t binder styles themselves, but refer to another aspect of all of the above types. A pullover binder will be pulled over your head, similar to a t-shirt, whereas a zipper binder uses a zipper, clasps, or hooks to put the binder around your chest.
Both are good options! Pullover binders are more commonly produced by binder brands since they’re associated with better compression, but they’re difficult to put on in the beginning when you’re new to binding. Zipper binders are common for strapless and cosplay binders, but they’re a better option if you struggle to get pullovers on. However, always opt for zipper binders that attach in the center of your chest or back – zipper binders that attach on just one side will cause uneven compression that can harm your body over time.
Kinetic Tape Kinesiology tape, or K-tape, is a thin elastic tape that uses adhesive, and it’s become fairly popular for binding amongst smaller chested individuals. You should NEVER use other forms of tape to bind, such as duct tape, since K-tape is made specifically for athletic purposes and provides a range of motion and breathability that other tape does not. Duct tape is especially dangerous since it constricts your breathing after application.
K-tape struggles to provide the same level of binding as traditional binders, but many folks find it empowering since it gives a more natural look compared to binders. You can even safely sleep and shower with it since the tape is relatively waterproof and takes a few days to naturally lose its grip.
If you have the funds, there are a number of K-tapes now produced with chest binding in mind – like Trans Tape. While the function is the same, I’ve heard that the quality of Trans Tape is significantly better, BUT regular K-tape is pretty accessible since anyone can purchase it in their local Walmart.
Despite this, kinetic tape isn’t for everyone. The compression level isn’t feasible for many, but more often, it’s the adhesive. Kinetic tapes, regardless of brand, can cause significant irritation to the skin even if you don’t have any adhesive allergies. Later on, I’ll be talking about the importance of binder hygiene, and the same applies here. K-tape is used in a sweaty and hot part of the body that creates a LOT of friction. While I was pleased with the compression K-tape provided me, the tape chafed me pretty badly, and I *don’t* have any adhesive allergies.
Sports Bra A good sports bra can provide a decent level of compression, so it’s a great alternative to regular binding to give your body breaks. In essence, sports bras are similar to racerback binders. Unlike binders, you can find sports bras sold pretty much anywhere, so they’re more accessible.
Unlike the above binding options, sports bras are the ONLY style that I would okay “double-binding.” Since sports bras offer less compression than actual binders, the compression level achieved from double-layering won’t cause significant harm, like if you layered traditional binders.
Keep it clean!
Binders are underwear. Seriously, they can get gross – they’re directly compressing your body and creating hot and humid spaces. Regardless of season, binders should be washed at least weekly, but you should move to every three days if it’s summer or you’re a naturally sweaty person. Even if the binder doesn’t smell too bad, poor binder hygiene causes rashes, skin irritation, acne, fungal infections, and other conditions.
Each binder manufacturer will provide specific instructions on how to best care for your binder. Follow their advice to prolong the life of your binder! However, if you lost the instructions, these are the most common suggestions.
Wash your binder in cold water on a delicate cycle, OR wash it by hand in the sink with laundry detergent and warm water. Avoid hot water and putting your binder in the dryer.
Hang the binder up to dry.
Keep your binder on a hanger when you are not wearing it. This helps it keep its shape.
Have more than one binder, if possible. This allows you to wash and dry them regularly.
Stay flexible and give your body breaks.
Listen to your body – what works for your friend won’t inherently work for you. The following are general guidelines, but always listen to your own body first. If you’re in pain, stop.
Keep binding for eight hours at a time and never bind more than twelve consecutive hours. This can be difficult to navigate if you’re in public often, but it’s best practice to have off days when you do not bind.
Take at least one day completely free of binding per week, and take more break days if you can manage.
Never sleep in your binder. Breathing becomes more shallow while you’re unconscious, so binding while asleep poses an increased risk.
Take precautions if binding while working out or swimming. There are binders available to purchase to use while swimming, since chlorine exposure can shorten traditional binders’ lifespans, and exercise binders that provide greater mobility. If these aren’t options for you, your dedicated workout or swimming binder should be at least one size larger than what you typically wear.
Stay hydrated and keep cool when binding, especially during summer months. Even if you feel fine, it’s pretty easy to develop heat stroke – from personal experience, I got heat exhaustion once while on a summer field trip because I thought it was a myth.
Never use any material to bind that was not listed here. Do not use duct tape, plastic wrap, belts, or ACE bandages. These constrict as you breathe, which can bruise you or potentially suffocate you.
Consider wearing a cotton undershirt or tank top under your binder if your skin is prone to irritation. Binders won’t help any existing skin conditions. An undershirt or the use of body powder also helps during warm weather to limit excess sweating.
Learn exercises and stretches to ease pain in your back, shoulders, and chest. Try stretching every few hours while binding.
Looking for binder suggestions?
The following prices are based on the current price at the time this article was published. Verify with the merchant before buying.
Wait! I want a new binder, but there are too many options! Yeah, and there are plenty of binder brands that I don’t cover below – if you hear good things about a binder company from friends or those you trust, go for it and don’t let my lack of review stop you. Otherwise…
Generally overwhelmed and just need a good quality binder? Get GC2B.
Unable to find a binder size that fits? Get Origami Customs.
Have severe dysphoria and need high compression? Get Underworks.
Looking for something special to be proud of? Get ShapeShifters.
Can’t deal with sensory overload? Get GenderBender or Amor Sensory.
GC2B @ gc2b.co / $42 USD Founded in 2015 as a trans-operated binding brand, GC2B is the premier binder today. After using an Underworks binder, I found GC2B much more comfortable in comparison – although it provided slightly less compression. There’s talk that GC2B binders have gone downhill in quality after they changed textile suppliers, but I’m still a strong supporter of the brand as a whole.
GC2B has a bit of everything, including K-tape. They specialize in everyday binders, so you’ll find a variety of nude binders designed to be concealed under shirts. Before GC2B, binders were only available in white, black, and a limited number of “nude” binders – but the binder color matters significantly if you’re wanting to wear a white shirt. Their binder utilizes both the front and back panels to provide medium compression.
FLAVNT @ flavnt.com / $55 USD This streetwear brand has a larger range of nude binders than GC2B and has a pretty good selection of pride apparel. Their binders are all pullover style and offer medium compression via the front panel. Tired of hideous rainbow merch from retailers like Target and Walmart? Try FLAVNT.
For Them @ forthem.com / $55-$64 USD This brand specializes in underwear, including binders. For Them produces two types, one labeled “MAX” to offer high compression and “All-Day” that prioritizes comfort.
The MAX binder will provide compression similar to other brands, but the All-Day line is unique: it’s made with sensory issues in mind. It won’t make you as flat as other binders, but it’s super comfortable.
Peecock Products @ peecockproducts.com / $31-$34 USD Based out of Singapore, Peecock has been producing chest binders since 2010 and also has one of the best quality of entry-level prosthetic packers out there. Zippers, pullovers, v-necks, swimming binders, you name it – Peecock probably has what you’re looking for. However, their binders won’t be as comfortable or sensory-friendly as GC2B.
TomboyX @ tomboyx.com / $49 USD Although TomboyX caters to femme-identified people, they have a decent binder selection since a large chunk of their customer base is butch. Their selling point is their adjustable binder, which uses straps to allow the user to modify the level of compression. On the other hand, TomboyX binders have lighter compression compared to other brands.
UNTAG @ untag.com / $61-$69 USD Preferred by folks living overseas, UNTAG has a diverse binder selection that offers lower shipping rates compared to some American brands. In addition to the regular selection of binders, UNTAG also offers binders specifically made to exercise and unique designs like lace.
Urbody @ urbody.co / $45-$55 USD These binders were created to further expand binding beyond masculine-identified folks, so they generally offer less compression than other binders. Despite that, Urbody binders are preferred with folks with compression or sensory issues since the lack of compression means increased comfort.
Underworks @ underworks.com / $32-$38 USD As the oldest brand on this list, Underworks is a classic alongside T-Kingdom – they’ve been around since 1997. Originally, their target audience was cisgender men who wanted to compress their torsos, but they transitioned to make an array of trans-friendly binders since Underworks was the easiest place to purchase online.
If you’re looking for high compression, Underworks is for you. Seriously, their compression is INTENSE – but this means their binders can also be uncomfortable. The material is also rougher than brands like GC2B and Origami.
GenderBender @ genderbenderllc.com / $49-$59 USD These guys are relatively new, but they have a great selection that makes them distinct from other brands, like their own brand of K-tape, pride-themed binders, and plus-sized binding swimwear. Their company is disability-centered, so their products are made with various disabilities in mind, like sensory issues, anxiety, adhesive allergies, and the like.
Origami Customs @ origamicustoms.com / $64 USD In addition to the regular selection of binders, Origami Customs is unique because they can and will make custom binders on order. If you are too large for other binder companies, Origami Customs should be your go-to. Without them, people would be barred from binding due to weight or breast size – but Origami Customs can provide anyone with a binder.
Origami Customs also has ready-to-order binders, but I wouldn’t really recommend them if you don’t require a custom size.
Shapeshifters @ shapeshifters.co / $85-$115 USD Most binders are boring since they cater to everyday wear and stealth. Not Shapeshifters binders – they don’t actually have any nude binders unless you’re ordering from their “Make Your Own Binder” sewing kit. Shapeshifters specialize in fashionable designs, offering a refreshing alternative to bland options and asking, ‘Why can’t binders be fun too?!’
However, Shapeshifters is pricier than other brands, so I wouldn’t recommend them as your first binder unless you have money to burn.
Amor Sensory @ amorsensory.com / $79 USD Similar to GenderBender, Amor Sensory is a disability-first binder brand that centers on Autistic experiences. Binding can be a sensory nightmare, so Amor’s binders are sewn with those issues in mind. Even though they cost a bit more, Amor Sensory binders offer trustworthy moderate compression like mainstream brands.
Reddit and Online Spaces @ r/ftm / FREE to ∞ If you don’t mind used binders, check out virtual spaces like r/ftm – they host recurring spaces to allow guys to buy, sell, and trade items and you’ll likely find a used or free binder faster than the binder programs I suggest below. You can find these types of spaces on any forum, including Facebook groups and trans-related Discord servers.
I can’t afford a binder, what should I do?
Fret not, because there’s still options out there! Before continuing with my suggestions, read my last point on binder brands – in my experience, you’ll get a binder faster from online spaces like r/ftm when there’s availability. The companies and organizations I list below give binders as donations, which means they have limited resources and funding and MASSIVE waitlists.
Generally speaking, the larger the organization, the longer the waitlist. My very first binder was a donation from Point of Pride, but I had to wait nine months on their waitlist before it was shipped. These resources are national, but if possible, you should check with any local LGBTQIA+ organization in your area to see if they have a binder program. CenterLink hosts a (incomplete) directory of LGBTQIA+ nonprofits throughout the country, so start there if you don’t know where to begin.
Keep in mind that the following programs are active at the time this article was published. In my experience, binder programs tend to be unstable since they rely on donation funding – so some might be no longer active by the time you’re reading, or there might some missing that you expected to see.
Point of Pride @ pointofpride.org With a variety of funds, Point of Pride has given nearly $4 million dollars to financial aid programs to benefit transgender folks.
They were created in 2016 by Point 5cc, a trans clothing and apparel company to become the first and largest international chest binder donation program. Check out their website for details on their binder program, femme shapewear and gaff program, electrolysis support fund, HRT access fund, trans surgery fund, and Thrive fund. Their binder program is open to all, regardless of age or where they live in the world.
Trans Essentials @ ftmessentials.com Similar to Transguy Supply, Trans Essentials is an online megastore for trans needs. They sell binders, tucking tape, packers, gaffs, dilators, STPs, books, buttons, etc. They also operate Early to Bed for adult goods.
TE provides free Underworks binders to individuals ages 24 and under anywhere in the United States, shipped out on a quarterly basis.
TOMSCOUT @ tomscout.com The Freedom Binder Program provides binders to “storytellers,” determining eligibility based on your personal story and need for a binder.
Make sure to read all of TOMSCOUT’s rules before applying, since missing one will automatically disqualify you. There is no upper age cap, but applicants must be at least sixteen to qualify. Additionally, you’ll have to cover the shipping costs of the binder once you’ve been selected.
The Queer Trans Project @ queertransproject.org Based out of Florida, QTP is a Black-led organization that donates binders, packers, and packing underwear to individuals in need.
QTP has high demand, but they cover a lot of needs – including flight assistance to help transgender folks flee hostile states like Florida for safer havens.
Black Trans Men Inc @ blacktransmen.org The Brother 2 Brother Binder Grant allows Black Trans Men Inc to give free binders to low-income transgender men of color throughout the US.
To qualify, you must be at least sixteen years old, identify as transmasculine, demonstrate financial hardship, and identify as Black. There are no upper age cut-offs for their program. If you don’t identify as Black, they can still help if you reach out by referring you to other applicable programs.
Health Care Advocates International @ hcaillc.com Healthcare access isn’t equal to everyone, which is something marginalized people know well. HACI believes every patient deserves their best chance at a health life.
You must be at least eighteen years olds to qualify for HACI binders. Individuals must be in the United States or Puerto Rico to receive a binder from their services.
Thriving Transmen of Color @ thrivingtransmenofcolor.org TTMOC is a national grassroot nonprofit with chapters in Virginia, Georgia, District of Columbia, California, Florida, Illinois, and Nevada. Like Black Trans Men Inc, TTMOC centers on uplifting Black and Brown transgender individuals.
TTMOC binders are provided based on eligibility and are reserved only for transmasculine individuals who cannot afford to purchase their own binder. Applicants must be following TTMOC on social media and have attended at least one virtual or in-person event to qualify.
Phoenix Transition Program @ phoenixtransitionprogram.org PTP offers direct assistance to transgender folks in need, such as their binder program, care packages, utilities assistance, opening businesses, and crises.
To qualify, you must be at least eighteen years old and live in the United States. Other programs beyond binder assistance are functioning, but are limited based on time of year.
Last week, I posted about five of the most common myths spread about transgender people. Misinformation sells – media has always benefited from spreading fake news, but current politics have heightened its spread. Here’s five more common myths spread about transgender people.
Myth #6: Transgender women are a threat to women’s spaces.
That’s a broad generalization that isn’t backed by any research. Transgender women are no more a threat to women than cisgender lesbians “threaten” fragile heterosexuality. Due to stereotypes and stigma, most transgender women already enter spaces rather timidly because they don’t want to push that narrative. Women’s bathrooms? Transgender women are just there to do their business and be on their way like any other woman. Domestic and sexual violence shelters? Maybe it sounds unbelievable, but transgender women are actually harassed more often than their cisgender counterparts – and they’re just looking for safe resources when at those centers.
At its core, this myth relies on the belief that transgender women are predators. Homophobes have labeled LGBTQIA+ people as dangerous for decades despite more accurate allegations against stereotypically conservative professions like law enforcement and religious officials. The myth centers transgender women as inherently masculine, often taking it a step further to imply that masculinity is always dangerous and transgender women are unable to lose this status due to being assigned male at birth. It also works on the flip side, since individuals who advocate for this myth don’t view transgender men as threats – due to being assigned female at birth, transgender men are unable to hold the same predatory status and are therefore welcomed in women’s spaces. It asserts that biological sex and mythical masculine-born energy dictate one’s ability to harm others.
Two comics from Assigned Male on the topic, by Sophie Labelle
Myth #7: All gender-affirming care is medical. All transgender people seek surgery, and children are being pushed into getting serious operations.
“Gender-affirming care” refers to any service that benefits transgender people, especially if that service helps to affirm our chosen gender identity. Medical services like hormone replacement therapy and surgery are classified as such, but so do non-medical services like binders, gaffs, haircuts, clothing style, pronouns, names, etc. There is not a single transgender person out there who engages with medical gender-affirming care before being well-acquainted with non-medical services. Before the normalization of informed consent, it was legally required to socially transition to access HRT – but it is still required for some transgender Americans who have insurance coverage that dictates letter approval as a prerequisite for HRT. Beyond HRT, individuals have to prove they’ve been on HRT for several years in addition to being socially transitioned to have surgical procedures, and many states require certain surgeries, usage of HRT, or documentation to allow transgender folks to legally change their gender documents.
Many transgender people do seek surgical procedures (often referred to as top or bottom surgery), but there is no single “one-size-fits-all” surgery for us. Not all transgender people can undergo or afford surgery, especially if they are disabled, live in a hostile or rural area, or have medical coverage that purposely doesn’t include transgender care. Lastly, not all transgender people want surgery, and that doesn’t make them less transgender. Anyone who identifies as a gender identity other than the one assigned to them at birth qualifies as transgender, but the label does not require folks to feel a certain way about their body. Most often, transgender people forgo bottom/genital surgeries since they have high complication rates and can have less-than-satisfactory results. And as mentioned above, it takes a lot of work to access these surgeries compared to other aspects of gender-affirming care.
Regarding any stories on minors being pushed into serious transgender procedures, I would kindly ask you to reconsider the validity of their publishers. It is already difficult enough for transgender adults to access surgeries or for transgender minors to be prescribed puberty blockers. The possibility of a transgender minor accessing surgery before age 18 is nearly zero. Minors have numerous barriers to gender-affirming care in addition to the ones transgender adults face – even the international WPATH guidelines require minors to have multiple healthcare providers recommend services. The only trans-related surgery minors can have feasible access to is transmasculine top surgery, since any other procedure would be paused until the individual turns 18. And I say feasible because transgender minors cannot reliably access top surgery since it’s extremely barred.
Myth #8: Transgender people are mentally ill.
In my previous post, I wrote about how cisgender people struggle to understand transgender experiences. Since they have never had to think critically about their relationship with either gender identity or sexuality, cisgender people come to the assumption that rebelling against their natural worldview means transgender people must hate their bodies, since anything else wouldn’t make sense. This assumption fueled and twisted research on transgender identity for decades – and it accompanied many other problematic ideas.
For reference, during these early years, you would also be labeled as mentally ill if you were a woman who cried too much, refused to be a servant to her husband, or stood firm that women ought to be equal to men. Queer individuals were also considered mentally ill, as were anyone else that failed to conform. Calling transgender people mentally ill purely based on their identity is as faulty as saying women still experience hysteria because they’re unwed.
Today, it’s a bit complicated: transgender identity itself was internationally removed as a mental illness in 2018 via the World Health Organization, and the current psychiatric diagnosis is gender dysphoria. The disconnect between one’s biological sex and internal gender identity is the only part of transgender identity classified as a mental illness today. There’s still stigma with that association, but mental illness does not hold any inherent goodness or badness to it. Before the classification change, transgender identity itself was labeled as illness, whereas today only the distress experienced from being misgendered, unaffirmed, and otherwise not respected as ourselves is classified as illness, and that distress can be a lot.
By making that move, the World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, and DSM also links gender-affirming care as a cure for gender dysphoria as a mental disorder: it has been well-documented that gender-affirming care eliminates gender dysphoria, and such care is internationally recommended as the best practice for transgender patients. Once a transgender person is affirmed as their gender, they generally experience little distress due to their sex assigned at birth – and that lack of distress qualifies as a lack of illness.
There is one more reason why gender dysphoria is still classified as a mental illness, and it essentially boils down to capitalism. Due to the American health insurance industry, individuals must have a diagnosis that qualifies care as “medically necessary” for companies to cover services. Without any diagnosis, American corporations would be quick to deny transgender Americans access to gender-affirming care unless they were willing to pay out-of-pocket, which is why WHO, the APA, and the DSM left gender dysphoria in the DSM rather than removing it entirely. However, it is predicted this might change – the field of psychology is leaning into classifying gender dysphoria as a medical condition rather than a psychiatric one, similar to how obesity was classified as predominantly a medical issue. This would remove some of the leftover stigma of being a “mental disorder” and allow transgender individuals to continue accessing gender-affirming care via health insurance coverage, since it would be diagnosed by a medical professional. The only potential issue with this route is that few medical professionals are adequately trained on transgender issues, similar to their lack of training on mental health as a whole. Unless folks live in a region with plentiful trans-friendly and knowledgeable providers, they may be further limited since doctors are generally unwilling to diagnose if they feel unconfident.
Myth #9: There are only two genders/sexes.
Gender is real, but it’s still a social construct. Social constructs are ideas that affect us as humans because of their perceived importance, but have little to no impact naturally.
The two comparisons I commonly use as alternative social constructs are money and race, since they are, in fact, social constructs. Without money, you wouldn’t be able to convince someone to build you housing or be paid for work, so money is real, but it doesn’t have any natural value since you’re not going to commonly find wild animals trading currency. Race matters because it identifies groups of people with each other (for better and worse), but it doesn’t have any natural meaning since, again, you’re not going to find animals identifying based on fur patterns, skin textures, or any other feature.
Gender roles, expression, and identity are all socially real but lack actual natural value. Western society traditionally emphasizes two genders, but that’s just one among thousands that have existed across human history. Other societies have held three or more genders for centuries, and western society is rapidly moving to a three gender system as nonbinary identities become socially accepted and legally recognized.
Stating there are only two sexes is more accurate than claiming there are only two genders, but it’s still not fully true. Frankly, it’s over simplistic: sex is complicated, which is why we’re taught there are two sexes while early in our educational journeys, but that view expands if you continue to learn about biology. Biological sex is composed of chromosomes, gonads, hormone levels, internal genitalia, external genitalia, and a mess of “secondary sex characteristics” like body hair distribution, breast tissue, vocal pitch, body fat, bone structure, muscle mass, etc. Most people align with one end of the sex spectrum, but intersex people can be born anywhere along it – and there are countless ways intersex conditions are expressed, meaning there are vastly more than just two sexes if you account for each possible intersex condition.
Myth #10: All transgender people are a little gay, and it’s at least a little bit gay to be attracted to a transgender person.
Statistically, transgender people are more likely to identify as queer compared to cisgender people – but that’s more attributed to the fact transgender people have already critically thought about their relationship with gender, so they’ve very likely thought about their sexuality. While cisgender heterosexual people hate to consider it, most people float somewhere along the straight-gay binary – but unless they have taken the time to reflect on their sexuality, few identify as queer when it is more convenient to be straight.
The other half of this myth is a lot to get into. Attraction is complicated, and sexual anatomy matters in some relationships – but I’ve always been of the opinion that gender and identity labels need to matter more. If you are a woman dating a transgender man, you are in a straight relationship; you can be bisexual and date him, but you’re not in a lesbian relationship. Stating otherwise demeans that partner of his gender for your own comfort – and people being obsessed with the comfort of previous sexuality labels is the most common I’ve come across. Hearing your partner call themselves a lesbian while they’re dating you as a man hurts, even if they don’t think it’s harmful, since it devalues your gender. A cisgender man dating a transgender man is a gay relationship, and it’s messed up how many times I’ve come across men who say transgender people are the nice little stepping stone between being gay and straight.
A cisgender woman dating a transgender woman is a lesbian relationship, and a cisgender man dating a transgender woman is a straight one. Doing mental gymnastics with this to defend your sexuality puts transgender people in danger – it is predominantly transgender women who are assaulted and murdered because straight men cannot bear being thought of as gay after being with a transgender woman, leveraging trans panic when brought to court – although it does happen the other way around, such as in the murder of Brandon Teena.
On one hand, labels shouldn’t have to matter that much – it’s why so many people just refer to themselves as queer since it avoids getting into a whole mess of other labels. But if your identity as a lesbian, gay man, or straight person matters that dearly to you, realize that our gender identity matters just as much to us as transgender people.
Looking for more educational guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
I was 14 when I realized I was transgender, back in the year 2014. Not much later, to my dismay, Caitlyn Jenner came out to the world – her novel identity fascinated the world, and that extended to my hometown in rural America. Suddenly, peers at school were talking about what they supposedly knew about transgender people, and my parents, who wouldn’t know I identified as trans for another year.
I’m well-versed in trans misinformation. Frankly, most transgender people are: it comes with being a marginalized person, expected to educate every single person you meet with unwavering patience. I don’t fault folks who get exhausted and frustrated after years of educating their friends, family, and strangers – that exhaustion led to the rise of Buzzfeed-like “Dear Cis People,” “100 Questions for White People,” and similar articles, videos, and posts during the 2010s that tried to rephrase that expectation. I always wondered when I would become frustrated and exhausted, likely to lash out like a stereotypical “blue-hair liberal.” Yet, eleven years later, I haven’t gotten to that point even though I’ve spent a decade in activism and educating cisgender people throughout those years. I can still manage patience, under one condition: I do not educate for bad faith. Many individuals purposely spread disinformation and “want to ask questions” to trans folks with the express purpose of being the Devil’s advocate. Those individuals are not open to actually learning and come with an agenda to demean or “convert” trans people. You cannot change them in one conversation, and they are not worth the effort. Anyone actually interested in understanding transness, that is not coming from a place of hatred, is worth teaching – even if they stumble on their journey.
Today, there’s more disinformation online than misinformation. There is a semantic difference: misinformation is false info spread, regardless of whether the person sharing knows if it’s true or not, while disinformation is purposely shared with knowledge that the info is false. All disinformation is misinformation, but disinformation is more nefarious. A family relative who shares a misleading post on Facebook about transgender people might not know its facts are wrong – that’s misinformation. If that relative knows that the post is incorrect, it becomes disinformation. There’s another conversation to be had on how to correct people with misinformation, since people hate being told they’re wrong and take corrections as a personal attack. Misinformation wasn’t that big of a deal ten years ago when flat-earthers and autism moms against vaccines were laughingstocks.
Misinformation is a big deal, and I don’t mean to be an alarmist. It truly holds the potential to cost human lives. We are more familiar with current events, such as the effects of misinformation about the COVID vaccine pushing more Americans to forgo the vaccination, leading to more immunocompromised people dying and more healthy Americans suffering from “long COVID.” Or, when Russia hacked American media during the past election cycles to spread disinformation and seat Republican candidates better suited to their interests.
Even before the 20th century, transgender people have always been around. If you look hard enough, you can find traces of gender-diverse people spanning centuries and Roman emperoress Elagabalus. Transness was only recently documented, and it’s only entered the public subconscious and mainstream in the past couple of decades. People claim the same about how many queer people exist today compared to fifty years ago, or how autism is supposedly on the rise. When identities are no longer criminalized and it becomes okay for people to publicly identify themselves, people incorrectly assume there’s an “explosion” of people suddenly queer, autistic, or transgender. The same belief was held on a sudden rise years ago of people identifying as left-handed or folks being diabetic. There was never a real increase, but there was a perceived explosion of left-handed individuals because they weren’t being burned at the stake for writing differently, and people were able to survive diabetes with the discovery of synthetic insulin, creating a “spike” of diabetic people.
This myth is fairly easy to dispute, for now. In some countries, information is regulated: when governments censor topics in published books, movies, and content on the internet, it’s easy to convince people that transgender people don’t exist. We are not at that point yet in the United States, but the GOP does want to move towards that future, evidenced by forced removals of transgender people mentioned in history, research, and educational curricula. Thus, trans history matters.
Myth #2: Transgender regret is common.
Compared to other medical procedures, transgender services like hormone replacement therapy and surgery actually have astonishingly low regret rates. Every surgery has a regret rate, whether it’s from complications, lack of satisfaction, or another reason entirely. The average knee surgery has a regret rate upwards of 30%, breast implants maintain a regret rate of up to 47%, and successful pregnancies have a regret rate around 17%.
The reason transgender people have an astonishingly low regret rate is because of these hoops, but it also deters people from getting care when it could benefit them. Trans regret only gets media coverage because detransitioners become viral on the internet from their sob stories. It’s unfortunate when it actually happens, but stories from detransitioned folks of how they were tricked are made up: even in “fast” informed-consent, you have a barrage of questions to answer from doctors to access prescriptions, changes take weeks to show even minor things, and you have people with you throughout the process to check in. Despite this reality, the belief that medical professionals are diabolically trying to force people to be transgender gets clicks.
Another way to think about trans regret and medical care is to compare it to other services. All procedures have risks and there can always be complications. Those risks are not worth denying the service as a whole. It’d be impossible to fathom a world where cancer treatments are banned because a small percentage of people have negative experiences on a life-saving treatment; the same should be applied to transgender procedures since they are documented as life-saving, too.
Myth #3: Transgender people want to trick cisgender people.
This myth has numerous layers, but at its core, it’s the insecure and paranoid belief that transgender people want to trick cisgender folks into having sex or that transgender people get some joy out of “tricking” people into perceiving us as our affirmed gender. Transgender people want to be respected as their authentic selves, but we don’t get joy from “tricking” others like our identity is a prank.
Trans people tricking poor cisgender folks into having sex is a real problem – and it’s been used as the punchline trope in comedy for decades. It even has legal recognition in most states, referred to as “trans panic defenses,” where cisgender people accused of murdering a transgender person can legally claim they were so angry, upset, or shocked that someone was transgender that they just had to assault them. The legal procedure comes from the underlying fragility of cisgender people’s sexuality, since there’s nothing worse than being thought of as flirting (or worse) with a transgender person, and gives cis judges and juries a reason to excuse anti-transgender hate crimes.
Disclosure is the process of telling a person that you’re transgender, and it’s a very personal decision that comes with inherent safety risks. Every trans person knows there is some risk in telling someone new, ranging from a new possible ally to a barrage of insults to even being hate-crimed. Some people prefer being out because they feel safe to do so, while others remain stealth – but not because they’re hoping to trick someone.
The transgender community advises sexually active folks to have that tough conversation with a prospective partner before you’re in the bedroom. Each person is different: a transgender woman who has had bottom surgery might not need to disclose her transgender status during a one-night stand because there’s nothing actually distinguishing her from other women compared to the safety risk of telling a stranger that you’re trans; a transgender man might feel inclined to tell a women he’s been seeing that he’s trans because aspects of his transness could affect their potential future together.
Cisgender people get frustrated about disclosure: they feel entitled to know whether someone is transgender. Some cis folks believe they “always know” when someone is trans, too. Yes, it is ideal for transgender people to be open about their identities, but cisgender people cannot be entitled to that knowledge as long as we exist in a society that is dangerous to live in. In comparison, there are so many other things you might want to know when having a one-night stand or going on a date with someone, like whether they’re infertile, if they have a stable job, if they have a disability, or already have children. But we all understand we are not entitled to automatically get that knowledge, and it completely upends how humans socially interact with each other via the social script.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is a community of cisgender folks who want to have sex with trans individuals because they fetishize us as a kink. Chasers (or “admirers,” as they call themselves) actively seek us out for sex. Any porn website will have a transgender category. Trans-specific dating apps exist purely for chasers’ convenience. We do not need to “trick” cisgender people into having sex with us. Should transgender people like chasers? That’s another topic for a different post – the ultimate point is no, we don’t trick cisgender people.
Because of the above, there is actually a subsection of the transgender community that identifies as T4T, or “trans for trans.” These trans folks only date other transgender people – but unlike chasers, they do so because they feel safer and better understood by other transgender people. We don’t have to explain our transness or the complications of gender theory to another transgender person to feel heard; we don’t have to fear that they might believe we’re going to hell for being trans or go into a violent rage because of who we are.
Myth #4: Transgender people are sexually aroused by their bodies. / Transgender people hate their bodies.
I combined two common myths for this one because both relate to how cisgender people fail to empathize with trans experiences. The first part, or the belief that all transgender people get turned on by their bodies, relates to Freudian-era pseudoscience and confusing transvestites with transgender people.
There are individuals who are sexually aroused by their bodies: the scientific terms are autogynephilia and autoandrophilia. But unlike transvestites, transgender people do not transition because they seek sexual pleasure. Generally, transvestites just stop at crossdressing (aka not continuing transition by seeking hormones or surgery) because they don’t actually want to identify as another gender. Yet transvestites were infinitely more interesting to research during the early years of sexology, so research papers were written for years with this base assumption that transgender people transition out of kink.
Are transgender people allowed to be sexually aroused by their bodies? Cisgender people are allowed to feel confident or sexy when looking at themselves in the mirror. It would be hypocritical to say transgender people do not deserve that same right. To feel comfortable in our bodies, that includes having the capacity to feel sexual in them, too. But that’s more a philosophical question outside of the realm of this myth.
The second part, or that transgender people must hate their bodies, also dates back to early research on transgender people. Cisgender people have always struggled to grasp what causes a person to want to be a different gender – very few cis people think critically about their relationship with their sex assigned at birth, so gender isn’t something they’ve really considered. To rebel against their natural worldview, they believe transgender people must hate their bodies – anything else wouldn’t make sense.
These assumptions permeated the very beginning of transgender researchers, and even trans-friendly providers held these stereotypes. It became quickly obvious that to transition socially, medically, or legally, transgender people had to adhere to these stereotypes since cisgender people held the power to prescribe medicine or affirm legal changes that transgender folks did not. To allow trans people to transition, doctors wanted them to fit their rigid boxes of what they believed transness to be – and that always included the stereotype that transgender people absolutely hate their biological bodies.
Today, there’s a decent understanding within the scientific community that transgender identity does not come from a hatred of one’s body but rather a disconnect between one’s internal versus outward gender. That disconnect can include feelings of hatred, but it doesn’t have to. The term “gender dysphoria” refers to that disconnect, ranging in feeling just uncomfortable to more extreme disgust or hatred. There is also a community of individuals promoting the idea that gender euphoria is just as important as gender dysphoria when discussing the need for transition – transgender people should not be expected to hate themselves. To be happy and fulfilled people, we need to be allowed to feel content in our bodies.
Myth #5: Transgender people want to dominate in sports, prisons, schools, etc.
We aren’t asking for unlimited access to dominate sports, we want the right to play fairly as ourselves. Until the past year or so, transgender people have been playing small roles within sports without issue: most leagues have written rules on how transgender people may participate, which usually requires two to three years of documented hormone replacement therapy. HRT is the key factor on supposed “advantages,” since hormones dictate muscle growth, strength, and stamina in all human bodies. A transgender woman who has been on prescribed estrogen for five years has no biological advantage over a cisgender woman – and quite frankly, cisgender women do hold an advantage if they compete with naturally high testosterone or a hormone disorder. Other aspects of transition, like surgery or legal status, have zero bearing on competitive performance.
For emphasis, transgender people have been officially allowed to compete in the Olympics since 2004. The exact rules have varied, but the general consensus to be allowed to participate is hormone replacement therapy. And the standards used by the Olympics are used in countless other sports and minor leagues.
Some folks might still get up in arms about other “advantages” transgender may have, but none of them warrant barring a group of people from fair play. A transgender woman who is six foot might have an advantage at basketball, but so does a cisgender woman who is also six foot. It’s those small advantages that drive people to play sports based on what they’re good at. It’s the nature of competition and sports. Getting up in arms about bone structure or child socialization is just as nonsensical as barring people based on race, ethnicity, disability, and even class.
This myth is more ludicrous in school settings. It’s difficult to argue against the benefits of school sports: they provide exercise while giving youth crucial team building skills while they socialize in a structured setting. But due to the stigma transgender people automatically get from participating in sports, very few of us do – and even fewer participate in school sports. Even in the most liberal states, transgender students still have to adhere to established protocols, which almost always relate to documented hormone replacement therapy. Out of the thousands of students that participate in school sports each here, only one or two of them identify as transgender. If they’re playing by the rules, it’s hardly fair to ban them based on identity alone.
Lastly, transgender people don’t go to prison to use taxpayer dollars for gender-affirming care. It’s way easier to transition beyond prison, and the dangers transgender people are exposed to in prison are never worth it: compared to cisgender adults, transgender people are roughly 10 times more likely to be assaulted by both fellow prisoners and prison staff. Most transgender people are forcibly detransitioned while incarcerated, so the reality is closer to transgender people asking if they can access or continue medical care while incarcerated.
Looking for more educational guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
Most people have never considered the difference between “gender” and “sexuality” – unless you’re questioning or identifying as LGBTQIA+, there’s little reason for folks to give it a second thought. However, understanding these two concepts is key when discussing many oppressions, like sexism, heterosexism, and cissexism, and helps make you a better ally to transgender folks.
Looking for more educational guides?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
In the simplest sense, gender identity (or just “gender”) is who you ARE or how you view yourself. Everyone has a gender identity, even if it is the same one as they were assigned at birth. You might identify as a boy, a woman, as genderqueer, agender, or nonbinary – but you still identify as something. GLSEN breaks up gender even further into three parts: gender expression, gender attribution, and sex assigned at birth.
Gender expression refers to how you display your gender or lack thereof. It’s a combination of hairstyles, fashion choices, behaviors, and habits that reflect your inner gender identity. Most people choose expressions that match their gender, such as dressing masculinely as a man or femininely as a woman, but expression doesn’t dictate gender. Women can have masculine expressions, men can be feminine, and nonbinary people can be androgynous or have a gendered expression. Expression is also the pronouns you state you use to match your gender and titles like mister, miss, and mx.
Gender attribution is how your gender is perceived by others, for better and worse. Gender very rarely occurs in an isolated bubble, and due to being a social concept, gender is both real and fake: people take aspects of your gender expression and sex to make quick assumptions about your inner gender. Attribution is most annoying when those assumptions are wrong, resulting in misgendering and deadnaming, but it’s one of many natural instincts people have when meeting individuals. When attribution goes well, it has positive benefits – being affirmed as your gender is a spectacular feeling as a transgender person, just like being misgendered is a miserable experience. Attribution is the pronoun and gender that others assume you are, such as a man, woman, nonbinary person, or other identity. Like expression, gender attribution does not dictate your gender identity. Other people assuming you are nonbinary does not make your gender identity nonbinary. However, it does often have an impact on your mental well-being and how you visualize your gender/passing ability.
Sex assigned at birth (SAAB) refers to the label medical professionals gave you upon birth, such as male, female, or intersex. SAAB is a “historical term,” unlike “sex,” which is used as a whole. Sex accounts for your current biology, but most aspects of biological sex are malleable, despite what anti-transgender activists claim. SAAB refers strictly to the sex you were perceived at birth, reflecting a part of your personal history but not necessarily reality. After high school, biology becomes complicated: science well-establishes sex is more than just a male/female binary and biological sex is instead composed of chromosomes, gonads, phenotype, and behavior. Modern science allows three-quarters of biological sex to be changed. SAAB refers ONLY to the state you were at birth and accounts for gender identity since SAAB determines whether you identify as cisgender or transgender. And like gender expression and gender attribution, SAAB does not dictate your gender identity – although all three parts can influence your overall gender.
The most common examples of gender identity are man and woman, although plenty of others exist. Technically, “cisgender” and “transgender” are descriptors of gender identity – everyone is either cisgender or transgender based on whether they identify as the gender assigned to them at birth. Cisgender means “same,” referencing folks who identify as the same gender they were assumed as at birth. Transgender means “different,” referencing those who identify as a gender identity other than the one assigned to them at birth.
Where do nonbinary folks fit in? Nonbinary is an identity associated with anyone who falls outside of the male/female gender binary. Currently, most nonbinary individuals are classified as transgender since they weren’t labeled as nonbinary growing up. Eventually, as more people are raised as nonbinary or without traditional gender, there will be folks who were raised as nonbinary and still identify as such – those people will be both nonbinary and cisgender. There are a few people today who fall within those categories, but it’s relatively rare.
What is Sexual Orientation?
If gender is how you view yourself, sexual orientation is who you’re attracted to. For most folks, it’s pretty straightforward – and like gender identity, everyone has a sexual orientation. Individuals who are attracted to the “opposite” gender as themselves are straight or heterosexual, like a man who is attracted to women. Those who identify as gay or homosexual are attracted to people who are the same gender as themselves. Queer, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and other labels often reflect folks who don’t fit within that strict straight/gay binary – such as people who are attracted to one or more genders, or none at all.
Attraction can be further broken down: most people are familiar with romantic and sexual attraction, but it’s valuable to learn the inner workings of sexuality and attraction to better understand queerness and asexuality.
Romantic attraction happens when you want to be romantic with another person, like feeling the desire to date, kiss, hold hands, etc.
Sexual attraction is the desire you feel to be sexual with another person, like wanting to have any type of sex with someone.
Platonic attraction happens when you feel an emotional magnetism to someone, like feeling the desire to know someone better or become their friend.
Aesthetic attraction comes from appreciating someone’s look or fashion, like when you admire someone’s style but don’t necessarily want to date them.
Sensual attraction is the desire to hug or cuddle someone in a non-sexual tactile way.
Intellectual attraction is an attraction caused by wanting to engage or debate someone in conversation.
It’s perfectly normal to experience multiple types of attraction, and it’s also normal not to experience attraction. Most people experience a number of attractions all the time – many friends feel platonic, aesthetic, and intellectual attraction without romantic or sexual attraction; some folks might feel all forms of attraction when they’re in love with someone.
The key point is that gender identity is YOU, while sexual orientation pertains more to who you’re attracted to. As mentioned before, everyone has both a gender identity and sexual orientation – even if you don’t think about it very often, you still have labels like gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, class, etc. A straight man has a straight sexual orientation and a masculine gender identity, just as an asexual nonbinary person has an ace sexuality and nonbinary gender. Gender and sexuality matter to some folks and not others, just like how other identity labels matter more to some individuals ,like race and class. Gender and sexuality are also pretty fluid – you’re allowed to experiment and explore these identities, so what you find works now may not be what you identify as in ten years, and that’s alright!
Extra Credit: Historical Gender & Sexuality
I think it’s also worth noting that our modern definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation are reversed from what they used to be just 50 years ago. During the post-WWII sexology renaissance, there was a lot of research into gender and sexuality in the United States and Europe. However, this research was heavily dominated by straight white men inspired by pseudoscientists like Sigmund Freud and didn’t account very well into humanistic or people-first approaches. Many of these early researchers supported gender-affirming care, but they still fundamentally believed sex and gender were combined – in their view, LGBTQIA+ people existed due to anomalies and disorders of “regular” functioning.
This resulted in papers that documented folks who were assigned male at birth and identified as women (known as transgender women today) as “transgender/transsexual men,” and folks assigned female at birth and identified as male (known as transgender men now) as “transgender/transsexual women.” The distinction between gender and sex didn’t become widespread in academic settings until feminist scholarship found its roots during the 1970s, so these men used labels based on biological sex. Further, they applied sexuality based on this understanding: an individual assigned male at birth, identified as a woman, and was attracted to men would be classified as a gay/homosexual transgender man since, according to their standards, the individual was attracted to the same sex as themselves. Today, that same individual would be classified as a straight transgender woman. These differences can become confusing very quickly, but they’re important to remember if you delve deeper into transgender history or the history of gender.
Previously, I wrote about the basics of HRT – the process of taking prescribed synthetic testosterone or estrogen to align one’s physical body and sex characteristics with their gender identity. Despite the GOP’s war on transgender people, HRT has been firmly backed by medical science for nearly a century as the best treatment to prescribe. No amount of conversion therapy or repression is as effective nor humane as accessible trans-affirming care – and ‘trans regret‘ and ‘social contagion‘ theories have been repeatedly debunked by scientific research.
DISCLAIMER:This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide professional advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding medical conditions or treatments.
What’s the difference between HRT 1.0 and HRT 2.0?
My previous post explained the basics of hormone replacement therapy, puberty blockers, common myths, and recommended routes to accessing legal HRT via informed consent and written letters.
In today’s political climate, it may not be possible to access HRT through traditional legal routes. In contrast to my previous post, HRT 2.0 provides an overview of alternative routes – but remember the above disclaimer and be mindful of the legal risks involved. When possible, always get HRT prescribed through traditional legal routes. Don’t take risks when they aren’t necessary. For American adults, we are currently still at a point where it is feasible – and safer – to obtain HRT through mainstream doctors. Even when there are no local doctors physically available, telehealth now offers transgender folks the ability to get legal prescriptions online.
“DIY HRT” is the practice of obtaining and administering hormone replacement therapy without a licensed medical provider or prescription. Today, it’s fairly rare within the United States as long as individuals have physical and financial access to a provider, but it was the most common method for transgender folks decades ago when most healthcare professionals were unwilling to prescribe HRT. Beyond the US, DIY is still a common practice in countries where transgender identity is strictly regulated or criminalized.
By nature, DIY HRT communities are difficult to find on the mainstream internet, but they aren’t impossible to find. In addition to the medical disclaimer, DIY HRT communities are not open to minors. You might be able to find basic information, but these communities are already on high alert due to their potentially illegal nature and therefore generally unwilling to have open discussions with individuals under the age of 18. DIY HRT and its legality vary drastically by country – even within the United States, synthetic estrogen and testosterone have different laws applied to them. Throughout most of the world, possession of HRT isn’t a criminal offense, unlike the trade of unprescribed medication. To circumvent this, this article uses the same logic as most DIY communities on the clear web – this article is for purely informational purposes, and I do not endorse DIY HRT. As mentioned above, I actually advise getting your hormones from a licensed provider when possible.
Is DIY HRT Dangerous?
Anecdotally, it’s generally safe. All medicines and procedures carry some inherent risk, and hormone replacement therapy is no different. Traditional HRT carries no substantial medical risk compared to cisgender people, although there are (often discredited) doctors who will attribute unrelated issues to being on HRT.
DIY HRT isn’t much different as long as you know the potential risks and benefits of basic hormone therapy. The largest health risks associated with DIY are reduced by monitoring and appropriately adjusting your hormone levels through regular blood work – a process you’d normally do with a licensed provider, too. Blood tests are not negotiable; most external signs cannot feasibly identify whether you’re on a safe or unsafe dose. Monitoring your levels protects your long-term health.
Where do I learn more about DIY HRT?
For clear web users, there are two sources: r/TransDIY and The DIY HRT Directory. The Directory provides details on medication levels, distributors, and blood work, whereas r/TransDIY offers an open forum for discussions and questions in addition to general guides. The Directory currently does not offer any contact feature, so you should visit r/TransDIY for support.
The most common form of synthetic testosterone is injection-based, usually as testosterone propionate, testosterone cypionate, or testosterone enanthate. Both cypionate and enanthate have long half-lives (which determines the length of time the testosterone will last in your body). Gels are rare, but occasionally possible to find – although it is difficult to source the amount of gel needed for appropriate hormone levels.
For all forms of HRT, you begin on a much lower dose initially and progress to a stable regular dosage based on your blood work. Most medical providers mimic the natural hormone cycle of cisgender men, putting individuals on a low dose before increasing over the first few years, and then slightly lowering to a long-term level.
DOSAGE
Low Dose
Initial Dose
Typical Maximum
Testosterone Cypionate
20 mg per week IM/SQ
50 mg per week IM/SQ
100 mg per week IM/SQ
Testosterone Enanthate
20 mg per week IM/SQ
50 mg per week IM/SQ
100 mg per week IM/SQ
For more info on dosages, mainstream providers have guides available online for informed consent purposes.
Do NOT try to achieve a higher dose than what is needed. In addition to long-term health risks, high hormone doses are subject to the possible ‘spillover effect’ (clinically known as aromatization), where excess HRT will convert to your naturally produced sex hormone (aka estrogen).
Vials of injectable testosterone are often compounded as 200 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, or 300 mg/mL. In common language, in a 200 mg/mL vial, there is 200 mg of testosterone in each milliliter. If the vial contains 10 milliliters of liquid testosterone, there are 2,000 milligrams of total testosterone in that vial.
Due to this, you will have to do math to calculate exactly how much liquid to inject to achieve your target dosage. Medical providers would calculate this for you, but you’ll have to do so when calculating for DIY. The formula used is:(amount you want to inject) ÷ (concentration of the vial) = amount to inject per dose in mL.
EXAMPLE: John has acquired a 200 mg/mL vial of testosterone and wants to have a 50 mg per week dose. (50) ÷ (200) = 0.25 Based on the above formula, John should inject 0.25 mL per injection.
Since injectable testosterone is fairly thick, it requires a thicker needle for proper injection. For intramuscular injections, it is recommended to use needles between 1″ to 1.5″ in length and 23-25g gauge (needle thickness). Subcutaneous injections should use needles between 1/2″ to 5/8″ in length and 25-30g gauge.
Compared to transmasculine DIY, which usually only requires injecting and monitoring testosterone levels, effective transfeminine HRT requires both synthetic estrogen and testosterone blockers.
Additionally, estrogen can be ‘homebrewed’ rather than purchased through a pharmaceutical company unlike testosterone (which cannot be produced at home). Within the DIY community, estrogen is commonly ‘homebrewed.’ Homebrewed estrogen is produced by individuals through raw estradiol ester/bicalutamide/etc powder. Pharmaceutical-grade estrogen is produced by legitimate pharmaceutical companies – these forms of estrogen are widely considered safer, but they are more expensive than homebrewed sources.
The most common form of estrogen is pill-based – they’re the most prescribed by licensed doctors and also the easiest to DIY. Synthetic estrogen does not harm the body the same way testosterone does in pill form, which is why transmasculine folks opt for injection routes. Always use bioidentical estrogens such as estradiol hemihydrate or estradiol valerate. Never use non-bioidentical estrogens for HRT. Estrogen can also be taken as a gel, patch, or injection – pills are cheapest per month, while injections are cheaper annually or long-term.
The most common testosterone blockers (antiandrogens) are pills that must be swallowed, which include spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, and bicalutamide. Spiro is the most famous, but is considered a weak (but much safer) antiandrogen. Cypro and bica are considered strongly effective but must be used with caution due to harsher health risks.
DOSAGE
The following guidance is considered a higher-than-average regimen than what most individuals may use. Adjust accordingly based on blood testing.
REGIME 1
Cyproterone acetate | 6.25-12.5 mg per day
Estradiol | 3 mg twice per day
REGIME 2
Bicalutamide | 50 mg per day
Estradiol | 3 mg twice per day
For DIY cypro, you will need a pill cutter to create the above dosage. If your testosterone levels are not adequately suppressed, increase your estrogen dosage.
Bica may cause blood testosterone levels to INCREASE slightly, so make sure your T is adequately blocked. 50mg is advised as generally adequate for testosterone suppression when combined with estradiol.
For more info on dosages, mainstream providers have guides available online for informed consent purposes.
Do NOT try to achieve a higher dose than what is needed. In addition to long-term health risks, high hormone doses are subject to the possible ‘spillover effect’ (clinically known as aromatization), where excess HRT will convert to your naturally produced sex hormone (aka testosterone).
Sourcing & Supplies
How do you find DIY HRT? Considering its legal status, it can be difficult to find – the following information and links are from major sources like r/TransDIY and the Directory. The Directory has not been updated in a few years, but r/TransDIY continues to be moderated – check its information for the most current verified distributors.
Injection Supplies
It’s fairly easy to get syringes and injection equipment – you don’t need a prescription to access them. Most countries allow you to purchase needles from any pharmacy, although you may need to speak directly with a pharmacist. Online, Amazon is the most popular source for American DIY users.
Amazon states needles are ‘not suitable’ for human use – but this is untrue and put to skirt around American Amazon regulations that prohibit the sale of medical supplies.
Medications
Listed below are the most common and reputable pharmaceutical distributors for DIY HRT. Use extreme caution if using a source that is not listed below or on either r/TransDIY or the Directory. Most in the DIY community purchase legitimate pharmaceutical-grade medication from foreign companies that permit the sale of these drugs internationally. To use these companies, you will have to learn how to buy cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or utilize an international system like Zelle or MoneyGram.
When purchasing HRT internationally, it is best practice to buy small amounts in case it is confiscated by customs. Individuals are rarely prosecuted or arrested for attempting to order international HRT, but your shipment can be seized. By ordering in small amounts, you reduce the amount lost when seized. Domestic purchases are not screened like international shipments, so there is little to no risk of losing your order.
Another route for DIY-ish HRT is stockpiling, which works well alongside informed consent and other methods of obtaining legal HRT. Since hormones are prescribed at an exact dose by providers, there are two ways to stockpile HRT from stockpile-adverse providers (although there is a growing number of providers that understand the volatile political climate transgender Americans are facing and why folks want to stockpile). Both methods described below are slow processes – you’re not going to be able to stockpile overnight through your provider.
By purposely taking less than your prescription in the days leading up to blood testing by your provider, your hormone levels will show up as low. In response, most providers will prescribe an increased dose to stabilize your levels. Once prescribed, individuals return to their former dosage regime and save the excess for future use.
Some individuals purposely take a lower dose regularly than their prescription to save the excess for stockpiling. This method is used when an increased prescription cannot be received but will result in slower transition, similar to the effects of low-dose HRT.
If possible, do not travel with DIY HRT – especially testosterone. Testosterone is strictly regulated compared to estrogen, and unprescribed medication can be charged as possession of a controlled substance if found by airport security. If you MUST travel, clearly label your testosterone in a large clear Ziploc bag and throw in over-the-counter medication like aspirin and allergy meds alongside in the bag. Airport security will be less likely to hound you for a prescription. If you are arrested, do not say anything to the police and contact a lawyer as soon as the opportunity is presented.
Blood Testing
Especially when beginning HRT, blood testing is recommended every three months – although every six months becomes more common later on. For DIY, you should get a blood test after one month on HRT and then every three months. It is advised to find a healthcare facility local to your location for blood testing, although you may have to ask to manually see your results. For accurate results and monitoring purposes, ALWAYS get your estradiol (E2) and total testosterone (T) tested every time. Additional information from blood tests are useful for monitoring potential side effects of HRT, but not as mandatory.
Transfeminine
Testosterone levels should range at 50 ng/dL or lower and estradiol should range at 100 pg/mL or above.
Transmasculine
Testosterone levels should range between 300-1,000 ng/dL and estradiol should range between 10-50 pg/mL. Unlike transfeminine HRT, testosterone hormone therapy naturally lowers naturally produced estrogen more easily.
