Packing is the practice of placing an object into the crotch to resemble the look and feel of a penis. Even some cisgender men pack when they feel the need to compensate for their natural bulge. Packing is commonly done by transmasculine people to reduce gender dysphoria and can be completed with a wide variety of devices.
Q: DO I HAVE TO PACK? A:Nope. Many people don’t pack since it’s a personal preference. Packing is not a requirement for being transgender, and there are lots of reasons transmasculine people might choose not to pack.
Q: WHAT SIZE SHOULD I GET? A: Any size works, but most guys prefer packers based on their height and weight. Your packer’s size will affect how you sit, exercise, walk, and move around. Cisgender men typically average at three to four inches while flaccid, but it can also be helpful to compare length and girth based on nationality.
How do I get started with packing?
Packers use either padding or phallic shapes to imitate the bulge of a natural penis. If you have never packed, it can feel strange walking around and getting used to it.
Most folks become acquainted with packing via the sock or gel tube method since both are free.
Sock Packing
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to sock pack. Grab a couple of mid-length socks, roll one inside the other to create a ball shape. Adjust the shape until you’re happy with it. Stick it in your pants. Simple as that.
If you’re wearing briefs or boxer briefs, congrats – your underwear will act as a natural harness to hold the sock packer throughout the day.
Prefer boxers? Any men’s underwear with a non-buttoned flap can have the packer stuck between the fabric flaps and keep the socks from actually touching your skin and causing irritation.
Gel Packing
Once you’re comfortable with sock packing, the next step is gel packing since it better resembles the feel of a penis compared to cloth. Fill a non-lubricated condom with hair gel and tie it off once it’s at a good shaft length. Use additional condoms to double or triple layer the packer, making it stiffer.*
Fill another condom about a quarter of the way with hair gel. Twist the condom and fold it in on itself to create a second layer. Tie it off – you’ve got your first testicle. Repeat these steps to create a second testicle.
Get a pair of nylon pantyhose cutting off one of the legs. Drop the shaft into the toe of the leg and tie it inside. Drop the two testicles into the next part of the pantyhose, tying it firmly and cutting off any loose hose.
Gel packers are surprisingly strong despite how cheap they are to create. To wear a gel packer, you’ll either need well-fitted briefs, boxer briefs, trucks, a jock strap, or a DIY harness. Compared to sock packers, gel packers are more likely to force you to acquire a male gait since there is physically something between your legs.
Gel and sock packers are the simplest forms of packing, but there are hundreds of designs available. Here are the most common types of packers and what makes them unique.
Soft Packers
Soft packers resemble flaccid penises and are best suited for casual everyday use. These packers are typically created from elastomer or silicone, designed solely for creating a bulge. Soft packers cannot be used for sex or urination.
Ironically, soft packers were first mass-produced on the mainstream market as a gag bachelorette gift before being picked up by transmasculine consumers. Soft packers range between $15 to $50 based on material.
Elastomer packers cost significantly less, but are worse for your health since they often contain chemicals that leach into the body through skin contact.
Silicone packers are the community standard since they are body-safe and last for years. The silicone prevents skin irritation despite daily use.
Some folks don’t like the phallic look that packers imitate. Minimal packers are abstract and aim to solely create a bulge without traditional phallic shapes. Depending on how abstract and artsy you’re going for, these can range from $3 to $30.
STPs include any device that allows the user to urinate while standing up, such as at a urinal. Most STPs are STP packers, resembling the shape and color of cisgender penises for optimal stealth while in use. STP packers are the most basic type of prosthetic packer.
Stand-to-pee packers have a learning curve since they incorporate different bowls and seals. Always practice using your STP at home before trying it in public to avoid urine dripping down your jeans. It’s natural to be frustrated while learning the process, so be patient and follow the packer’s instructions and community input.
STP packers require either well-fitted underwear, packing pouches, or a harness to hold the device. Non-anatomical STP devices, on the other hand, usually aren’t and are instead held in one’s pocket or bag.
Always clean your packer. Even if you only use a basic soft packer, it’ll naturally get gross and sweaty since it’s in your crotch. Dirty packers can cause UTIs, infections, and skin irritation.
These packers are where most individuals get confused since some companies refer to them as pack ‘n plays, 2-in-1, 3-in-1, or even 4-in-1. Multifunctional packers are prosthetic devices that are designed for everyday flaccid packing plus one additional function.
The most common multifunctional packer model is the pack ‘n play, which allows you to have penetrative sex with the same packing device that is usually flaccid for casual packing. These packers accomplish this through rods or a valve inflation system to stimulate an erection. Since these packers allow you to pack and have sex, they’re also considered 2-in-1 devices.
Technically, STP packers are ALSO multifunctional 2-in-1s since the two functions are packing and peeing. Again, multifunctional packers are where most folks get confused, so make sure to always read the label on a packer for what its functions are.
The 3-in-1 packer allows the user to casually pack, have penetrative sex, and urinate while standing up with the same device. 3-in-1s are hollow like regular STP packers, but are able to later become erect through a rod system designed for the model.
A 4-in-1 model refers to a packer that packs, acts as an STP, allows for penetrative sex, and sexually stimulates the user during sex. The 4-in-1 label is a marketing gimmick – most 3-in-1s provide sexual stimulation to the user regardless of whether it’s labeled as a 3 or 4. Like the 3-in-1, the 4-in-1 is hollow for everyday packing and STP use. Some 4-in-1s, like the discontinued Freetom, have ridges in the silicone to provide stimulation, while others, like the Peecock, provide stimulation through the rod system.
Rods, rods, rods. Are there any packers that allow you to pack, pee, and have sex without rods? Not yet, unfortunately. The Bionic was the closest device to solve this conundrum, but the project has been mostly discontinued.If you’re looking for a rod-less packer but don’t need to urinate standing up, the Peecock Inflatable uses the basic idea of the Bionic to incorporate air valves.
Compared to binders, there aren’t as many organizations that offer packer charities. On the other hand, packers can be safely created DIY-style, unlike chest binders.
The Queer Trans Project offers a set number of Build-a-Queer Kits throughout the year based on donations. The kits include a variety of items, like packers and binders, based on individual need.
The Thrive Fund is a general fund operated by Point of Pride for folks who don’t fall under their other scholarships for surgery, binders, HRT, shapewear, or electrolysis.
Albeit not free, transgender groups are a great option to buy pre-owned items. Multifunctional packers are expensive! While buy/sell/trades exist on all social media platforms, make sure you’re using a reputable one like r/ftm.
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.
Affirmation Cards ($15)
In my previous gift guides for transgender men and women, I suggested affirmation journals. These journals allow users to express their feelings in a meaningful, guided format to help digest tough emotions – so if you’re able to find a suitable affirmation journal, they’re still a quality choice.
In contrast, affirmation cards replace the journaling aspect and replace it with mantras. Affirmation methods like mantras have been proven to be effective in focusing the mind and shifting individuals away from negative thoughts. These are a great DIY gift, so spend time writing affirmation statements like…
“I am worthy of receiving good things and accomplishing my goals in life.”
“I am allowed to feel upset, angry, and sad sometimes – it’s part of being human.”
“I deserve to be loved and to love others.”
“I am allowed to take up space, to have desires, and to have a voice.”
“I have done difficult things in the past, and I can do them again.”
Unfortunately, most pride merchandise is ugly – by nature, pride flags use sharp colors that make obnoxious shirts or the infamous rainbow suit. Pride apparel is also difficult to wear in public since it can feel dangerous to be openly queer in most spaces.
Pride decor offers a happy medium between these extremes since these items are kept within the comfort of one’s home. Fleece and throw blankets are comforting, safe, and always useful. We’re always queer – including at home, so help bring a little bit more pride into their life.
Unsure what pin to get them? Pronoun enamel pins are the perfect place to start, especially if they experience misgendering regularly. Or just go for pins based on their favorite interests!
Self-Care Kit ($35)
If they’ve been stressed or overwhelmed lately, self-care kits are practical and thoughtful gifts to encourage them to spend time on themselves. Self-care kits are customizable, so they offer greater freedom in choosing what items will suit your loved one best. Most kits include comfort snacks, mindfulness exercises, and candles, but anything can be self-care!
Skincare items are a great addition to transgender self-care kits. While not all transgender individuals undergo medical transition, hormone replacement therapy can be taxing on the skin during its early stages. When gifted alongside their favorite snacks, these items can make for a wonderful self-care day.
Transgender Guide & Workbook ($25)
There are thousands of self-help books available online, but a decent workbook can provide structured guidance regarding the medical, social, and legal aspects of transition. Not all transgender people want to transition, so make sure they’re interested in some aspects of the process before giving them a workbook.
While there is tons of information online, it can be exhausting to search through to find mediocre answers. Transgender-centered guides aim to answer questions they wouldn’t think to search Google about HRT, surgery, identity documents, legal rights, and more. Accepting Gender is a dense workbook created by nonbinary counselor Alex Stitt and grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy to guide readers in understanding their gender identity beyond the traditional male-female binary. Alternatively, Theo Lorenz’s Trans Self-Care Workbook is a combination coloring book and journal that uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness. If they’re seeking medical or legal-based advice, check out Trans Bodies, Trans Selves instead.
Transgender Memoir ($20)
Although transgender identities have become more visible within the last decade, we’re still vastly underrepresented in the media. A good memoir connects its reader with the lived experiences of the writer, exploring their life’s challenges while offering inspiring advice and telling a captivating story.
Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer was the most banned book in 2021, and it’s still frequently challenged by US public schools due to its content. Banned books are always important to read, and Gender Queer is a cathartic (albeit controversial) graphic novel.
Nonbinary: Memoirs of Gender and Identity is an anthology edited by Micah Rajunov and A. Scott Duane, covering the stories of over 30 writers to describe the true diversity of nonbinary experiences. There isn’t one way to be nonbinary, and this collection holds a variety of experiences that will connect.
Travis Alabanza published None of the Above: Reflections on Life Beyond the Binary in 2022. The limited amount of nonbinary identities currently represented by media currently still focuses on white perspectives to appeal to mainstream audiences. None of the Above tells the real experiences of a Black writer navigating an unkind world, needing a bit more intersectionality.
Are they social and enjoy hanging out with friends? Indie board games have seen a rise in popularity over the past decade and offer a fun way to spend quality time beyond classics like Monopoly and Scrabble.
Consider their personality and preferences. If they enjoy structured gameplay, go with a game like Gayopoly – it’s a LGBTQIA+ take on the classic game that is fairly easy to understand without reading hundreds of rules. On the other hand, go with a card-based game like Radical Queer Witches, Queeriosity, or Scurvy Buggers if they’re a social butterfly. At the end of the day, you want to make sure you get a game they’ll actually want to play with you.
Hobby Starter Kit ($25)
It’s always fun when starting a new hobby, even if you don’t stick with it. Sure, you could try to push them to continue their previous hobbies – but it’s just as easy to be the devil on their shoulder and inspire them into a new hyperinterest.
Hobby starter kits are inexpensive and save them the trouble of getting too deep into an interest before determining whether it’s for them. Here are a couple of guides filled with kit suggestions.
Corporations dominate the vast majority of the consumer market (gotta love capitalism), so it’s hard to find someone who isn’t interested in supporting small businesses. Look up to find small queer-owned businesses near you and buy a gift card to invite them to make an interesting purchase.
Maybe they’re not into physical gifts, and none of the above options stuck out. For a person who’s got it all, you can donate to a cause in their name – just make sure they’re keen on the idea.There are hundreds of nonprofits out there, so pick a charity best tailored to them. 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.
The holiday season thrives in the spirit of consumerism, so it can be infuriating to find a quality gift with a surplus of options available. December can be especially difficult for transgender individuals due to the high chance that our gender identities are “divisive” and a reason to be cast out from our biological families. Here are ten holiday gift recommendations for the transgender women in your life.
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.
Makeup 101 ($10 – $75)
Transition is expensive. Nearly every aspect is costly, although this reality comes as a surprise to many cisgender people. Makeup is no exception.
There are multiple routes you could take. The easiest (albeit least personal) option would be to purchase a gift card for a local store. If you know her shade and preferences, you can take the initiative to buy a palette or set. Or, if you’re makeup-savvy, make the gift an experience by going to the store together.
Learning to do makeup properly with the latest fashion trends can be difficult and overwhelming, especially for folks who don’t know anything about makeup. To fill this common gap that many transgender women experience, there are numerous courses available to teach the fundamentals. Both Ulta and Sephora offer individualized lessons at their stores.
Necklaces adorned with names or initials are common gifts for all women, including your transgender loved one. There is something magical about personalized jewelry; it affirms our fundamental identities and makes the bold statement, “I see you as you, and I accept you.”
The most accessible place to order personalized jewelry is Etsy, which also allows you to support a small business. Just make sure to read user reviews before placing an order.
Some transgender women are content or even prideful of their natural speaking range. Other transgender women aren’t greatly bothered if they managed to avoid testosterone-based puberty. But there are just as many other women who are uncomfortable or dysphoric about their voices since it outs them as transgender – which presents an additional safety risk that prevents going stealth.
If she falls into the latter range, you could gift the tuition for voice training. If the price tag is too steep but you know her voice bothers her, you could also create a good gift by spending time gathering relevant YouTube videos.
Journaling can be for anyone, and it’s a great tool to deal with stress and self-esteem issues. By purchasing her an affirmation journal, you’re providing her with a new coping skill to affirm her identity as a woman.
Guide her into reframing negative thoughts into optimistic ones, and dig into core beliefs holding her back. Affirmation journals come in a wide range of styles and themes – get creative and buy one based on her personal interests.
Fiction or Nonfiction Read ($30)
Is she a bookworm? Compared to the general population, transgender people receive far less positive visibility in the media. Despite this reality, seeing ourselves represented can be an incredibly beautiful and heartwarming experience.
For fiction fans, Nevada by Imogen Binnie follows Maria Griffiths’ road trip from NYC to the West Coast. Like most books written by transgender writers, Nevada has a small following compared to mainstream bestsellers – but the novel is well-received amongst LGBTQIA+ critics due to its impact on the transgender fiction scene when it was originally published in 2013.
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is a solid nonfiction recommendation, which was edited and published by Laura Erickson-Schroth in 2014. Technically, Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is for all gender identities – but it’s an incredibly undervalued piece of literature. Based on the 1973 book Our Bodies, Ourselves (written by the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective to highlight censored topics like birth control, sexuality, abortion, and menopause), it holds a wealth of information related to transgender health.
Similar to the suggestions above, transgender people don’t frequently see themselves represented well. Memoirs are a special subcategory of nonfiction that connects us with the experiences of other transgender individuals who have gone through similar struggles.
If you’re only going to read one transgender memoir ever, make it Whipping Girl. Julia Serano’s book is a wonderful blend of personal storytelling and critical theory that shook late third-wave feminist academia. The book explores the many ways transgender women are objectified, erased, excluded, and mystified both in general culture and within feminist circles.
Jennifer Finney Boylan is a prolific writer with a dense bibliography. She transitioned at age 42 after having two children with her wife, Deirdre, and many of her memoirs tell her unique experience as a transgender parent. She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders and Stuck in the Middle With You: A Memoir of Parenting in Three Genders are Boylan’s two most well-known works to start with.
In my gift guide for transgender men, I mentioned Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews. Rethinking Normal is its companion memoir, written by Katie Hill – Arin’s girlfriend, who wrote her own memoir about being a transgender teenage girl.
Sometimes, the best presents can’t be wrapped neatly under a tree. The gift of making memories can be just as good as anything you can put a bow on.
If she’s open to the idea, book a spa day. However, I will caveat that you need to ensure the spa is transgender-friendly to ease her concerns. There is a history of issues regarding transgender people and spas that have barred us from basic services, since all occupations are capable of bias. There isn’t much more gender-affirming than lavishly getting a facial or manicure – but it might be a good idea to book the day for two and tag along to ease her anxieties.
Of course, remember that she is an individual. If she’s into music, look up concerts in your closest city. If she likes art or history, plan some museums. Become a personalized tour guide for cool shops, interesting sites, drag shows, and nightlife.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Kit ($25)
Organizer kits are helpful devices to keep her on top of her medication regimen, which can be beneficial if she’s forgetful or travels frequently. Unlike transgender men, most transgender women use a pill-based HRT regimen, although that doesn’t mean an HRT organizer is out of the question.
Get a fun pill organizer and help make the daily labor of pills more pleasant! Or, if you know she takes HRT via injection, get a sturdy case to help protect her medication.
Digital Artwork Commission ($)
By commissioning a digital artist, you’re supporting a small creator and giving her a deeply personal gift. Digital art is a unique way to affirm her identity – it allows her to envision herself the way she wants to be seen, even if that’s not the way she currently can present herself to the world.
Maybe she’s not into physical gifts, and none of the above options stuck out. For a woman who’s got it all, you can donate to a cause in her name – just make sure she’s keen on the idea.
There are hundreds of nonprofits out there, so pick a charity best tailored to her. 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.
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.
Wait, what does transgender even mean? Let’s break it down.
In the simplest terms, transgender is a label referencing any individual who identifies as a gender identity that is different from the one assigned to them at birth. This is in contrast to the label cisgender, which is given to individuals who identify as the same gender identity as the one they were born with.
“Transgender (adjective): of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person was identified as having at birth. Especially of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity is opposite to the sex the person was identified as having at birth.” – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Definitions Matter. Transgender describes anyone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth, while cisgender refers to people whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex.
Transgender People Have Always Existed. Historical evidence shows gender diversity across cultures long before modern Western terminology.
Evolution of Language. Use of the term transvestite began in 1910, but use of transgender wouldn’t be widespread until the 1990s.
Actually, nonbinary is also an umbrella term – but to keep things simple, it is a third gender that some people identify with rather than traditional gender identities like male and female.
Remember the definition for both terms. A nonbinary person CAN be transgender if they are assigned a gender identity like male or female at birth. On the other hand, a nonbinary person can also be cisgender if they are assigned and raised nonbinary. If that nonbinary person identifies as the gender identity they were assigned, they are cisgender.
A growing number of children are being raised without strict gender roles, which means they could end up as nonbinary and cisgender. In other parts of the world, this has happened for centuries, where third-gender identities have been allowed to flourish.
Before We Were Trans: Transgender Labels in the Pre-Modern Age
With no other language available, we were pansies and dykes when we failed to conform in Christian-based societies that dominated Europe and global colonization. In society’s eyes, there was no reason to care about the nuanced differences between cisgender gay men and lesbians versus transgender people.
Despite this, there are still instances of those select occurrences when society did distinguish us. In the case of Thomas(ine) Hall, a genderfluid English colonist that would be described as intersex today, Governor John Pott determined Hall had a sex and gender of “dual nature.” Other figures, like Chevalière d’Éon, were simply referred to without any labels separating them based on their sex assigned at birth.
Cercle Hermaphroditos was formed in 1895, becoming the first known advocacy organization centered on trans-related identities. Its members described themselves as “instinctive female impersonators,” as well as androgynes, queens, fairies, and Uranians. All of these terms were commonplace in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but did not distinguish members of Cercle Hermaphroditos as different from effeminate but cisgender men.
The Golden Years of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld
Magnus Hirschfeld was an outspoken scholar during the Weimar Republic, Germany’s brief golden years that brought immense social freedoms to a repressed public. He was one of the most influential sexologists to ever exist, and his advocacy of LGBTQIA+ rights earned him the ire of the Nazi Party, which would exile Hirschfeld to France.
Despite the time, Hirschfeld believed humans possessed a spectrum of traits associated with masculinity and femininity. Instead, he argued that a small number of remarkable people were “sexual intermediaries” who transcended the binary identities assigned to them at birth. He considered Socrates, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare fell under this label, who are all figures understood now to be LGBTQIA+.
Continuing this work, Hirschfeld published a nearly 1,000-page study titled “Die Transvestiten: Eine Untersuchung über den Erotischen Verkleidungstrieb” in 1910. This is the first use of the term “transvestite,” and his book is still considered the most comprehensive treatise regarding transvestism. Based on the flawed understanding of sexology then, Magnus Hirschfeld grouped gender-nonconforming individuals we would describe as transgender today as the same as those who cross-dress due to erotic arousal.
Transvestite comes from the Latin roots “trans” and “vestire.” It literally means “to dress across” to reference cross-dressing. Today, transvestite overwhelmingly refers to individuals who cross-dress for sexual pleasure.
Hirschfeld gave a lecture on March 16, 1923, at the University of Berlin to discuss his understanding of sexual intermediates. Now transcribed as “Die Intersexuelle Konstitution,” Hirschfeld coined the term transsexualismus from the Latin roots of trans (across or beyond) and sexus (biological sex). In the same lecture, Hirschfeld also coined the distinction between transsexuality and intersexuality.
Transsexualismus would not be introduced into English until 1949, translated as the term transsexual. The linguistic change from previous terms like transvestite to this new one was an important one; it signified that individuals who truly identified as another gender identity were different from individuals who cross-dressed for sexual pleasure.
This separated understanding molded the trajectory of research related to gender identity, leading scholars to eventually deduce that transsexual identity was not a sex-based mental illness like pedophilia.
“If we follow intersexuality from homosexuality via gynandromorphic physicality and psychic transsexualism in both directions, we arrive in an incomplete constitutional series on the one hand at the preliminary stages of hermaphroditism, and on the other at the metatropic emotional attitude towards the opposite sex, aggression inversion.” – Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, 1923. “Die Intersexuelle Konstitution”
Jorgensen is considered the first person widely known in the US for undergoing the operation. Her story became front-page news, making Christine an instant celebrity and novelty to the American public. At the time, she identified with the most available language of the period and described herself to numerous audiences as transsexual – although she would later prefer the term transgender upon its eventual popularization.
Following Jorgensen, a number of other transgender women received media attention, such as Delisa Newton, Charlotte Frances McLeod, Tamara Rees, and Marta Olmos Ramiro. However, none of these women were given positive spotlights since Christine was the “good transsexual” most appealing to American audiences.
The Benjamin scale placed gender-nonconforming people into one of the following categories:
Pseudo Transvestite
Fetishistic Transvestite
True Transvestite
Nonsurgical Low-Intensity Transsexual
Moderate-Intensity True Transsexual
High-Intensity True Transsexual
What does it take to be a queen?
The 1960s brought a large number of terms to identify gender-nonconformativity – but these terms weren’t necessarily common. Terms like transsexual were considered medical and were not common labels that everyday individuals self-described as.
There is still contention on whether major figures in LGBTQIA+ history like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera would be classified as transgender. Unlike earlier predecessors, Johnson and Rivera technically existed during a time period when terms like transsexual existed during the Stonewall Riots and the creation of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries.
Even though it is widely known that Marsha used “she/her” pronouns and a feminine name in daily life, she did not identify as transsexual – she identified as a transvestite and drag queen.
Even though it was a dangerous time to cross-dress, it was infinitely safer and more acceptable to be considered a cross-dressing transvestite or drag performer than to be authentically trans due to the legislative and societal landscape.
Most often, it was white individuals of the middle and upper classes who could identify as transsexual. People like Christine Jorgensen were able to afford the backlash that the medical and legal transition would cost.
For the rest of the transgender community, outward identity came at the cost of family and job opportunities. For working individuals, aligning with drag was the most feasible route to financial survival alongside sex work.
To be Transgenderal
For approximately half of her life, Virginia Prince identified as a heterosexual cross-dresser. This includes nearly the entire timeline of when Prince published “Transvestia,” a magazine aimed at trans-related individuals like Prince from 1960 to 1980.
Like Oliven, Prince believed transgender identity had nothing to do with one’s sexual orientation. However, unlike Oliven, Prince asserted a different definition much more similar to ours today. According to Virginia, transgenderists were individuals who lived full-time as a chosen gender identity different from the one they were assigned at birth, but did not undergo genital surgery.
Ari Kane, another notable figure in the cross-dressing community, began identifying herself as transgenderist in 1976. It was through Kane’s close relationships with transvestites that she came to found Fantasia Fair, although the event was originally aimed towards heterosexual cross-dressers before its audience shifted towards transgender individuals. Like Prince, Kane helped popularize the term transgender amongst the subcultures she frequented.
The general mission of TV.TS was to establish awareness amongst community members regarding legal and medical rights. By the end of the conference, TV.TS was most known for cementing the fundamental differences between transgender, transsexual, and transvestite communities. As the transvestite community drifted away from LGBTQIA+ identities and towards kink circles, transgender and transsexual identities became more uniform over the next decade.
Trans: A New Umbrella
By the 1990s, transgender began to become the dominant identity label as the distinction between transgender and transsexual faded. Transgender also functioned as an umbrella term, covering many small identities like transmasculine, transfeminine, nonbinary, genderqueer, demigender, bigender, and others.
There are still individuals who identify as transsexual today. All transsexual people are transgender, but not all transgender people are transsexual.
Transsexual individuals seek medical interventions as part of their transition or gender affirmation journey. This can include any range of procedures, such as hormone replacement therapy or surgeries.
Transgender individuals refer to anyone who identifies as a gender different than the one assigned to them at birth. Compared to transsexual people, transgender individuals do not inherently want medical transition.
Since the 1990s, the transgender label hasn’t significantly changed. Regardless, language is fluid and constantly evolving – so remember that today’s definitions are not inherently tomorrow’s answers.
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.
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.
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.
