Safe Binding Strategies To Beat The Summer Heat

As the sun begins to shine brighter and Pride celebrations approach in Seattle, it's essential for LGBTQIAP2S+ individuals to prioritize safe binding practices, especially in the scorching summer heat. From personal experience and professional insight as a Queer and Trans Therapist who also binds their chest, I'm here to share some crucial tips to ensure a comfortable and safe Pride celebration.

Understanding the Importance of Safe Binding:

For many gender-expansive individuals, chest binding is a crucial step in affirming one’s gender expression. However, improper binding techniques or extended wear, particularly in hot weather, can lead to serious health risks, such as breathing difficulties, skin irritation, and even rib fractures.

Choose Your Fighter: What is the Right Binder?

There are various methods a person can use to flatten their chests. Your chosen method may depend on your chest size, budget, comfort level, and body type. Investing in a high-quality binder designed for chest binding is a significant first step.

Binders can vary in price; full-torso binders are more expensive than half-binders.

In my research, Underworks has been the least costly and reputable company, ranging from $20 to $40. A mid-range $40 - $60 company like GC2B has various skin tone ranges and fun prints. On the pricier side, at $80 to $100, companies like Amor meld affirming care with accessibility, created by an autistic trans artist to be sensory-friendly.

Alternatively, for binding, people can use athletic/kinesiology tape (KT Tape and TransTape work well). Taping offers enhanced comfort in specific clothing or during exercise. Many people find the ability to move and hold chest tissue in a particular position without the constriction or compression of other forms of binding beneficial. 

Beau Dubois from TransTape can be seen here in the video illustrating the step-by-step process for safely binding with a bigger body…

While taping is another safe alternative to traditional binding, it is crucial to remove it properly. Because of its adhesive properties, you should use oil during every removal process. 

When taping, patience and practice are the name of the game because everybody’s chest is different and will require special techniques for the best results.

Seattle is expensive, and not everyone can afford to invest in these materials.

I’d love to shout out Seattle T4T Swap, a quarterly clothing swap by and for the Trans/Nonbinary community, for free clothing and gender-affirmative supplies in the name of accessibility.

Also, Lambert House has lovely free resources for youth. Both currently accept donations if you want to give back to the community!

On a national level, ​​Point of Pride provides free chest binders to any trans person who needs one and cannot afford or obtain one for safe binding.

Binder Hygiene:

Most product manufacturers will give you specific instructions on properly caring for your binder’s material. Keeping your binder clean is important to prevent acne, fungal infections, and other skin conditions. The same tender loving care applies to your skin covered by your binder or tape to prevent oil build-up and irritation.

Take Breaks:

In hot weather, giving your body a break from binding is essential to prevent overheating and discomfort. A person should strive to bind for under 8 hours per day. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to remove your binder and allow your chest to breathe. Use this time to hydrate and cool down, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors. Avoid sleeping in your binder to give your body rest while you rest.

Make the Most of Your Break :

It may sometimes feel impossible to only bind for the recommended 8 hours a day. Whether it is a long work shift or commute or even having roommates/partners, you need to be stealthy with your presentation. Sometimes, the emotional and psychological impacts of not binding sometimes outweigh the physical pain.

Some helpful distractions during breaks include holding an icepack on your forehead and chest to cool down, soothe the skin, and deep breathing.

When we feel overwhelmed, grounding can help us focus on the present moment.

In the spirit of Pride, challenge yourself to look around your environment and name objects that you can see in the order of the colors of the rainbow (i.e. red flower, orange street sign, yellow curb, etc.)

Your safety and well-being should always come first, so don't hesitate to prioritize self-care. You and your body are too important!

Listen to Your Body-ody-ody:

Pay attention to warning signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or discomfort while binding.

These are indications that it's time to remove your binder and take a break.

Hydration is also critical, especially when you're out in the sun. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Carrying a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during Pride festivities is convenient and a win for the planet.

Seek Support:

Don't hesitate to ask for support if you're experiencing discomfort or struggling with safe binding practices. Connect with local Queer and Trans organizations such as Trans Lifeline or healthcare providers who can offer guidance and resources tailored to your needs. Remember, you're not alone, and there's a community ready to support you.

As we celebrate Seattle Pride, let's prioritize safe binding practices to ensure a joyful and comfortable experience for all gender-diverse individuals. We can beat the heat by choosing suitable binders, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and listening to our bodies while affirming our identities proudly. Let's make this season a safe and empowering one!

Safe binding isn't just a summer essential—it's a year-round commitment to self-care and well-being. Happy Pride!

-Written by Lili Lyne, LMFTA