Free Chest Binders
Diversity Center of Okla., provides free binders (specially-designed chest compression garments) to any transgender/gender diverse person who needs and cannot afford or safely obtain one.
Requirements
You identify as Gender Diverse/Transgender/Two-Spirit (FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, gender-conforming, and every other non-cis identifying within the trans umbrella)
You cannot afford to purchase a binder, or you cannot safely obtain a binder.
We accept all requests for support. Once you complete your application your request will be added to our waitlist. Shipping will “may be” provided to those who qualify based on funding and program.
Self-Assessment
This program is intended to help trans folx who otherwise can not afford or access a binder. We ask that you consider your access before applying.
Are you able to pay for a binder? (If yes, we recommend our sponsor and partner gc2b a manufacturer of high-quality, affordably priced chest binders,)
How It Works
Diversity Center of Okla., provides free binders (specially-designed chest compression garments) to any transgender/gender diverse person who needs and cannot afford or safely obtain one.
Requirements
You identify as Gender Diverse/Transgender/Two-Spirit (FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, gender-conforming, and every other non-cis identifying within the trans umbrella)
You cannot afford to purchase a binder, or you cannot safely obtain a binder.
We accept all requests for support. Once you complete your application your request will be added to our waitlist. Shipping will “may be” provided to those who qualify based on funding and program.
Self-Assessment
This program is intended to help trans folx who otherwise can not afford or access a binder. We ask that you consider your access before applying.
Are you able to pay for a binder? (If yes, we recommend our sponsor and partner gc2b a manufacturer of high-quality, affordably priced chest binders,)
How It Works
- Carefully read this page, especially our Frequently Asked Questions
- Measured yourself using the guide on this page
- Submit your request via the form at the bottom of this page. Once you submit, you’ll automatically be added to our waiting list.
- Wait unit your binder is ready, (The waiting list may be long, we will work to meet the demand of our community. We appreciate your patience!)
- You will receive an email from “diversitycenterofoklahoma.org” account when your binder is ready to be pickup. At that time, staff will make arrangements to have you come into our agency or meet another agency to pick up your binder.
If you would like to assist, the Diversity Center by covering the expense related to providing these binders, donations are appreciated. At this time we have no funding for shipping binders.
“What kind of binder will I receive?”
95% of the binders we receive are brand new, white full-length gc2b binders. Occasionally, our binders may be sourced from Underworks or other manufacturers, but we ensure all binders are sorted against bc2b’s sizing chart. We guarantee you’ll receive a binder in the size you need, but we can’t always guarantee the style or color at this time.
"How do I wash or care for my garment?"
We recommend you hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water to wash your binder. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.
"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?"
We are not, nor do we claim to be, healthcare providers or medical experts in any capacity. We also recognize that there is appallingly little research done that recognizes our community and that for many of our applicants, there are significant barriers to accessing knowledgeable and affirming care. As much as we empathize with the challenges faced by so many in our community, we are unable to make any recommendations whatsoever for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as that would be outside the scope of our ability to support. We simply do not have the resources to provide any recommendations specific to your unique situation and we firmly believe that your health is too important to entrust to someone who does not have the knowledge and experience required to support you. If possible, we encourage you to speak directly with your healthcare provider.
"Is there an age requirement?"
No. Anyone of any age may submit a request. However, in order to comply with U.S. state and federal regulations, if you are 13 years of age or younger, we can only accept your request with the consent of your parent or legal guardian. Please note that you have consent in the written responses of your application.
Wait Time
We are currently processing requests for both 39th Street OKC Pride & OKC Pride Alliance Events for June 2022. Please note in the comment section if you are interested in picking up your binder at either of these Pride Events. Due to large response we will maintain a request list for binders, first come first serve with priority given to underserved communities (persons of color, victims of intimate partner violence/sexual assault, veterans & folx from rural communities).
Binding Safely
Binding can help reduce dysphoria and make you feel more comfortable with your body. Explore our full guide for how to bind your chest safely, tips. To make binding more comfortable, and more. The most important thing is that you do it safely.
Read the Full Guide (Let’s Go) --- Link Safety Suggestions – gc2b (zendesk.com)
ALWAYS
Safety First
...use only specially-designed chest binder or compression garment specifically intended for flattening your chest safely.
...bind for less than 8 hours a day. The more breaks and time you can go without wearing your binder, the better!
...take it off before you sleep or before you exercise to give your body a rest. Sports bras are designed to move with you as you workout, while a binder can make both movement and breathing difficult.
...seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any binding questions you may have.
Never
...use duct tape or Ace bandages as a replacement for a chest binder. Binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can really hurt you.
...wear a binder that’s too small. Tightness ≠ better binding. A binder should create a masculine/neutral torso, not crush your ribcage or make it hard to breathe.
...wear a binder if you feel pain. Binding may be a little uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Try out a larger compression shirt, find binding alternatives that work for you, or try different ways to hide your chest without binding. Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong.
Tips to Make Binding More Comfortable
“Link to Email Diversity Center with Questions about Binding”
How to our Support Binder Program
Diversity Center of Oklahoma is generously supplied with donated binders from gc2b.co to which we supply to our community. Consider donating to the Diversity Center of Okla., to assist with the cost associated with shipping the binders to the center from gc2b.co. In addition, the center incurs costs associated with shipping binders to participates who are unable to pick up binders in person.
95% of the binders we receive are brand new, white full-length gc2b binders. Occasionally, our binders may be sourced from Underworks or other manufacturers, but we ensure all binders are sorted against bc2b’s sizing chart. We guarantee you’ll receive a binder in the size you need, but we can’t always guarantee the style or color at this time.
"How do I wash or care for my garment?"
We recommend you hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water to wash your binder. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.
"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?"
We are not, nor do we claim to be, healthcare providers or medical experts in any capacity. We also recognize that there is appallingly little research done that recognizes our community and that for many of our applicants, there are significant barriers to accessing knowledgeable and affirming care. As much as we empathize with the challenges faced by so many in our community, we are unable to make any recommendations whatsoever for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as that would be outside the scope of our ability to support. We simply do not have the resources to provide any recommendations specific to your unique situation and we firmly believe that your health is too important to entrust to someone who does not have the knowledge and experience required to support you. If possible, we encourage you to speak directly with your healthcare provider.
"Is there an age requirement?"
No. Anyone of any age may submit a request. However, in order to comply with U.S. state and federal regulations, if you are 13 years of age or younger, we can only accept your request with the consent of your parent or legal guardian. Please note that you have consent in the written responses of your application.
Wait Time
We are currently processing requests for both 39th Street OKC Pride & OKC Pride Alliance Events for June 2022. Please note in the comment section if you are interested in picking up your binder at either of these Pride Events. Due to large response we will maintain a request list for binders, first come first serve with priority given to underserved communities (persons of color, victims of intimate partner violence/sexual assault, veterans & folx from rural communities).
Binding Safely
Binding can help reduce dysphoria and make you feel more comfortable with your body. Explore our full guide for how to bind your chest safely, tips. To make binding more comfortable, and more. The most important thing is that you do it safely.
Read the Full Guide (Let’s Go) --- Link Safety Suggestions – gc2b (zendesk.com)
ALWAYS
Safety First
...use only specially-designed chest binder or compression garment specifically intended for flattening your chest safely.
...bind for less than 8 hours a day. The more breaks and time you can go without wearing your binder, the better!
...take it off before you sleep or before you exercise to give your body a rest. Sports bras are designed to move with you as you workout, while a binder can make both movement and breathing difficult.
...seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any binding questions you may have.
Never
...use duct tape or Ace bandages as a replacement for a chest binder. Binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can really hurt you.
...wear a binder that’s too small. Tightness ≠ better binding. A binder should create a masculine/neutral torso, not crush your ribcage or make it hard to breathe.
...wear a binder if you feel pain. Binding may be a little uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Try out a larger compression shirt, find binding alternatives that work for you, or try different ways to hide your chest without binding. Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong.
Tips to Make Binding More Comfortable
- Depending on your style of binder (especially full-length styles), it might be easier to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it on like a regular t-shirt. Stick your feet in between the shoulder straps and pull it up your body to your chest, then stick your arms through the holes.
- To make binding more comfortable, some people wear a light shirt underneath their binder or apply baby powder or corn starch to their skin, to stop the binder from holding in sweat.
- If your skin becomes irritated, take care of it just as you would any other wound: keep your skin clean by washing with anti-bacterial soap. (Consider taking a break from wearing your binder as well to help things heal faster.)
- Keep cool and stay hydrated while binding, especially during summer months or in warmer climates. Wear fabrics over your binder that designed to stay cool, like cotton or linen. Related reading: The 6 Best Tips for Binding in the Summer
- For those of us with mobility issues, there are styles of binders with zippers, velcro, or clasps on the front that may be easier to maneuver over single-piece options you have to step into or pull over your head. For those of us who prefer or need custom sizing, work with a made-to-measure retailer. Shop around or read reviews online to find a style that works best for your needs. Related reading: Binding Safely for Your Body: Tips for All Body Types and Sizes
- We recommend you hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning.
- If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes. Related reading: 5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Chest Binder
“Link to Email Diversity Center with Questions about Binding”
How to our Support Binder Program
Diversity Center of Oklahoma is generously supplied with donated binders from gc2b.co to which we supply to our community. Consider donating to the Diversity Center of Okla., to assist with the cost associated with shipping the binders to the center from gc2b.co. In addition, the center incurs costs associated with shipping binders to participates who are unable to pick up binders in person.
- gc2b.co is proudly trans-owned and operated and has great binders for all body shapes and sizes from XXS–5XL. Their products are high-quality and affordable, and come in different styles and colors.