"In the early 1980s, Jamison Green needed to bind his chest so that he would be less likely to be perceived as female when he walked down the street or went into the men's restroom at work. He first tried ACE bandages, but those didn't work. The clips would sometimes come off in the middle of meetings, and the fabric was just too loose. Ultimately, he made do with girdles he bought through the Sears catalog."
"Modern binders, typically made of nylon and spandex, are easier on the body for long-term wear and frequent use. Safe binding is key, since it's common for some people to bind every day of the week, or all day at work."
"But now, the federal government is going after companies that sell chest binders to transgender people. By targeting manufacturers of the best binders on the market, the government could put Americans' health at risk by limiting safe options and forcing them to turn to DIY binding."
Chest binding has evolved significantly since the early 1980s when transgender people used improvised solutions like ACE bandages and cut girdles. Modern binders made from nylon and spandex are safer for frequent daily wear. However, the FDA is now taking action against binder manufacturers and retailers, citing health risks including musculoskeletal pain, skin irritation, and breathing problems associated with long-term binding. While these side effects are documented in medical studies, transgender communities are well aware of binding's discomforts and have developed safety practices like taking breaks, avoiding sleep binding, and limiting gym use. The government's regulatory action risks limiting access to safer commercial options and pushing people toward potentially more dangerous DIY binding methods.
Read at Advocate.com
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