Receiving a Binder

What is the Binder Exchange Program?

The chest binder exchange program was created to provide chest binders to individuals that otherwise may not have access to safer chest binding methods– whether due to lack of funds, no access to a credit card to purchase one online, or not being able to purchase from one of the local sellers. It was also created so that people no longer using their old binders could easily pass them on to someone else.

Receiving a Binder

  • Anyone can come in to get a binder, but we ask that the person who is going to be wearing the binder come in to get it so that they can try it on and make sure it fits.
  • If the person knows their size, we check to see if we have a binder in their size, and have them go to a bathroom to try it on. If they don’t know their size, that’s okay! We keep a sewer’s measuring tape on-hand to help measure people and find out their correct size. Once we know their measurement, we check to see if we have their size, and send them to try it on.
  • If we do not have their size on-hand,  we will direct them to the Travelling Tickle Trunk or the QUILTBAG, both of which have binders that can be tried on in-store.
  • Once someone’s tried on a binder, we help make sure they’re able to move and breathe in it, and send them on their way with their new binder, and a guide for binding!

 

 

The Binder Guide

The second part of the binder exchange program is the Safe Binding Guide, written by and for people who bind. The guide gives directions on how to put on several different types of binders: pullovers, hook and eyelet, velcro, and zip up. It gives tips on how to take care of your binder, as well as taking care of your body when binding, unsafe binding practices to avoid. The binder guide is available to anyone, not just people who come in for a binder. If you would like a copy, please see the link above or email the Pride Centre and we are happy to email you a copy.

Safe Exit