Texts About Chest Binding and Gender Dysphoria

Rain Dove shared this wonderful text message conversation with an angry parent dealing with their child wanting to wear a chest binder. A chest binder is worn to bind and flatten the breast tissue to minimize its outward appearance. People might choose to wear them for many reasons, such as gender dysphoria, anxiety, discomfort or pain with their body, or social discomfort. As you will see by reading this, Rain’s philosophy is to educate, not hate. Here’s what they had to say:

“Parents I promise that a professional binder is a safer option for your teen than alternatives they might be using. Getting them one as a gift can be life saving. A great brand and resource is @gc2b they even recently gave me a whole box to donate when in SA. Amazing conscientious and involved company.

Binding ones chest can be a dangerous thing- especially when using alternative options like I used to do. Ace bandage and duct tape lead to skin tearing, fractured ribs and I even passed out once after taking off the binding from the oxygen rushing into my system again. I have models I’ve worked with who will testify times in which they saw my body distorted after inappropriate binding practices.

People bind for many reasons. It’s not always identity or dysphoria related. Especially people with larger breasts have expressed binding has been lifesaving in functional terms. Binding CAN be lifesaving and ease much anxiety. I must note that it alone won’t make someone feel complete in their existence.

NOTE: Sammy’s parent gave me permission to post this convo! Always important to make sure You have permission! The photo is not their real face.”

Here is the text conversation: