The Pride YMM Binder Swap Program is available to help reduce the barriers for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks in Wood Buffalo to access gender-affirming gear, such as chest binders. Chest binders are specially-designed chest compression garments, used to flatten breast tissue. They are most often used by trans and non-binary people to manage gender dysphoria and/or to feel more comfortable with the way their chest looks and feels. Our goal is to support access to safer chest-binding methods, and provide assistance to anyone experiencing financial barriers in purchasing a new binder. We also have packers, gaffs, and trans tape available at no cost and no questions asked.
Wood Buffalo has no local retailers that sell gender-affirming gear, and we recognize that not all trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the community have the means to purchase a binder online to be shipped here.
We facilitate an easy and convenient way for folks to pass on a binder that they no longer need to someone in the community who can benefit from one. Email our Programs Coordinator at devon@prideymm.ca.
How to Donate Binders:
Pride YMM gratefully accepts the donations of new or gently-used chest binders. We accept all styles of binders, and just request that any used binders are in good condition with no rips, tears, broken clasps or hooks, or missing parts. If possible, please wash the binder prior to donating. Chest binders are most often donated after an individual has had top surgery (mastectomy), or if a binder no longer fits.
We will have drop off bins for binder donations at the following locations:
- Pride YMM office at The Redpoll Centre (1 C.A Knight Way). Open Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.
- CMHA - Wood Buffalo during our monthly Trans Support Group and Supporting Hearts Caregiver Support Group. The first Monday of the month from 6-8pm.
- You can also bring a binder to donate at any of our annual Pride Month Events and to our table at the Pride YMM Festival.
Monetary Donations: If you would like to support our Binder Swap Program with a monetary donation or sponsorship toward the purchase of new binders, you can donate on our website, by cheque via mail, or in person at our offices with cash or cheque. Please contact devon@prideymm.ca if you have any questions or if you would like more information on how to support the Binder Swap Program.
How to Receive a Binder:
Binders are available to anyone in the community who needs one. No one is turned away.
You can email devon@prideymm.ca to set up a time to come to our office at The Redpoll Centre and try on a binder. If you already know your size, please let us know in your email so we can check our inventory to see if we have any available in your size. If you attend the Trans Support Group, we can also arrange to bring a binder there for you to try on.
We will make sure you can move and breathe comfortably in the binder, and provide you with information on how to care for your binder and bind safely. If we do not have a binder in your size, we will take your measurements and contact information so that when one does become available we can get in touch with you.
