The Binder
A product designed for and by the queer community.
How does it work?
For Them makes space for authentic expression and radical self-development by co-creating products and services that the queer community deserves. One of their offerings is The Binder, a safe and comfortable binder for the chest made for the transgender and non-binary community. For Them makes space for authentic expression and radical self-development by co-creating products and services that the queer community deserves. One of their offerings is The Binder, a safe and comfortable binder for the chest made for the transgender and non-binary community.
Why is it needed?
A 2016 study by The Binding Health Project found, that 97.2% of wearers of binders reported at least one negative outcome – such as back pain, chest pain, poor posture, shoulder pain, shortness of breath and tissue changes. According to Dezeen, Chloe Freeman and Rada Shadick (the designers behind The Binder) designed their binder in close consultation with the queer community. They did this in particular through the chat platform Discord, where For Them now has close to 4,000 members.
How does it improve life?
The mission of For Them is clear: The pursuit of wellness should reflect the diversity that blossoms in our ever-evolving world. They believe that there is nothing more powerful or more beautiful than human-beings existing as their most expansive and authentic selves. This evolution should be nurtured, marveled and celebrated. The Binder launched on their website in April and For Them will continue to develop products. Through their Discord, they've received suggestions for inclusive beachwear, gender-affirming bottoms and period health products.