TraNZgear's Binder Program

TraNZgear is a charity in New Zealand which runs a youth binder program. Since it's beginning in 2014, this program has helped provide 174 young people throughout NZ who are unable to purchase a binder due to financial circumstances. Now, I know that many of you may be filled with questions, such as what exactly are binders, or why it is so important to provide these to people in New Zealand, and why something like a binder program is needed. To eliminate confusion or lack of understanding I will try to explain and answer these questions with clarity and transparency, so if you chose to donate, you know exactly where the money is going and why it is so important and appreciated that you donated.

TraNZgear is an organisation which is dedicated to helping transgender individuals in New Zealand to be able to have access to affordable transitional supplies. Transgender. Many of you have possibly seen this word thrown around in the midst of a media frenzy over Caitlyn Jenner, or casting of Laverne Cox in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or even nationally where the debate over bathroom rights is a hot topic. However, how many people can say they fully understand what this word means? Allow me to help you out. Transgender describes someone who's gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth doesn't match up. This can cover a large umbrella of identities and people, from those with physical sex characteristics of a male, yet are female in their mind, soul and heart, to those who feel that terms like 'male' or 'female' don't appropriately define who they are, or their identity. But today, we are going to be mostly talking of those who were born with outwardly female appearing sex characteristics, or more specifically breasts, and who identify as something other than female.

As you can tell, this already sounds messy and confusing, and it's not even your identity in question.It is known from Statistics NZ that 1.4% of high school students identify as transgender. For those who have these characteristics, but feel that this does not reflect who they are, it can sometimes leave someone feeling unhappy with their body or outward appearance. That's where these 'binders' come into play. I have used this term several times and I feel it's time to properly explain what they are and why they are an invaluable tool to those who want and need them. A binder is a term for an item of clothing which is like a compression vest, made from 30% spandex and 70% nylon. This compression item pulls breast tissue closer into the body and chest of the person wearing it, to give the appearance of a flattened chest and a more masculine body type. As uncomfortable as this sounds, having excess flesh pushed into your lungs and heart, for many people this is a much more comfortable outcome than not wearing a binder. People who chose to wear a binder quite often suffer from something known in medical terms as Gender Dysphoria, which is the discontent or emotional distress from someone's body presenting different to their gender identity. This can cause severe discomfort in their every day lives, increased feelings of depression and suicide, and an inability to socialize due to a lack of self esteem.Binders can help combat this, as it can take away the reminder of looking down and seeing female breasts. You could say, this is one of the first steps of treatment or intervention for those with Gender Dysphoria or Gender Identity Disorder.

Now, most of you may be thinking, "Well I can see that they are useful, but why should I donate to this cause?" Which is a totally reasonable question. The truth is, while living in New Zealand is amazing, we are often isolated from international connections and things can be expensive in this country because of it. A binder, in the USA costs between $29.99 - $34.99 approximately. Which sounds a bit pricey, but affordable right? Unfortunately for New Zealanders, however, this is not the case. For the same binder, to be delivered to NZ and converted to NZD, the prices goes up to around $75 - $85NZD for one binder. That's where TraNZgear comes in. Thanks to the hard work of those working at TraNZgear they have managed to create business relationships with companies from overseas to reduce the price of these binders to a more affordable price, of around $40 - $52 for a range of binders depending on the currency conversion rates. And all of this work that is done is completely charitable! 100% of your donations go towards orders for more binders for kiwis with full transparency and availability to expenditure reports to see where money is spent.

Unfortunately, you can imagine that for many New Zealanders, a binder of $40 - $52 is still out of budget. For those who can't afford it, the TraNZgear Binder Program steps in to help. Since it was created, it has helped provide new or secondhand binders to those who cannot afford to buy them throughout NZ, to over 151 young people. But unfortunately the donations and funds have been spent for the greater good already, leaving many still on the waiting list to receive a binder. The list is currently sitting at 27, which is why we are currently asking for donations! As I mentioned before, a binder is somewhat regarded as a first step of treatment to those suffering from gender dysphoria regarding their breasts, and like all forms of treatment and healthcare, I think it should be available to everyone, regardless of financial status. Someone's income should not prevent them from receiving appropriate care and help that they need, which is why at TraNZgear we decided to set up the Binder Program. It relies solely on donations and grants and we need your help to continue funding the help and support of young people throughout New Zealand that TraNZgear provide.