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Before We Were Trans is "A groundbreaking  global history of gender nonconformity. Today’s narratives about trans people tend to feature individuals with stable gender identities that fit neatly into the categories of male or female. Those stories, while important, fail to account for the complex realities of many trans people’s lives. Before We Were Trans   illuminates the stories of people across the globe, from antiquity to the present, whose experiences of gender have defied binary categories. Blending historical analysis with sharp cultural criticism, trans historian and activist Kit Heyam offers a new, radically inclusive  trans history, chronicling expressions of trans experience that are often overlooked, like gender-nonconforming fashion and wartime stage performance. Before We Were Trans transports us from Renaissance Venice to seventeenth-century Angola, from Edo Japan to early America, and looks to the past to uncover new horizons for possible trans futures." Unable to view the PDF file? Download the content below: This book is courtesy of the TransReads. All rights belong to the Kit Heyam and publishers. No copyright infringement is intended. The Trans Guy Archive shares this resource on our website for the purposes of education, research, and historical empowerment. Language:  English Resource type:  Book Format:  PDF Date published:  2021 Uploaded to TGA:  May 28th, 2025 Last updated:  April 5th, 2026

" In this ground-breaking study, Aaron Devor provides a compassionate, intimate, and incisive look at the life experiences of forty-five trans men. Emerging into 21st-century political and social conversations, questions persist. Who are they? How do they come to know themselves as men? What do they do about it? How do their families respond? Who are their lovers? What does it mean for everyone else? To answer these and other questions, Devor spent years compiling in-depth interviews and researching the lives of transsexual and transgender people. Here, he traces the everyday and significant events that coalesce into trans identities, culminating in gender and sex transformations. Using trans men’s own words as illustrations, Devor looks at how childhood, adolescence, and adult experiences with family members, peers, and lovers work to shape and clarify their images of themselves as men. With a new introduction, Devor positions the volume in twenty-first century debates of identity politics and community-building and provides a window into his own self-exploration as a result of his research." PDF viewer not appearing? Download the text below: Portrait of Aaron Devor by Blake Little (2020) This book is courtesy of TransReads. All rights belong to the Aaron Devor and publishers. No copyright infringement is intended. The Trans Guy Archive shares this resource on our website for the purposes of education, research, and historical empowerment. Language:  English Resource type:  Book Format:  PDF Date published:  1997, republished 2016 Uploaded to TGA:  May 28th, 2025 Last updated:  April 5th, 2026

Abstract: This article is a queer reading of the doctrine of miraculous conception and an exploration into how applying an intersex lens to these conception texts can liberate an intersex Jesus. In it, [the author] explain[s] the basics of intersex and otherwise queer theologies, before looking at sex difference in the New Testament through the figures of eunuchs, and conducting an intersex reading of Jesus’ conception and biology. [The author] argue[s] that, if we believe Mary to be a virgin at the moment of Jesus’ conception, with no external male influence, then Jesus is necessarily a chromosomal ‘female’ (and therefore intersex, due to his ‘male’ physical appearance). [The author] then discuss[es] the ways in which his biology can transcend prescriptive roles of sex, mirroring how his social behaviour transcends prescriptive roles of gender. What this queer reading of Jesus can tell us relates to a gender-expansive view of deity – troubling rigid Church institutions by celebrating the breaking of binaries that constrain us. This article is courtesy of the CUNY Library system and Feminist Theology journal. All rights belong to the original author. No copyright infringement is intended. The Trans Guy Archive shares this resource on our website for the purposes of education, research, and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type:  Study, historical study, religious study Format:  PDF Date published:  2023 Uploaded to TGA:  March 26th, 2026 Last updated:  March 26th, 2026 Feminist Theology 2023, Vol. 31(2) 165–180 DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/09667350221134953 Keywords:   Queer theology, trans theology, intersex, Jesus, Biblical masculinity, eunuchs

Binders are compression tank shirts aimed at flattening and compressing the breasts to form a flat chest shape. Binders come in a wide variety of colors and nudes. Binders typically either look like half tanks (similar to a sports bra) or a full tank shirt. Binders are important tools for many trans guys to achieve masculine presentation, though they do come with POTENTIAL health risks. In this article you will read about the caring and keeping of binders, as well as various places to buy them and alternative methods of flattening your chest. Table of Contents (click to jump) Wear and Care for a Binder You can wear a binder like any other undergarment/bra. Put it on in the morning (or whenever you're ready to go out) and take it off when you get home. There may be some mild discomfort in your chest when you first start wearing a binder, but that's pretty normal - your breasts are being smushed against your chest, and depending your cup size that can feel quite different from person to person. Modeling how to wear a binder, in various body shapes and binder colors. Cred in each photo. To care for your binder, wash it periodically like you would with a bra. It's not recommended to throw it into the washing machine. Putting it in the washing machine can temporarily tighten the fabric, but in the long run it slowly frays it. The best recommended practice is to wash it in the sink with a cup of detergent. Plug your sink (if you can) Fill with warm to hot water Add cup of your favorite clothing detergent Add binder(s) Swish around and scrub to remove dirt and grime Let soak for a little while Remove binders, drain sink Rinse binders off in the sink with warm or cold water Throw over the bar of your shower (or clothesline) and allow to dry. This will take several hours (and sometimes overnight), but you can speed up the process with a hair dryer. Proper Binder Sizing It is incredibly important to get a binder that fits you well! A binder that is too small can cause long-term damage to your ribs and lungs, and a binder that is too big won't compress your chest effectively!  Each binder supplier has their own chart for determining which size you should purchase, but Spectrum Binders has a handy conversion method for your general reference. Use a measuring tape or a cord of string to take your measurements. In between measurements? Go up a size! ​ For reference: "Chest (Bust)" measurement refers to the measurement around your torso  over  the largest part of the breast, typically over the nipple. "Rib" measurement refers to the circumference of your torso  underneath  the breast tissue. The two charts below have been provided from Spectrum Outfitters. These charts should serve as a reference guide and not a definitive answer to what size binder to buy. This is because different binder manufacturers have their own sizing chart for their own product. When buying a binder, please consult the individual manufacturer's sizing chart before making a purchase. Inches Centimeters Where NOT to Buy Binders Improperly binding can have many risks, including shortness of breath, general discomfort, rib pain, long-term damage to the ribcage and muscles surrounding it, and skin irritation. Always make sure to get a binder that is comfortable and fits well . ​ There are many places online that sell binder or binder-equivalent items. NEVER bind with Ace bandages or duct tape - both of these will cause harm to your chest and may cause complications if you ever pursue top surgery. ​ Similarly, binders with clasps on the side cause uneven pressure and may result in the aforementioned negative side effects. Binders with clasps in general are not recommended. Zippers on the  front  or  back  are fine , but a good binder should look and act like a very tight shirt with no zippers or clasps. ​ If you go onto a site like Amazon and see a binder labelled something like "FTM binder breast roleplay bra for tomboy elastic woman binder" - do  not  buy it. Paying a little extra to a reputable company will be worth it in the long term! DO NOT BUY THESE PRODUCTS TO BIND YOUR CHEST WITH! Companies that sell Binders All prices listed are in USD. Amor Sensory Who: Amor Sensory is a company run primarily by Andy Amor, an autistic nonbinary artist and designer. ​ At this moment, it appears there are no products on the website. Check back later. ​ Check them out here! gc2b Who:  Founded in 2015 by a Black and Latinx trans man based in Maryland, USA. gc2b were the first binders to be designed and patented specifically for gender-affirmation. ​ ​ Price Range: $37 - $47; sometimes on sale. ​ Check out some reviews  here  and  here . ​ ​ Check them out here! Gender Bender Who:  Founded in 2017 by Xander Shepard who wanted to make a binder for a FTM friend who couldn't afford one. They make sensory and chronic pain-friendly binders as well as swimwear.​ ​ Price Range: $39 - $95; sometimes on sale. ​ Check out some reviews  here  and  here . ​ ​ Check them out here! For Them Who: Run by queer people, for queer people. They are a queer, Black and trans owned and operated business with the mission of supporting queer folks to live authentically and find their voices in a vibrant, inclusive space. According to their site, they use eco-friendly fabrics, dyes, and sustainable production methods.​ ​ Price Range: $55 - $64; discounts if you are a member.​ ​ Check out a review   here. ​ Check them out here! Sock Drawer Heroes Who:  Started in 2018 and based in Australia and run by a trans and gender-diverse team, Sock Drawer Heroes are sensory friendly and size inclusive. ​ Price Range: $47 - $57; sometimes goes on sale.​ ​ Check out a review  here. ​ They also have a Pay It Forward Program ! ​ Check them out here! Spectrum Outfitters Who:  Based in the UK and by a trans man with comfort and safety in mind. Does also ship to the US and Europe. Proudly uses recycled materials to make binders. For every order they plant one tree. ​ Price Range: $35 - $46; sometimes goes on sale.​ ​ Check out some reviews   here   and here. ​ Check them out here! Underworks Who:  Founded over 20 years ago. Not specifically trans-centric (or owned) but offers affordable options and is widely recognized by major organizations. ​ Price Range: $18.33 - $38.33​ ​ Check out some reviews here. ​ Check them out here! How to Make your Own Binder For those who like a good challenge or are unable to buy a chest binder through conventional means, making your own binder at home can be a relatively inexpensive way to achieve a masculine chest shape. Tutorial courtesy of @thendyn on Tumblr. You will need: Sewing machine -- you can try to sew this by hand, but a sewing machine will make the process a LOT easier Cotton or other non-stretchy fabric The type of fabric is up to you, but cotton is inexpensive and is good at supporting the chest. You do not want to purchase any sort of synthetic, polyester, or otherwise athleticwear-type of material, as they will both stretch out and absorb a lot of sweat. The length of fabric you purchase is dependent on your measurements. Always buy more fabric than you think you'll need. Zipper, to be stitched on Thin elastic fabric (to make the shoulder straps), approx. 1-inch across Tape measurer (soft) Clothing iron How to Sew a Binder: Take your bust (across the chest) and rib (under the breasts and around your torso) measurements in inches or centimeters. Download THIS SPREADSHEET . Input your measurements into the top three boxes and the sheet will calculate how much fabric and other materials you need. On the sheet, "bust" is called "Underbust". Measure and cut your fabric. Because the binder uses a double layer of fabric it's important that you remember which way you'll need to fold it to get it to be the length you want. If you can't remember, measure both sides and see which one matches the second 'Fabric' measurement (On the inches table, this is cell E8) Fold the fabric in half, pin it, and sew along the long edge (the one you just folded in half). Don't sew the short edges. The spreadsheet will give you about 1/2-inch seam allowance, so keep this in mind when sewing. MAKE SURE YOU A LEAVE CENTIMETER OR SO UNSEWN AT EITHER END - this will be folded inside the fabric to make another seam for the elastic. Turn the fabric inside out and iron flat. Open one end of the fabric and fold it inside about an inch or so to make a seam. Iron the seam flat, and repeat on the other side. With the seams ironed in, this folded fabric should be as long as half your underbust measurement. Cut the elastic to length - you will need six (6) strips, each the same length. (If your binder is quite long, maybe use five for each side instead, so ten (10) in total). The measurement on the spreadsheet is called 'back elastic length', and will give you an inch seam allowance at either end. Pin the elastic between the two layers of cotton (so in the seam-space you just ironed) at the top, middle and bottom of the binder. Then, sew two long lines running from top to bottom, ensuring that they go over the elastic strips - one should be close to the edge of the fabric, and one a centimeter or so further in. Repeat on other side of the fabric. Try to sew your lines as straight as possible. Now that the elastic is sewed into the fabric it's time to attach the zip! Start by placing the zip in the middle of the fabric and then folding the edges slightly so that you can see where the ends of the elastic would be sewed to it - hold the elastic in place with your hands and measure between the edge of the zip and the seam of the fabric. Compare this length to the measurement called 'raw length' and trim as needed. Mark with pencil where the elastic will be sewed to the zip, then repeat with the other straps. Sew the elastic on twice, like when sewing it to the fabric. This time, sew one length normally and other other using a wider stitch that crosses between the fabric of the zip and the elastic. This will make sure that the elastic does not fray when being washed. Repeat with the other strips of elastic. Measure and cut the lengths of the shoulder straps. The measurement is called 'shoulder elastic' on the spreadsheet, and you will need two (2) of them. The spreadsheet is designed for top-of-shoulder-to-armpit length measurements. If you measured front-to-back, just half your measurement. Align the zip so that it is dead center on the fabric, and measure about 2 inches out to either side of it. Mark these points on the top-most band of elastic. Use these to ensure that the two shoulder straps are the same distance apart from the zip and pin them in place. Remember, you have an inch seam allowance to use. Sew the shoulder straps much like you did when attaching the elastic to the zip, but use two narrow sewed line things and once that crosses between the elastic of the back straps and the shoulder straps. Turn the binder over and repeat steps 14 through 16 again, but this time place the straps an extra inch or so apart. front (outside) back (inside) (optional) Accessorize your new binder with fabric paint, embroidery (avoiding critical binding structures), or anything else to zhuzh it up! Congratulations! You just made your first binder! How to get a Binder for Free There are quite a few non-profit organizations and resources that have free binder funds for trans people in need. If you are both unable to buy a binder through conventional means or make one yourself, consider getting a chest binder through these channels. Some of these organizations have very specific requirements for application, so please check carefully when researching. Point of Pride Applications open year-round Requirements: You identify as transgender (FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and every other non-cis identity within the trans umbrella.) You cannot afford to purchase a binder, or you cannot safely obtain a binder. Must be 18 years or older to request a binder St. Cloud Pride Chest Binder Applications open year-round 1 chest binder per person, per year Only ships to specific US states: MN, WI, IA, SD, & ND Binding with (Good) Tape Believe it or not, you can actually bind with tape - BUT - it has to be the correct kind of tape. As mentioned before, binding with material like duct tape or ace bandages will cause harm to your chest.  ​ Companies such as TransTape have solved the issue of not wanting to wear a binder by making strong adhesive tape that is safe for your body and provides the same amount of compression that any regular binder would give. These tapes can be worn for multiple days without the risk of causing permanent damage to the chest muscles. A single roll of tape can last multiple weeks, depending on how frequently a person binds and how large their chest is. You will also need to purchase oil (baby oil works fine) for removing the tape. Be gentle on removal! You want to minimize pulling and tearing of hair/skin as much as possible. You can also buy nipple guards (aka pasties) to further protect your body. Looking for a tutorial on how to apply and remove binding tape? TransTape has an extremely in-depth video tutorial on their website! Trans Tape Who:  Founded in 2017 by Kaiyote Jackson after realizing he was trans, but didn't like the discomfort of wearing binders. TransTape is waterproof, hypoallergenic, 95% cotton, with medical-grade adhesive. Based in Maine, USA.​ ​ Price Range: ​Single roll: $14.50 - $19.99; they offer kits/bundles for more money. ​ Check out some reviews here and here. ​ Check them out here! KT Tape Who:  Founded in 2008 for athletes (not necessarily trans people) suffering from sports injuries. Based in Utah, USA.​ ​ Price Range: ​$13.99 - $119.99 ​ Check out a review here. ​ Check them out here! Binding FAQ How long can I bind for? Experts recommend not binding for more than eight (8) hours per day. We realize that sometimes dysphoria may get bad on some days and you may fall asleep in your binder. Don't worry, a day or two of doing that won't negatively effect you - but it will if this becomes a repeated habit. If you feel any aches or pains in your chest, take a break for one or a few days! Is binding dangerous? Binding is not inherently dangerous, when done safely. If you have a binder in the correct size, you don't wear it for much longer than eight hours a day, and you're not regularly being winded while wearing it, it'll be no different on your body than simply wearing an especially tight sports bra. Though if you do feel any prolonged pain, take a short break. Are you SURE binding with duct tape/Ace bandages is unsafe? Yes, we are very sure. Doing it one time, like sleeping in a binder, will not damage you in the long term, but doing it repeatedly will. Improper binding can lead to bruised and warped ribs, compression of the lungs, fluid buildup in the lungs, skin irritation, and muscle pain. Binding improperly can also put you at risk for being unable to get top surgery (double mastectomy) in the future. We know that dysphoria really sucks, but your physical health is far more important. Still unsure about binding with tape/bandages? Check out this Quora chain for more info. Can I swim/exercise in a binder? Generally, it is recommended that you do NOT exercise in a binder. Working out in a binder that compresses your chest and lungs during physical activity may lead to shortness of breath, an elevated heart rate, and chest pain. We recommend that during your workouts you wear a tight sports bra or wear a very baggy shirt, if applicable. For swimming, many binders are built to go in water. As long as you're not swimming intensely, binding while swimming can be safe. Listen to your body! Should I get a binder or (safe) binding tape? Binder pros: Looks like an undershirt/sports bra (for closeted trans guys), technically waterproof, can last for many years, provides extra chest support Binder cons: Need to wash it sometimes, can fray over time, can become loose with wear Tape pros: Wearable for multiple days, waterproof, don't need to clean them, good for hot/humid climates, good for temporary use Tape cons: You have to keep buying more, application can be difficult, may be more difficult for larger chests Know of more binding resources? Reach out to the TGA!

These flyers were created by drag artist, activist, and musician Johnny Science for the New York City-based organization F2M Fraternity . The organization only ran printed issues of their magazine for two issues, likely due to high printing costs. At this time, little is known about the F2M Fraternity group. These flyers are courtesy of Grayson Eli's work, uploaded to the Internet Archive . All rights belong to the original creators. No copyright infringement is intended. The Trans Guy Archive shares this resource on our website for the purposes of education, research, and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type:  Flyers, posters, creative, art Format:  Image(s) Date published:  Originally 1990s. Uploaded to Internet Archive on November 22nd, 2025. Uploaded to TGA:  March 14th, 2026 Last updated:  March 14th, 2026

(description from the article) What drives sex biases in the immune system? Examining how gender-affirming therapy affects the molecular profiles of immune cells of trans men reveals how hormones underpin immune responses. Language: English Resource type: scientific study, magazine article From: Nature magazine Date published: 2024 Uploaded to TGA: March 10th, 2026 Last updated: March 10th, 2026

(from the Abstract) About 20% of trans men do not achieve cisgender male frequencies (F0131 Hz) after gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) with testosterone. The surgical procedure Isshiki thyroplasty type III (TPIII) is described to lower F0, but data on this technique in trans men are lacking. In this study, 8 trans men, unsatisfied with their voice after a minimum of 12 months of GAHT, underwent TPIII to lower F0 at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at Ghent University Hospital. TPIII was performed by 1 surgeon using the same method each time. Pre- and postoperatively, an acoustic evaluation of the voice took place. The F0 dropped significantly from the preoperative mean of (154.60 6 12.29) Hz to the postoperative mean of (105.37 6 10.52) Hz (t = 9.821, P \.001). TPIII is an effective method for lowering the F0 in trans men who are not satisfied with their voice after long-term GAHT. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2021, Vol. 164(1) 157–159 DOI: 10.1177/0194599820937675 Keywords: thyroplasty, vocal surgery, voice, fundamental frequency, transgender, trans man Language: English Resource type: scientific study, medical study Format: PDF Date published: 2021 Uploaded to TGA: March 10th, 2026 Last updated: March 10th, 2026

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Date published: April, 1991 Uploaded to TGA: March 9th , 2026 Last updated: March 10th, 2026

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Date published: December, 1990 Uploaded to TGA: March 9th , 2026 Last updated: March 9th, 2026

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Date published: September, 1990 Uploaded to TGA: March 9th , 2026 Last updated: March 9th, 2026

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Date published: June, 1990 Uploaded to TGA: March 9th, 2026 Last updated: March 9th, 2026

Every month, the Trans Guy Archive publishes a quick zine containing updates about the archive you may have missed, as well as relevant trans news and other cool prospects we've found around the web and in real life! If you haven't checked it out already, we also published a community-driven zine all about answering the question; "What is transmasculine love?" Read it here: https://transguyarchive.wixstudio.com/transguyarchive/post/the-transmasculine-love-zine Notice on sharing: You ARE free to share this zine WITH proper attribution and credit. Do NOT sell this zine for monetary value if you are not affiliated with the TGA. Do NOT feed this zine or any of its contents to any generative AI program or other LLM.