A trans male refers to an individual whose sex is female but they identify as male. Similarly, FtM stands for female-to-male, denoting a male transgender individual: a guy born assigned female but identifying as male. Those who are transgender  identify as so due to feelings of gender dysphoria, which is psychological and emotional distress caused by a feeling of disconnect between one's gender and their biological sex and the implications that has on how they are seen socially.

If you are questioning or already identify as FtM, there are a few important things you should know. First off, there is nothing to be upset about! There are things you can do to curb feelings of dysphoria, social discomfort and general trans issues. Most FtM individuals start by cutting their hair to a typical boys' length, intentionally deepening their voice, and starting diet/exercise regimens that can help boost the production of testosterone or get a more masculine-looking body. There are also surgeries that can remove breast tissue (this surgery is called a mastectomy) and surgeries that can remove female reproductive organs and replace them with male reproductive organs. To date, and with the current technology, bottom surgery is not particularly reliable and it is very expensive.  Keep in mind! Even if you don't have traits that are conventionally viewed as masculine, you are still completely valid as male! Having wide hips or a chubby face or belly or not having a lot of muscle doesn't make you any less of a boy. Hell, even if you like painting your nails or wearing a dress, you're still a boy! Your gender identity is about you, not other people and what they think.  If you're happy with yourself, then stay that way. Don't let others tell you that you're not masculine enough -- you already are, however masculine you want to be.

A way to curb chest-related dysphoria is by binding. There are safe ways to bind, and there are unsafe ways to bind. Unsafe binding can result in serious injury and even disfiguration of the upper body. One of the most common ways of binding is using a chest binder (available online; I will list several websites where you can purchase chest binders later). When using a chest binder, it is important to get your exact size to avoid injury.

However, if you are unable to get a chest binder, there are several alternative methods as well.

NOTE: NEVER, EVER BIND USING BANDAGES! this can cause permanent damage, including fluid buildup in the lungs. It is extremely dangerous and I would NOT recommend it under any circumstances, not even as a last resort.

It is important to keep in mind that if you ever feel any sort of pain or difficulty breathing while binding (whether you're using a professional binder, which is an indicator that it's too small, or a makeshift/alternative binder) that you need to take it off immediately. You can seriously and permanently injure yourself this way.  It isn't worth the damage it can do.  It's also worth noting that while using a professional binder is the safest and most effective way to bind, there can still be complications if you don't wear it right, wear it too long, wear a size too small, wear it during extreme heat, or wear it when you're performing rigorous physical activity (such as lifting weights, running or playing a sport). Take care of yourself -- you shouldn't bind for more than 8-10 hours a day, and you should never bind in your sleep.

1ST ALTERNATIVE - SPORTS BRAS / TRAINING BRAS

This is a safe way to bind. First, put on a sports bra, and put on another one backwards. Take a deep breath. If it inhibits your breathing or causes any pain at all, it may be a good idea to either wear one sports bra or use looser ones.

2ND ALTERNATIVE - CHAMPION BRAS

These are cheap and very effective (however not as effective as a chest binder), and are found in Target, tagged as "compression bras."

WHERE CAN I GET A PROFESSIONAL BINDER?

*I will not be including Underworks binders for several reasons, but the most important being that they were NOT designed for trans males, they were designed for cis men, and thus can cause complications for transmasc people. Additionally, they are very uncomfortable and difficult to breathe in.

GC2B: https://www.gc2b.co/ -- this is a business run by trans people! Here, you can purchase a professional chest binder that come in two styles: full or half.  A half binder is a bit like a crop top (this is the one I use!) and it put on like you would put on a bra.  A full/tank binder is like a tight-fitting undershirt.  You pull it on over your head and roll the bottom hems down (it will be bunched up when you put it on at first) and some people tuck it into their pants. Regardless of which binder you choose, it's important to adjust your breasts until they're comfortable and do not feel uncomfortable from the binder.  Half binders are $33 USD and shipping varies depending on where you live.  Full (tank) binders are $35 USD plus shipping. GC2B offers a variety of colors in their binders and my experience with them was really great! If you wear it correctly, their binders work really well and are super comfortable.

CHOOSING YOUR BINDER SIZE: https://www.gc2b.co/pages/sizing -- It's extremely important that you choose the right binder size. DO NOT BIND A SIZE DOWN. You will be unable to breathe and will most likely seriously damage yourself.  Use this guide to figure out your size in GC2B binders.

FREE CHEST BINDERS:

If you can't afford a binder, these sites do giveaways to transmasc youth who have no way of paying for a binder.  Most are pre-owned and are in good condition.

http://point5cc.com/chest-binder-donation/

https://pointofpride.org/chest-binder-donations/

http://www.transactiveonline.org/inabind/

http://mygenderadventure.wixsite.com/broketransboy/single-post/2015/06/17/Binders-Cheap-ones-Free-ones-Donations

Best of luck,

The LGBT Youth Support Group