By AMEARA DITSCHE
Staff Writer
Gender dysphoria is a painful issue troubling many LGBT+ youth. When someone who was born female later begins to identify as transgender or non-binary their breasts are often something that seems uncontrollable when they attempt to present in a more masculine or a-gender way.
Recently, Saint Rose has begun to provide chest binders through the counseling center. Binders can often be expensive, a good quality one can be upwards of $30. The price can make them difficult to access as a teen, especially if a student is not out to their parents while they support them financially. The school saw this issue and created a solution.
Students can procure a binder by visiting or contacting the counseling center. No counseling is required, you just stop in to 441 Western or call to make an appointment. At the appointment students present your student ID then tell the counseling center what size and color they want then students can be on their way with a new binder. Every student is eligible for one binder each semester they are enrolled here are the college.
Sabrina Balbuena is a staff member at the counseling center.
“The chest binder program took a lot of behind the scenes work,” said Balbuena. She then detailed the program approval process.
First, the students who lived in a dormitory, drafted a budget plan including necessary information like how many binders would be needed, how much they would cost, where to get them, and how to get them here at Saint Rose.
After the residents of Hahn brought the idea to the Student Association budget committee. After review of the proposal the Committee then approved it and funding for the program was granted. Then, Saint Rose student Matt Eisner worked with the counseling center to plan a way to distribute the binders in a confidential way comfortable for students.
Sam Rariden, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns they and them, is a freshman at Saint Rose. Rariden was one of the first students to receive a binder from their counselor. They stress the importance of the school providing the binders saying,
“If someone doesn’t bind their chest correctly they can end up harming themselves in process.”
Rariden considers binding important to the community because it promotes an overall sense of safety as well as comfort. It is not uncommon for trans/non-binary youth to use ace bandages or multiple sports bras in order to make their breasts appear smaller. Rariden stressed their theme of safety, making the point that if someone isn’t out to their family school can be a safer place to acquire and keep the binder.
Rariden talked about the binder has impacted their life they spoke very highly of it and the program.
“Using the binder helps my battle with gender dysphoria. The first time I did it I remember looking down at my chest and then into the mirror, feeling euphoria at how happy it made me feel. It helps me feel in control of my body.”
Many students have already received a binder or made an appointment to receive them, and the program is becoming more popular as word gets out.
Balbuena, who is in charge of the program, said that “many students have utilized the program saying they feel much more comfortable in their bodies and appreciate the school having a program that makes them comfortable.”
The binders are available in definitely through St. Rose Counseling Center. Anybody interested can contact Balbuena at 518- 454-5298. The program is open to all students.
