Binder Exchange: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the program?
There are only five main criteria to qualify for our program:
1. You were assigned female at birth.
2. You experience gender dysphoria related to your chest.
3. You do not have the financial means to buy a binder and have no more than 1 already.
4. You live in the United States.
No other factors influence whether you can apply, including age, gender identity, or already owning a binder. Folks applying 13 years old or younger must have parental permission to apply.
Do I pay any costs to get a binder?
Applications do not pay any costs to receive a binder.
Where do the binders come from?
Out binders are donated from gc2b and are donated by other transmasculine and nonbinary folks. Some are new, while others have been worn. We do not send out stained or damaged binders.
Do you ship the binders?
What information do I need to include in my application?
Do I get to choose what kind of binder I get?
How long will it take to get my binder?
Is shipping discreet?
Yes. The outside package will contain your address, the name you choose to be put on the label, and our return address. Inside the package will only be the binder.
Can I choose the day/time my binder will arrive?
We ship first class USPS and cannot guarantee the time/day of arrival, but generally binders are shipped on Mondays. Please pay attention when mail normally comes to your house to get an idea when mail will arrive. You can also sign up for "Informed Delivery" from the USPS website under the name on the package before we ship your binder. Using this website, you should be able to leave instructions to the mail carrier for delivery.
What if I live outside the United States?
I have binders to donate. Where can I ship them/drop them off?
Please see the How can I help? page for more information.
You can also drop off your binder at any of our partner locations or you can bring binder donations to any DCATS' events.
How much does it cost to run the binder exchange program?
Our program is run by volunteers, but it costs $3-4 per binder to ship each one, plus supplies.
How is this program funded?
We are 100% funded by private donations. It currently costs about $325 a month to run the program at our current demand, which we expect to grow over time. If you're interested in helping out, please visit the How can I help? page. You can also send a one-time or reoccuring donation using this link.