Bra & Binder Drive: Coming together for trans youth

by Nat Rodriguez

One of the most beautiful things about the trans and gender-diverse community is how folks mentor each other through their transitions. From advice on clothes and gender-affirming gear to how to deal with coming out and socially transitioning, most of us remember dearly the first person who saw us for who we truly were.

This is an experience we are privileged to witness during our in-person fitting appointments, where we see so many supportive parents and caregivers of trans youth celebrating and loving their kids for being themselves. It was actually during one of these appointments that a mom first brought up how her teenage son was outgrowing his binders, wondering what she could do with them.

We kept hearing the same from other caregivers over and over again—what can I do with the gender-affirming gear that my kid has outgrown?

And then it clicked: there is a supportive network of parents eager to give back and be active allies to the community.

So what if we connected these parents with trans youth who might not have access to these affirming gear yet?

That’s how the Bra & Binder Drive came to be. Three loving mothers of trans kids lead the project which will benefit Camp Ten Oaks, a sleep-away camp in Ottawa for kids and youth ages 8 to 17 who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

We all remember what it was like to be seen for the first time, and I bet most of us remember the first binder or first bra that we got. That feeling of gender euphoria, of trans joy, of looking a little bit more like who we know we are—it’s truly life-changing. Having access to gender-affirming gear saves lives, it’s that simple.

So let’s join these loving Moms in providing trans youth with the gear they deserve to feel empowered and more confident!

The drive will run from May 1st to May 31st across several locations in Ontario. If you would like to be a part of this initiative to show Ten Oaks campers how much love, care, and support we have for trans and gender-diverse youth, you can bring any Chest Binders and Bras that are in good condition to the following donation boxes:

The 519: Drop-off in the glass lobby room on the first floor. Wednesday ONLY from 3pm to 7pm. 519 Church St, Toronto, ON
urBasics office: Drop-off on Tuesday & Thursday ONLY (10am to 5pm). 174 Spadina Ave. Unit 201, Toronto, ON
Pflag Renfrew County: you can email renfrewcountyon@pflagcanada.ca for additional locations.

Deep River Public Library: 55 Ridge Road, Deep River ON
Community Resource Centre Killaloe: 15 Lake Street, Killaloe ON

Pflag York Region:

Aurora Public Library: Drop-off on Wednesday, May 29 ONLY. 15145 Yonge Street Aurora, ON
If the timing above doesn't work, contact president@pflagyork.ca with the subject line "Clothing Drive" to coordinate a drop off.

Ten Oaks Project: Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm. 400 Cooper St Suite 9004, Ottawa, ON
Ottawa Trans Library: 1104 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON

If you, or anyone you know, has binders or bras that can be rehomed, please reach out! You can email us at hello@urbasics.ca or message us on Instagram @urbasics_ 💜

LET’S TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.