“I keep my feelings in my chest”

on going project 2020-present

For many trans, queer, and gender non-conforming people, chest binding affirms our identities. Without access, folks often resort to unsafe binding methods, like duct tape or ace bandages. There are few resources for constructing homemade binders, so I created my own, with plans to share the process to make easily accessible to others.

Media has reinforced to me that to be discovered as trans or trans masculine is dangerous and punishable by great violence. I work to create art objects that affirm and positively sensationalize the trans masculine experience. This to me, a form of “un-dragging” - simultaneously highlighting and shedding the costume one dons to satisfy expectations of gender in the midwest.