For many individuals assigned female at birth, Binding is the only option. Access to surgery and hormones often remains contingent on one’s class and race. The classification of SRS (Sex Reassignment Surgery) and ‘top surgery’ as elective combined with restrictions around access to hormones further exacerbate the already problematic issue of safe and affordable healthcare for many trans-people. Until our socio-cultural views of gender and our categorization of transsexualism as a mental illness changes, the quality of life and the lives of transmen and transwomen will continue to be at risk.

For me, this video underscores the necessity for a physical appearance that is congruent with one’s internal sense of identity. It describes a need that outweighs social constraints and the integrity and dignity being true to oneself engenders. This video is dedicated to my trans-family, at whatever point along the gender continuum they may be, and to the trans-warriors who have made it possible for my voice to be heard.