B4CK stands for Binders for Confident Kids. What is a binder? It is a chest compression garment designed to give the appearance of a flat chest. Binders help queer youth feel safe, focus on learning and stay alive. Really.
A national survey by GLSEN has found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who are able to persevere had significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. More than half of transgender male teens who participated in the survey reported attempting suicide in their lifetime and many transgender young people experience family rejection, bullying and harassment, or feel unsafe for simply being who they are - all of which can be added risk factors for suicide.
So, how did we help? $515 went to purchase and distribute binders, based on need, for Chattanooga queer youth.