Research has shown that transgender individuals with chest binding have abnormal lung function. Co-incidentally, Daniel Radcliffe has become embroiled with the creator of Harry Potter, GK Rowling, in an exchange of on-line differences of opinion about the acceptable definition of what a transgender person actually is. Others have accused her of transphobia in her understanding of what transgender means. She has denied this and claims to support trans gender persons.
The research , of subjects who were assigned female at birth, has found a reduction in their vital capacity with chest binders on. The findings were based on a small population of Australian transgender persons, and is likely therefore not to be significant. Certainly the conclusion is drawn that chest binding restricts and damages breathing function to a significant degree. Naturally contributors to this forum should draw their own conclusions as to the practice of physical self harm by transgender persons in pursuit of identity change in appearance, however unintentional and perhaps unforeseen, in the long term.
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Cateran
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I have to say that, it is a sad indictment of society to make anyone think that they have to self-harm, in any manner at all, just to be accepted by the rest. People are all different individuals, but for some inane reason want to be part of the flock and be seen as the same, to be accepted. Nowt so strange as folk!
I do not disagree 2g with your comment. However, GKR has defined women as "people who menstruate" whereas DR replies that transgender women are women, and any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of all transgender people. it seems maybe an inane difference, and GKR does say that she would march with transgender people in defence of their rights. The question of identity politics raises its head here, beyond the gender distinction. After all, isn't the identity of lung persons with chronic breathing problems an identity issue also? I wonder, on the lack of my personal interaction with transgender people, whether there could be a number of trans folk who do have COPD and bronchiectasis?
"I wonder, on the lack of my personal interaction with transgender people, whether there could be a number of trans folk who do have COPD and bronchiectasis?"
I have no hesitation in saying, probably a higher proportion than might be first presumed. I actually know a few LGBT folk and one who has had surgical reassignment is a good friend, I'm the only remaining friend from her past. All of them have extremely high stress levels and smoke like chimneys.
This is a very astute reply 2g. Gender reassignment is another complexity that challenges us and our thinking. It can be very stressful, as your examples point out. I know a person who has reassigned from female to male, and is coping with the stress by engaging with Buddhism. very successfully I might add. He also has a woman partner.
So really, the gender business is a fluid one, where our concern as lung buddies is one of recognising the harms which go along with smoking as a stress relief factor (sic) and supporting his/her human right to change sexual identity. Why do we hang ourselves up on the question of sexuality? In my youth I experimented with my sexuality, and see this as a pathway to understanding my body and my needs in growing older. My thinking is nuanced by my past about sexuality and identity. My grandchildren are testimony to my personal growth and my liberal attitudes towards sexual change and identity politics.
Giving oneself a label is optional, wanting to be part of the flock also optional. People who give others labels also optional, that is the flock mentality, one says it and they all agree. Its all down to choice and the choice is the individuals or if they perfer the self promoting leader of the flock.
If further scientific evidence of damage from the practice is found, should the state make a decision on what is acceptable for people to do to themselves?
But nobody is making anyone bind their chest, surely.? It's a question of choice ? Trust me , you dont know what discomfort is till you are wearing something described as ' firm control ' and reminiscent of suit of armour. It might have underwiring too if you're really unlucky, cleverly designed to dig into all your soft bits.
Ouch, Angelagone. I get the same when I wear underpants which are too tight and constrict my soft bits, so I have experienced a kind of binding or constriction. 👀😢
I work a lot with young transgender people and find this research to be very interesting. Transmen usually wear binders until they can have top surgery, and I don’t think anyone discusses with them that the restriction can cause lung problems. It is something that they should know so that they can make a more informed choice.
That is very interesting Hellodolly and I wish you good progress in your work with trans people. I am sure that my lung buddies in this forum would be happy to enlighten you further about issues such as COPD and bronchiectasis and the potential harm which binding might bring to the lungs and better breathing. We can certainly provide you with information concerning free advice and pamphlets, for distribution if and where needed, to trans persons with possible chest concerns.
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