Scarleteen

Good day, all.
My name's Hikaru on the forums, and I'm a transmasc guy, age 16.
I have a bit of a silly problem. You see, I'm perfectly in the closet due to geographical and social factors, and I've made peace with that fact.
But, unfortunately, I come off as VERY VERY girly. Like, not to blow my own trumpet, but I'm pretty- but only in the way a girl is pretty. And I have big tits too so go figure.
Both me and my mom are looking for ways to reduce my chest size because I'm already a 38C.
I keep on wanting to bring up a binder, but I dunno how to do it without coming out as trans; which I know she won't like, because my mother is of the opinion that she'll never see a gay person ever. [she said. to THE gay.]
Any ideas/alternatives?

Hey Hikaru!
Does your mom already associated binders with trans people? Even if she does, you can still bring up the binder.
At the end of the day, its just a piece of clothing meant for people with breasts, regardless of their gender identity.

If y'all are already looking for ways to reduce your breast size, I think this can be presented as a simple solution.

What do you think?

Hi Aarija! The issue is that she does, and even if I wanted to buy one for myself, I don't live in a trans-friendly environment- hence the forum post. I need convincing arguments that won't make my mom go "But isn't that for [insert slur here]??"

hope you understand my plight

Hi Hikaru!

That's definitely a predicament!

Are you set on having a specific binder, or are you open to other suggestions? A lot of people looking for binding gear swear by the Enell brand; particularly the Enell Sport High Impact Bra. I use it when I don't feel like using an 'official' binder or when I'm exercising. I have a 36DDD chest size and it works well for me + is comfortable. If it wouldn't bother you having it branded as a 'bra', I think asking your mom for this could be a good cover as it has compression without being associated with 'transness', necessarily.

There are a lot of binding recommendations online that aren't that specific brand; compression bras, sports bras, binders, binding tape... it all depends on what you're comfortable with and looking for!

CaitlinEve, you are a LIFESAVER.
Definitely using your recommendation- my mom'll like it too!

I'm so glad Caitlin's suggestion was helpful! Good luck with your shopping!