OUR STORY

By our founder, Ian Giles

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Very shortly after realizing I was transgender, I knew I wanted top surgery. In fact, I knew I NEEDED it. I also knew, I would never be able to afford it on my own. I was a single parent and a college student. Spending thousands of dollars on surgery was out of the question. I quickly started brainstorming and researching ways to fundraise. I took $50, the only "disposable" income I had, and purchases 300 blue silicone wristbands, adding the phrase "Pizza rolls not gender roles."

I began attending small local queer events and sold wristbands to anyone who stopped long enough to listen to my pitch. While there were many who supported me and my top surgery goal, I knew at that rate I would die of old age before I got surgery. So I took a HUGE leap of faith. I signed up for a shared vendor booth at a local Pride festival, got a credit card, and bought more wristbands. Little did I know that day as I sat alone at a plain table in the corner of a booth, freezing in the pouring rain, that 10 years later not only would we still be here but we'd have helped thousands of trans people throughout North America. 

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That day, Genderbands was born.

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• My personal trans-masculine top surgery lead to other trans-masculine folks receiving top surgery grants. 

• Growth allowed us to open the Transition Grants to all transgender identities (yes that includes nonbinary).

• The Free Binder Program began, mailing chest binders to trans folks throughout North America.

• Genderbands created the Trans Pride=N=Joy Festival, centering the trans community and accessibility.

• Transition Grants were opened to cover all transition-related expenses.

• The Trans Closet was started, offering free clothes, accessories, hygiene products and more.

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