Use the Walgreens Brand which is pretty cheap and it does wonders and doesn’t leave me with a white cast. And I’m dark as hell so I hate looking ashy but not all sunscreens are made equally and it’s one of the better ones I’ve used.
Wait cocoa/shea butter and coconut oil don’t protect you from the sun we really do need sunscreen??
Yea fam. All that “we don’t need sunscreen” shit is a myth. Combine that with the fact that most dermatologists don’t know how to spot skin cancer in Black people and it’s a nasty combination.
Yeah, it’s harder for us to get it but when we do it’s deadly. I know two people who died of skin cancer, both were Black.
“While incidence of melanoma is higher in the Caucasian population, a July 2016 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed it is more deadly in people of color. African American patients were most likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in its later stages than any other group in the study, and they also had the worst prognosis and the lowest overall survival rate.”
Sorry about the link, I’m on mobile. But this is from August 2016, which I know isn’t the most recent but it’s still SUPER IMPORTANT. Y’all please wear sunscreen. With Google it’s even easy to find smaller, Black-owned brands.
Good zoos do not keep their animals in “tiny spaces” with no enrichment. I’m not pro-roadside zoo. I’m pro-accredited zoo. Zoos are incredibly important for conservation and education.
There should be way more pictures of modern zoos so i just add some more
Seriously zoos do so much important conservation work as well I hate when people shit all over zoos as if the animals are locked up and not looked after
The SF Zoo has two sea lions. Now, if you know SF, you know that sea lions are a Thing. They’re all over Pier 39 and various other beaches in N California. In fact, the zoo is near the ocean, so there are sea lions not 200 yards from the zoo entrance. So having sea lions in the zoo seems sort of superfluous.
Except the sea lions are blind. One was found as an adult after suffering a gun shot wound to the face that destroyed his eyes. The other was found as an adolescent, weak and starving because it had been blinded and unable to hunt. So they were rescued and introduced and the zoo built them a nice pool where they can swim and sunbathe and people toss them fish. It’s not the biggest exhibit, or the fanciest. But it’s a home for them, where they’re safe and well fed. Sea lions aren’t the most romantic of animals, but they’re a part of SF culture and a lot of us have a soft spot for the loud, bulbous things. And because of zoos, these two get to live long, happy lives.
Whenever anyone complains about zoos, I think about Silent Knight and Henry.
I think it’s St. Louis zoo that is saving big cats in Africa. Scientists couldn’t figure out what was killing off the local lion population. They were dying off from Canine Distemper. The local unvaccinated dogs of the towns would spread the disease to other animals or have it themselves. When the lions ate the infected animals they would catch it as well. You know what that Zoo is doing to stop this disease? They are going over to those towns and vaccinating the dogs for free. The community loves it and people from other villages comes for miles to get their dogs vaccinated as well.
They also do work with camel populations because the local human population use the camels for food sources the zoos help monitor the camels health.
Another zoo, I want to say it’s the Oregon zoo but don’t quote me on that, is helping female inmates. The zoo works with the female prisons by encouraging the inmates to assist in the breeding and raising of endangered species of butterflies. They plant the specific plants that the butterflies and catapillars need, raise them, and release them. These inmates get noted in any scientific journals that get published. They are giving these inmates a sense of accomplishment and validation.
Zoos not only save species but bring together and assist communities in an effort to save the environment. Zoos, good zoos, are essential to the future and I will fight anyone who tries to say otherwise.
PS you don’t see PETA doing any of this.
One of the local zoos in my area at one point rescued a bald eagle that had been shot and kept it in the zoo to let it recuperate until they freed it again. Some of the zoos in my state will keep injured animals there until they heal again.
Helsinki Zoo is the world leader in snow leopard and Amur leopard conservation, in their care these endangered species have managed to breed more than anywhere else in captivity and this in turn has enabled the re-introduction of these animals back to their native habitats. https://www.korkeasaari.fi/helsinki-zoo/
I work at a zoo that is instrumental in the California Condor recovery program (among dozens of other conservation projects). We went from 42 surviving individuals left to over 400, over 200 of whom are in the wild. We’re part of the amur leopard species survival plan with two young animals who are eagerly attempting to make babies. We host one of North America’s only bachelor troops of western lowland gorillas, preserving the social structure of wild gorillas. All of our bald eagles are rescues who would not survive in the wild. All our keepers participate in field research and conservation work in addition to a full time team of conservationists. We host the most genetically valuable male Masai giraffe in North America, who has sired 5 offspring with 1 on the way, increasing the genetic diversity of his entire species. If you’re against zoos, you don’t know what zoos do.
Want to be sure a zoo is accredited? Check out the AZA (association of zoos and aquariums) website. They check every zoo at least every 5 years and have standards for everything and anything, including diet, habitat, medical care, enrichment, safety, financial stability, breeding and conservation programs, education, etc. I kid you not, if they find one enclosure that they say isn’t big enough they often pull the accreditation on the spot.
God okay so I’m going to say this now; PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not risk your health or anyone’s in the form of getting a “cheap” binder of ebay or where ever. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE save your $4-$10 dollars for those cheap ebay ones and put it towards a gc2b binder. Or if you want an Underworks go for that but I highly suggest gc2b. They’re about $40 (with shipping) and will last you WAY longer than any cheap ebay one. They are MEANT for lasting you. I wash mine many times week, wear it daily, Wear them daily. I have two. Had them for almost a year now. But I cannot urge you enough to PLEASE save up your pennies for a PROPER SAFE binder. Binders you can breathe in, binders you can move in, binders that don’t crush your ribs, binders that are comfortable, binders that are safe.
This isn’t a safe binder:
It uses clasps and not compression.
This is a c2b binder; made by trans people for trans people:
These binders have no clasps but uses spandex to compress you safety.
Measure your chest before ordering to make sure you don’t get one too small or too large.
UPDATE (06/12)
I wanted to add more information on where you can buy binders and info in general about binders
If you can’t afford a binder, don’t despair! Used binders are often passed on by post-op trans men or those whose binders may no longer fit. There are a few programs available that help distribute donated second-hand binders:
In A Bind – Started in 2012, to date In a Bind has provided safe compression garments to over 1500 youth in need. Trans* masculine and genderqueer youth living anywhere in the USA can apply to receive a free binder. In a Bind depends on donations. Recently had top surgery? Go up or down a size? Find a style that works better for you? Donate those binders you’re no longer using!
MORF Binder Exchange – Since February 2011, MORF has been providing free binders to trans* masculine people in the UK and around the world. The free scheme (all you pay is the postage) has so far redistributed hundreds of binders. In 2014 alone, over 280 binders were sent out.
If you still remember your old bra size, you can find out your binder size by using theBra to Chest Size Converter Tool. If you don’t know your old bra size, you can measure yourself the old-fashioned way:
Take a snug measurement of the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure (best if measured while clothed) and write that number down onto a sheet of paper.
Measure underneath your chest where the crease is and write that number down as well.
Add those numbers together and divide the sum by 2. This number will differentiate your size not only from brand to brand but from binder to binder as well.
Selecting a binder brand and style can be difficult: there are so many options that it can be overwhelming! Plus, there aren’t very many reviews of binders other than those about Underworks’ and T-Kingdom’s more popular models. After buying your binder, help make the experience easier for guys in the future by contributing your review to one of the review sites listed below.
Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.
Lastly, consider the location of the company you’re buying from. Buying from a company that’s closer to you can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs.
How to Put On a Chest Binder
It might seem silly, but you’re probably going to need some help figuring out how to put on your new binder, particularly if you purchased one of the longer styles.
Put your binder inside out and upside down.
Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.
Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.
Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs. You may need to pull the bottom of the binder out from underneath itself if you don’t want it folded under. For others, leaving it folded under may help stop the binder from rolling up.
Don’t be disappointed if you look in the mirror and it looks like you have one big boob in the middle of your chest. You just need to adjust your chest. Reach in from the neck hole and push your chesticles down and out. You’re basically pushing your nipple toward your armpit to achieve the flattest looking chest possible.
FTM Chest Binding Tips
Very important: When binding, you should not by any means feel as though you can’t breathe or like you’re going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.
Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath.
Depending on the size of your chest, you may need to layer clothing on top of the binder to get optimal chest flattening. You’ll find that some of the shirts in your closet require you to layer more than shirts in your wardrobe.
You can swim in your binder. Just wear a sleeveless or sleeved T-shirt over it. Don’t worry if your binder seems less effective after a swim, this isn’t permanent. Simply wash it and it will go back to normal.
Your chest will look bigger than it really is when you look down at it. Check in the mirror for a more accurate side view.
Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.
Conclusion
Chest binding, as cumbersome as it may seem, can be very freeing for transgender men. There’s a plethora of quality FTM chest binding products available for body types of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of what you use for binding, please remember to put your health first. Now that you’re armed with all the information you need to find the right binder for you, go forth and feel more comfortable in your skin!
FTM Chest Binder Reviews
Chest Binder Reviews Site: Written reviews of various chest binding products. Binders are rated for effectiveness, comfort, and discreetness.
Binder Reviews’ YouTube Collab Channel: This is a collab channel dedicated to providing reviews of a wide variety of chest binders on different sizes and shapes of people.
Hudson’s Guide to FTM Binding: Includes a complete list of other products you can use for chest binding, such as compression garments and sports bras.
FYI Binding Tips: The Butchelor has some useful tips on how to put on a binder, how to keep it from rolling up, and how to wash a binder.
Do you have any tips about binding? Want to share your experience with a particular binder brand or model? Do you know of other binder manufacturers, particularly those outside of Asia and the US? Please leave your comments below.
im not saying you have to be a Natural Born Teacher & never wanna do anything else with your life beyond teaching, but like . the idea that teaching is a valid career option for any/every educated adult is a very very harmful one . the reason we have teachers who dont support and even hate kids/their students is because we tell everyone that “those who cant teach!” and it’s societally accepted that teaching is a great fallback career for anyone . which is absolutely 100% untrue . teachers are more involved with the lives of most children than even their PARENTS can be . you have to be able to control yourself and be able to address many tough situations . it isnt just your job to teach material , it’s your job to CARE . about EVERY STUDENT .
literally everyone involved would be better off if yall found a different job to settle for
“anyone can teach” implies that all adults are good role models , who will always act in the best interests of their students (even if the students are difficult to work with, even if the students are disabled, even if the students dont speak english, even if the students are LGBT+, even if the students are of different ethnicities, … ) which is NOT TRUE
One day, you’re driving along with a parent. As you pass a graveyard, they tell you jokingly “Hold your breath, you don’t want any spirits gettin’ in ya!” You roll your eyes and breathe normally, at least until you feel an odd tingling in your lungs. Immediately after, you hear a voice in your head. “Thanks kid, I was getting bored in my grave.”
I was freaking out! I choked back a scream, not wanting to startle my dad. “So, where we off to?” The voice asked. I tried to ignore it, hoping it would go away.
“Come on kid! I’ve been stuck in a grave at a cemetery for years! I’d like to know if I’m going to have fun for once.”
“The beach.” I spoke out loud.
My dad turned to me, “What was that?”
“I, uh, can’t wait to get to the beach. It’ll be nice to have a call afternoon for once.” I spoke nervously. My dad agreed, hopefully not finding anything suspicious. We continued to sit in silence, the only sound coming from the radio… And the voice in my head asking so many questions. I put the music up louder to drown out the voice. Although my dad complained, he didn’t try to lower it.
We finally got to the beach. The parking lot was full so we had to park somewhere else. It was a long walk to the beach, especially with our beach towels, beach umbrellas, and some snacks but it was very much with it. The warm sand felt soft between my toes and the sun to wind ratio was perfect. We found a spot and set out our belongings. The voice was quiet this whole time, I almost believed I was imagining the whole thing. I took a few pictures of the beach and the ocean in front of me.
“Are we going out for a swim?” I jumped. The voice was back. “Do you think you could go far out enough to see fish?!”
“I can’t swim well.” I mumbled. “And, leave me alone. Go back to the cemetery. Get out of my head. I just want a normal day with my dad.”
“Oh.. ok then. I mean, I can’t go back to the cemetery on my own. You’re stuck with me for now, but I’ll just leave you alone I guess.” The voice was quiet the rest of the day. I spent a whole day with my dad and had so much fun, but I couldn’t help but feel sad. No, it was more than just sad, it was loneliness and neglection. I don’t even think these were my emotions.
After we got home, I went to take a shower. It was a good time to try and figure out a way to get this voice out if my head. “How do I get you out of my head?” I asked. There was no reply. I tried once more but still nothing.
“Hey, voice in my head, I’m talking to you. How do I get you out?”
“So now you want to talk with me? Just like my family, if you could even call them that. They only talk to me when they need something- money, a favour, a place to stay- you name it. And when I died, they gave me a half assed funeral and not once did they visit me.”
I was stunned. I had no words. I was sure it was only saying this to make feel bad and apologise but I’m sure this was true.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Yeah, whatever. Anyway, of you want to get rid of me just go back to the cemetery and I’ll do the rest.”
I felt awful now. This person was used and then was forgotten just like that. I didn’t want to send them back to the grave like this.
There was a knock on the bathroom door.
“Hello?! Are you done in there? You’ve been in there for almost a half hour!” My dad shouted.
“Almost done!” I called back. I finished showering and got dressed before leaving the bathroom. I raced to my room and shut the door behind me.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“What?” The voice questioned.
“I don’t know your name and I don’t want to keep calling you ‘the voice in my head’, I’ll just sound insane.”
“Holland Barnum.”
“Pleasure to meet you Holland. I’m Grey.”
We talked for a few hours, getting to know each other and talking about how the world is now. For the sake of my dad not thinking I’m crazy, I had to have my phone up to my ear and pretend I was talking on the phone. Holland was pretty cool and had a great sense of humour. It was getting late so I had to sleep. Since Holland was dead, they didn’t need to sleep. It would be a long quiet night for them.
“I guess this’ll be the last time we talk, huh?” I heard them say, but I was too tired to form a complete sentence. All I could muster up was a groan. I knew I couldn’t let them live alone in that grave, not after what they told me.
When morning came, I went about my daily routine. Holland asked me when I was planning to go to the cemetery. “Soon.” I replied. I went out to the park and had a nice stroll. When I came home they asked me again. I replied, “Soon.”
Everyday Holland asked me when I’d go back to the cemetery and everyday I replied with “Soon”. Everyday when I had time to spare, I went out and did something fun. I went to parades, carnivals, circuses, hiking, et cetera. We became good friends and had a great time together.
“When are you planning on going to the cemetery?” Holland asked me once more.
“Soon.” I replied.
Okay I actually really enjoyed that- it leaves you kinda having to guess what the character means by ‘soon’, and I love that. But putting that aside, its just a good lil story to me-
rdj kissing josh brolin on the lips is such a power move. the man doesn’t give a single fuck. he’s the male protagonist archetype of this century but he will kiss as many guys as he pleases because he can and there’s nothing hollywood can do about it
i love how the media has rdj as this manly hetero Man Of Iron™ but he lives on a diferent dimension where sexuality is whatever the fuck he wants it to be. he will kiss man and women as he pleases. he will dress in pink and yellow and not give a single fuck.
MIRA–
Y SU FAVORITO–
robert has always not given a single fuck for people’s views in what he should wear and how openly affectioned he can be with men. he’s not here for fragile masculinity and heterosexuality. he will continue to kiss, hug and shower them all with love.
😍
Since the photos above focus on him kissing men, I feel the need to also add a few examples of his i don’t give a fuck outfits:
1) he’s a fashion disaster
2) all the guys getting kisses from him are literally b e a m i n g . they love it. they want more
This is on my dash again and the only day I don’t reblog this is the day I’m dead.
