Gender Presentation

Gender presentation usually refers to the way one presents their gender visually. Gender presentation may involve hair, body shape, clothing, or accessories. One’s voice, mannerisms, and the way they take up space may also play a role in how they present their gender to the world.

If you’re just starting out with exploring gender expression, check out our Beginner's Guide to Gender Euphoria.

What Are Gender Affirming Products?

Gender-affirming products are items designed to temporarily align one’s physical appearance with their desired gender presentation. Gender-affirming products can be used by anyone regardless of gender identity. Download our digital gender-affirming product guide to learn about different products and their functions. Most product images are linked to that brand’s store, so feel free to explore on your own as well.

Download the Gender Product Guide!

Binding Resources

Binders are one of the most common and widely available gender-affirming items primarily marketed toward trans individuals. Many new binders have joined the market in recent years, but not all are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. If you are looking to purchase a binder, but aren't sure what to look for, please refer to our B inding 101 Guide! If you would like to talk with an expert or get personalized recommendations on what binder brands would best suit your needs, email or schedule a meeting with the Health Equity Advocate. If you would like to see, feel, and compare binders from major brands in person before making your purchase, please schedule an appointment with our Gender Product Library (GPL). If you would like to try out binding tape with a TransTape test kit, please email or schedule an appointment with the Health Equity Advocate.

If you cannot afford a binder or are encountering other obstacles related to safety and access, check out our Binder Exchange Program or our Gender Affirming Product Program (GAPP)!

Binding 101 Guide

Binder and Bra Exchange Program

The RCSGD’s Binder and Bra Exchange Program is a way for UCSB students to pass their binders and bras on to others in need. If you need a binder or bra and can’t afford to buy one, please contact equity@sa.ucsb.edu or ask the RCSGD front desk attendant about the Binder Exchange Program.

If you no longer need your binder or bra or have one that no longer fits you, please consider donating to this program so we can continue to provide free items to students in need. Donations can be dropped off at the RCSGD front desk (3rd floor of the SRB) or coordinated with equity@sa.ucsb.edu.

A call for Binders and Bras! Donate or get a new one, email rcsgd@sa.ucsb.edu

Gender Affirming Product Program (GAPP)

UCSB's Gender Affirming Product Program (GAPP) is a 5-year program funded by the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC). This program aims to provide free gender-affirming products for students who may have difficulty accessing these supplies on their own. If any obstacles (finances, logistics, safety, etc.) have prevented you from obtaining safe and effective gender-affirming items, please check out this interest form. Applications will open at the start of each quarter (fall, winter, and spring) and will close once funds have been exhausted for that quarter.

Apply to GAPP here!

Gender-Affirming Product Program. Free gender-affrming products for students in need. Applications open fall, winter, and spring quarters. Must be actively enrolled at UCSB. Apply below! More info here! (QR Code) Send questions to Equity@sa.ucsb.edu

Gender-Affirming Product Library (GPL)

Gender-affirming products can be costly and are often only available to purchase online. It can be difficult to figure out what size, style, and brand to buy when you can't see the products in person. Our Gender Product Library offers an opportunity to see, touch, and ask questions about a wide variety of gender-affirming products. To view our Gender Product Library, schedule a viewing appointment with our Health Equity Advocate. They can also help you choose what types, sizes, styles, and brands might be right for you. We want you to feel confident and excited about affirming your gender!

Refer to our Gender Product Spreadsheet to see what products we currently have available for viewing. Our 80+ items include binders, gaffs, shapewear, packers, penis prosthetics, breast forms, auto-injectors, prosthetic nipples, binding tape, tucking tape, padding, STPs, sex toys, wigs, dilators, swimwear, menstrual products, and more!

Items in the library are only for reference/education and cannot be taken home. Viewing is available by appointment to UCSB affiliates of all identities, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni. If you would like to schedule a group viewing or workshop, please reach out to equity@sa.ucsb.edu.

Gender Product Library. A collection of 80+ gender-affirming products used for education, reference, and exploration. Information copied to website.

Gender-Affirming Product Mini-grants

The RCSGD is able to provide mini-grants* to students who cannot afford gender-affirming items. The RCSGD can also help if you are unable to safely order/receive a gender-related product without being outed or questioned. If you need help purchasing a gender-affirming item, please reach out to the RCSGD at rcsgd@sa.ucsb.edu and specify what kind of help you need (financial, discretionary, logistical, etc.).

*Mini-grants must be awarded through the financial aid office and therefore, have the potential to minorly impact your existing financial aid. If you have concerns about financial aid impact, email rcsgd@sa.ucsb.edu.

Voice Training

If you have UC SHIP and would like to see a licensed speech pathologist, please reach out to a Student Health provider for a referral. Our recommended in-network licensed speech pathologists are Lisa Bolden at UCLA and Katherine Yung at SF Voice. There are no in-network providers for UC SHIP in the Santa Barbara area, but voice therapy is frequently and easily conducted via video chat.

If you would prefer a free option or want to avoid going through insurance, you can check out the voice training classes offered by the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center’s Trans* Lounge every few months. Events are free, but you must register as a Trans* Lounge member to access their calendar.

To get started on your own, check out these Introductory Voice Training Resources or these online DIY guides for Vocal Feminization and Vocal Masculinization!

Hair

These businesses are either queer-owned or come recommended by the local queer community. Please check pricing and specialties on their shop websites before booking.