TAPE TRADE

The pitfalls (pun intended) of binding as a transmasculine/male metal mosher

NPZ #1 — NOVEMBER 2024 — PAGE 16

When I started going to metal shows, something that did hold me back was the lack of physicality I could engage in. Binding was not great in the long term. I had constant back pain, sometimes a hard time breathing, and god forbid I had to do any running. During my first pit (pg. 4), I quickly ran out of breath because I was sprinting with a constricting binder, but the power of “Creeping Death” had compelled me.

For my binding guys out there, I highly recommend swapping to tape. That shit changed my life pre-op (though disclaimer may not be good for sensitive skin). I found it as an amazing alternative, like I could actually breathe, and able to be more active like moshing at shows without worrying about pain.

Not paid to say this, but I always bought from TransTape, which I will preach to everyone. I am, however, PARTNERED because they asked to collaborate with me on 2 ORIGINAL SHIRT DESIGNS. Available for purchase until Jan 31, with a commission going towards myself with each purchase! (I’ll have my affiliate link in my bio/online, and also a 10% discount with code: NOTAMUTEMAIN) [Note: the campaign has ended as of 1/31/25]

More details are on @notamutemain, but here I can add exclusive info that I snuck in a couple METALLICA references in my designs. On “SELF MADE MAN” (below) (yes, I reused the title, sue me!), I snatched the collage letters from a vintage Metallica show flyer. Also, used a photo of young James Hetfield in my masculine mood board (please don’t sue me!)

As for the promo (right), this photo of the band was perfect, with Lars and Jason as the lovely models of the product. Lars is wearing “(P)RIDE” in white, and Jason has “SELF MADE MAN” in black.

Photos: ME WEARING MY SHIRTS!