A Katy ISD student club participated in a clothing drive for children who identify as transgender that included “binders,” which medical studies show can cause severe health issues when worn by biological females.
Cinco Ranch High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) chapter wrote on Instagram that their members spoke at the “Transparent Closet” event hosted by First Christian Church (FCC) in Katy, according to the social media account Libs of TikTok. The student group has since made its Instagram account private.
“On Thursday, some of our officers went to First Christian Church to discuss the Gender Fluidity Policy and its impact on Katy ISD trans youth,” the post read.
Katy ISD began enforcing a policy this school year that requires teachers to inform parents if their children communicate a desire to identify as a different gender.
FCC’s event provided free clothing for “exploring teens” and children who identify as transgender.
“Transparent Closet Is a FREE clothing boutique designed for trans and exploring teens, youth, and young adults to have a safe place for clothing needs and beyond,” FCC’s website states. “When you come to the closet, you will be welcomed into a space just for you. Here you will find all kinds of clothes, undergarments, binders, hair accessories, style accessories, make-up, and more.”
Biological females who identify as transgender may use chest binders to compress their breast tissue to give a more masculine appearance. However, long-term use of binders can cause blood clots, collapsed lungs, and back problems, according to the McLean Clinic.
While acknowledging the potential risks of using chest binders, Very Well Health describes the practice of chest binding as an “important part of gender expression for some transmasculine people.” The group notes that chest dysphoria — which it defines as “extreme distress and discomfort caused by having breasts” — is “thought to play a role in the high rates of suicide among transmasculine teens and young adults.”
Katy ISD did not respond to a request for comment.
FCC focuses on LGBTQ issues at its church.
“The mission of FCC Katy is to welcome all people as sacred & valued children of God regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, gender identity & expression, age, family configuration, physical & mental ability, and cultural or economic privilege or lack thereof,” FCC’s website states.
GSAs are active in more than 4,000 schools across the country, according to a report by activist Christopher Ruffo. GSA’s manifesto includes calls for the “Abolition of the Police, ICE, Borders, and the Judicial System,” “Decolonization and Reparations for all Indigenous and Black Peoples,” “an End to Global White Supremacy,” and an “End of the Cisgender Heterosexual Patriarchy.” The national group has more than $2 million in assets, per Influence Watch.
