Overview
The Affirmation Access Project (AAP) is an initiative of the Northeastern University LGBTQA Resource Center that provides comprehensive support to Northeastern students who need access to gender-affirming healthcare, personal care items, and community supports. The AAP is grounded in values of respect, community care, abundance, and informed consent. Any current NU student, regardless of identity, is encouraged to make use of these resources if they feel relevant and helpful. All aspects of the AAP are completely free of charge.
The Center recognizes that accessing and exploring gender-affirming resources can be one of the most important factors for feeling safe, supported, and at ease on campus. However, gender-affirming resources often remain out of reach for students due to a combination of barriers related to cost, availability, knowledge, and community or family support. Exploring gender-affirming resources can also feel deeply intimidating given the ways in which gender diversity is stigmatized in many contexts.
The AAP seeks to replace stigma and scarcity with care and abundance, and the Project achieves this by:
- Making many gender-affirming resources available for free on a self-serve basis in Curry 174
- Distributing binders and tucking underwear for free and connecting students to information about safe use practices
- Providing a self-serve free thrift shop in Curry 174
- Distributing micro-grants to help students offset the costs of legal document updates, healthcare co-pays and co-insurance, and some forms of gender-affirming care not currently covered by the Northeastern University Student Health Plan
- Connecting students to staff-based and peer-based support for accessing gender-affirming care through Resource Navigation
AAP Resource Shelf
The AAP resource shelf is located in the Center’s student lounge area and includes a collection of free, self-serve resources. Core resources include:
- TransTape – similar to athletic or kinesthetic tape, TransTape was designed by a trans man to help people flatten their chest without a binder. TransTape can be worn over the course of multiple days, and it is safe to use while swimming, exercising, showering, and sleeping. TransTape can also be used for tucking and packing.
- Baby oil – Baby oil is essential for safe TransTape use. The removal oil helps the tape to safely release from the skin.
- Tucking kits – Two different types of tucking kits are offered, both of which can typically used for 4-6 hours at a time. These specially designed kits include shaped skin-safe adhesive panels, a cotton pad to protect sensitive skin, and instructions for use. Many people find that they are a more secure option than tucking underwear, especially for activities like dancing, going to the gym, swimming, performing arts, and other activities that involve a lot of movement.
- Beginner makeup kits – These kits include an eyeliner pencil, a lipstick, an eyeshadow palette, a mascara, a mini brush kit, and a pamphlet with a basic overview of how to use each product. They are a great option for people who have never explored makeup before or for people who are looking to upgrade and expand their options.
Binder and Tucking Underwear Program
Tucking underwear and binders must be requested and are distributed on an individual basis. Because safe use of these garments requires accurate sizing and certain safety precautions, we generally ask that students meet with a staff member or a Peer Resource Navigator to discuss safety, care, and sizing before we distribute a garment unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Request a binder or tucking underwear here.
