UP & Away offers free binders and waist cinchers for residents of Illinois who want them but are not able to afford them or who are not able to safely purchase them on their own. This program proudly serves all Champaign County residents, with a review process for applicants residing in neighboring counties (Piatt, Douglas, Edgar, Vermilion, Ford, McLean). Applicants from neighboring counties will be contacted if our supply allows us to assist those outside our service area. We are not currently serving residents of Chicago or Cook County. Thanks to a community donation, we also have a small amount of tucking underwear available. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE ITEMS TO PEOPLE LIVING OUTSIDE THE STATE OF ILLINOIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.
If you want to apply for a free item with our program, you must have an email address that Uniting Pride can use to contact you. Check your inbox and spam folder frequently after applying, and if you do not receive an email from a staff member within one week of submitting your application, reach out to [email protected], as you may have missed an email from us or entered your email address incorrectly.
If you want to apply for a free item with our program, you must have an email address that Uniting Pride can use to contact you. Check your inbox and spam folder frequently after applying, and if you do not receive an email from a staff member within one week of submitting your application, reach out to [email protected], as you may have missed an email from us or entered your email address incorrectly.
We also offer free sizing consultations for anyone who wants help preparing to purchase a binder or waist cincher on their own. To schedule an appointment or ask questions about the program, please email us at [email protected].
We also welcome community donations of new or gently used gender-affirming items. Please note that used items must be in generally good condition and be free of stains and scents of any kind. You may send donations to our mailing address or drop them off in person at our office in suite 121 of the University YMCA.
We also welcome community donations of new or gently used gender-affirming items. Please note that used items must be in generally good condition and be free of stains and scents of any kind. You may send donations to our mailing address or drop them off in person at our office in suite 121 of the University YMCA.
Mailing address:
Uniting Pride of Champaign County
University YMCA
1001 S Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Uniting Pride of Champaign County
University YMCA
1001 S Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
FAQ
I technically have enough money in my bank account to purchase a binder/waist cincher, but I need to spend that money on food/medicine/rent/other necessities. Could I still qualify?
Yes! If you have money, but need to spend it on other things, and this financial strain prevents you from spending money on gender-affirming items, you qualify for our program.
I’m an Illinois resident but live outside Champaign County. Can I apply?
You can! We are currently prioritizing residents of Champaign County, followed by residents in neighboring counties (Piatt, Douglas, Edgar, Vermilion, Ford, McLean). Just keep in mind that we have to regulate the amount of items we provide outside our main service area (Champaign County) due to funding constraints. Because of this, there may be times when we have to wait to fill an order, but we always do our best to serve anyone in Illinois in need to the best of our abilities! Be sure that your zip code is listed accurately on your application and we will get back to you as soon as we can about timing.
Does this program have any age restrictions?
No. Anyone of any age is welcome to apply.
I don’t identify as transgender. Can I still apply?
Yes! We’re not concerned with the labels that our applicants use. If you think that a binder or waist cincher would help you feel more comfortable with your body or more confident in the way you present yourself, you’re welcome to apply.
I don’t experience gender dysphoria. Can I still apply?
Yes! Same response as above: If you think that a binder or waist cincher would help you feel more comfortable with your body or more confident in the way you present yourself, you’re welcome to apply.
What personal information will I need to share to receive my gender-affirming item?
Besides the information we ask for on the application form, you will be asked to provide your mailing address if you are not able to pick up your item at our office. You will also be asked to fill out a demographic survey with information that Uniting Pride is required to report to the organizations that provide funding for programs like UP & Away. You will provide your birth year, as well as information about your race/ethnicity and gender, but this information will not be connected to your name.
I’m AMAB and want to apply for a binder, or AFAB and want to apply for a cincher. Can I?
Yes! The gender you were assigned at birth will never be a part of our application process.
Who will see my application? Who will I be talking to throughout this process?
Your application will be reviewed by Uniting Pride staff and will not be shared beyond that.
I’m not sure what size to ask for. What should I do?
If you’re able to visit our office, we can help you find the perfect size. We have been trained in sizing by gc2b, and we have gender-neutral restrooms where you can try on our items in private. Otherwise, we can help you find your size at home over email.
The gender-affirming items in your inventory won’t work for my body type. What can I do?
We’re always working to expand our offerings. Reach out to us and we can discuss options. We may be able to pay for an item in part or in full that we don't currently have in stock in order to meet your needs.
Yes! If you have money, but need to spend it on other things, and this financial strain prevents you from spending money on gender-affirming items, you qualify for our program.
I’m an Illinois resident but live outside Champaign County. Can I apply?
You can! We are currently prioritizing residents of Champaign County, followed by residents in neighboring counties (Piatt, Douglas, Edgar, Vermilion, Ford, McLean). Just keep in mind that we have to regulate the amount of items we provide outside our main service area (Champaign County) due to funding constraints. Because of this, there may be times when we have to wait to fill an order, but we always do our best to serve anyone in Illinois in need to the best of our abilities! Be sure that your zip code is listed accurately on your application and we will get back to you as soon as we can about timing.
Does this program have any age restrictions?
No. Anyone of any age is welcome to apply.
I don’t identify as transgender. Can I still apply?
Yes! We’re not concerned with the labels that our applicants use. If you think that a binder or waist cincher would help you feel more comfortable with your body or more confident in the way you present yourself, you’re welcome to apply.
I don’t experience gender dysphoria. Can I still apply?
Yes! Same response as above: If you think that a binder or waist cincher would help you feel more comfortable with your body or more confident in the way you present yourself, you’re welcome to apply.
What personal information will I need to share to receive my gender-affirming item?
Besides the information we ask for on the application form, you will be asked to provide your mailing address if you are not able to pick up your item at our office. You will also be asked to fill out a demographic survey with information that Uniting Pride is required to report to the organizations that provide funding for programs like UP & Away. You will provide your birth year, as well as information about your race/ethnicity and gender, but this information will not be connected to your name.
I’m AMAB and want to apply for a binder, or AFAB and want to apply for a cincher. Can I?
Yes! The gender you were assigned at birth will never be a part of our application process.
Who will see my application? Who will I be talking to throughout this process?
Your application will be reviewed by Uniting Pride staff and will not be shared beyond that.
I’m not sure what size to ask for. What should I do?
If you’re able to visit our office, we can help you find the perfect size. We have been trained in sizing by gc2b, and we have gender-neutral restrooms where you can try on our items in private. Otherwise, we can help you find your size at home over email.
The gender-affirming items in your inventory won’t work for my body type. What can I do?
We’re always working to expand our offerings. Reach out to us and we can discuss options. We may be able to pay for an item in part or in full that we don't currently have in stock in order to meet your needs.