Gender Resource and Advocacy Center
Gender Resource and Advocacy Center / LGBTQ+ Resources

LGBTQ+ Resources

Lift Up!

“Lift Up” is a collaborative project between the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center (GRAC) and Campus Recreation that is designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for students of all genders and body types to approach their fitness, particularly students who are less experienced or comfortable using fitness centers. Lift Up hours are from 4-6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and are staffed by students, and on some occasions a trainer, to assist.

B4B at the GRAC:

Binders/Breast Forms 4 Bearcats (B4B) is a gender affirmation program offered through the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center that provides chest binders and safe binding educational resources to Willamette University students looking to alleviate gender dysphoria and find gender euphoria. Our intention is to provide a healthy, safe, and private option at no cost for students in an effort to support self-determination and reduce common financial and/or social barriers. Funding has been provided by the Community Action Fund for Equity and Sustainability.

Binders for Bearcats Application Form

Breast Forms for Bearcats Application Form

Email grac-info@willamette.edu for more information about the B4B program and check out this chest binding article or chest binding video for more tips and tricks about binding.

Safe Binding 101:

  • binding is not risk free
  • never use ace bandages
  • practice caution if you use Trans or KT Tape
  • don’t bind for more than 8 hours, and take breaks during the day if you can
  • never bind when you’re sleeping, napping or sick
  • avoid binding if you’re doing physical activity (running, dancing, working out)
  • If you wear it daily try to 1-2 days off each week
  • listen to your body

Red Flag Feelings:

If you experience any of these, take a break! your body needs rest (or your binder’s too tight) -

  • back/chest/shoulder pain
  • tingling or numbness
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness
  • skin marks or irritation

If these feelings are persistent and/or concerning, please consult a medical provider:

Bishop Wellness Center @ WU (503) 370-6062
Salem Urgent Care on Bellevue St.
(503) 814-5554

Community Resources

The list of community resources below is not exhaustive but hopes to provide information about key concerns for Willamette Students. Please send us an email if you are concerned about information being outdated, irrelevant, or you have additional subjects/websites to contribute.