A protester is silhouetted against a trans pride flag during a pro-transgender rights protest outside of Seattle Children's Hospital, Feb. 9, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, file)

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to 12 companies that sell chest binders, including a Chicago-based sex-toy shop called Early to Bed.

The FDA alleges that Early to Bed and other companies are “illegally marketing” chest binders to children to treat gender dysphoria. A chest binder is a piece of clothing that compresses a person’s chest to achieve a flatter and more masculine shape. They are commonly used by transgender individuals.

In a press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary also claimed that chest binders are Class 1 medical devices that can cause long-term lung damage.

While short-term breathing issues and other complications are possible, chest binding is generally considered safe if done properly. There are very few studies done on binders’ impact on respiratory health.

The letters also require Early to Bed and the other retailers to register with the FDA on the grounds that they are marketing medical devices to treat a disease (gender dysphoria). While gender dysphoria is a medical condition, chest binders have never been considered more than garments comparable to compression clothing or sports bras.

The letters are consistent with the Trump administration’s hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on transgender individuals. A Republican-sponsored bill that criminalizes the use of gender-affirming care for minors recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.