Grace in the Garms

Sadé Mica

Binding is a method of flattening the chest practiced by some trans people in order to better align their body with their sense of self. Puffa, Blue and Pressed are part of a series exploring the artist's experience of chest dysphoria.

Challenging the idea that binding should be done in secret so as not to outwardly appear trans, Mica decided instead to celebrate these garments and incorporate them into their everyday style. By being open about binding their chest, Mica allowed themselves to feel more free about their gender, as well as more physically comfortable.

Both functional pieces of clothing and artworks, Puffa, Blue and Pressed counter the negativity and binaries placed on trans people's bodies. Mica says, "Through making these garments I am learning more about my body and relationship to my chest and trying to subvert expectations placed upon me by others. Instead I am being thoughtful and kind to my body, finding new ways of feeling at home in it without being rid of parts that make me uncomfortable."

Image: Blue, Sade Mica, 2019.

About the contributor(s)

Sadé Mica is based in Manchester, UK. Their current practice explores their experiences navigating the world as a "fat, queer, black person" and the nuances that brings in fleshing out an identity that, in their experience, is often met with contempt and confusion. They use photography, textiles, print and film alongside other mediums to document their body and emotions, and the facets of their identity they feel are most pressing in regards to their worldview.