What about at concerts?

[89thDay]

Hey all!
So I just purchased tickets for my first ever concert today, and needless to say I'm pretty dang excited. However, something occurred to me: is it going to be safe to wear my binder? While my binder is normally fine and has served me well for many years[Underworks 997], I'm a bit worried that I'll get overheated or maybe have trouble breathing during the show. I've never been to a concert before either, so I'm honestly not sure how warm it's going to get.

Some extra details: The concert is for Mindless Self Indulgence, which is classified as Punk rock/Breakcore, so this is very much not a "chill" show. From what I've heard, it's common to be smashing up against each other, and it gets horrendously hot, especially if you get involved in the mosh pit or even just dancing with everyone else.

Additional question: Think I could get away with using the guy bathrooms at the venue? I'm not sure how on-alert people might be at this. I'd really like to, as I'm still trying to get the courage for it, and a concert like this seems a perfect time for a "what the hell" plunge

Much thanks!
--Lukas

[Sebryn]

The answers to your questions really depend on the venue. Indoor? Outdoor? Club? Amphitheater? Personally I've never had one issue at "rough" concerts (death metal and so on and some punk rock)....just make sure you pack as well though most people don't give two hoots.

Restrooms in general at most concerts women will also use the mens room with no problem and no one cares one bit (in case you're worried about not passing), mainly because the lines for the mens room are shorter.

I have asthma and before my recent surgery have always used binders, you'll be hot and sweaty for sure so make sure to hydrate as much as you can and no alcohol if you can avoid it. You'll want to keep on your toes after all.

[89thDay]

Not entirely sure how small the venue is, but I know it's indoors. Looking around, people are saying it's 2000-3000 people when packed. The concert is at the Palladium in Worcester, MA, if that helps any.

I wouldn't be drinking anyway, the group I'm going with[myself included] are all under 21, and not exactly the drinking types. But I shall keep that comment about water very much in mind! I'm just worried that I'll get too hot and have to go to the back to get some air, then battle my way back up to the front again Dx

[Cloudchamber]

I agree with Sebryn, I think you'll fine in a binder that you're comfortable wearing. You said you've had it for a while too- so it's probably a little stretched out, which is good for situations like this. If you're worried about overheating, maybe just stay clear of the mosh pit all together and enjoy from a bit of a distance.

You could also pack a sports bra in a backpack or something to change into if your binder starts to become unbearable. I've done that in some strenuous situations and it's been a life saver.

Most importantly: Have fun at your first concert! Good luck

[Frank]

Oh! Oh! Oh! Concerts are my thing! I got this one!

Use a, ahem, used binder. I've been to some hardcore Warped shows where I spent more time lifting out people having panic attacks and crowd surfers than paying attention to the show. I wouldn't want to do that in a brand spanking new binder (not to mention sweating all over a new binder?) Other than that, people really aren't apt to notice or care. In my experience, most of the music crowd is androgynous anyway.

Remember to keep hydrated. Wearing a binder and extra layers to compensate does not mix well with having people smashed so tight against you they become your second skin. Have fun!

[FilaFord]

Additional question: Think I could get away with using the guy bathrooms at the venue? I'm not sure how on-alert people might be at this. I'd really like to, as I'm still trying to get the courage for it, and a concert like this seems a perfect time for a "what the hell" plunge

As someone who has been to a lot of concert venue's Men's bathrooms, you might want to skip out.  Expect the stalls to be in port-a-potty conditions at best.

You'll probably see guys peeing in the sink and in the trashcans depending on how late into their binge they are... especially at an MSI show

[overdrive]

If you've been binding for many years like you mention then I'm not entirely sure what the issue is here. Binding for that long you certainly have in very hot temperatures such as humid summer weather or even a crowded building for that matter to get an idea how you would handle the temperature. I'm sure you've also been active in some capacity to understand how you personally can handle heavy activity when binding. Just think of both instances combined and how you do. If you have issues with either or are borderline not able to handle either then yeah go with looser binding such as stretched out binder. If you're good with both of the above with absolutely no issues then bind as usual. You'll want to bind or lay very well if small chested at least when going so you can use the restrooms but like people said, there will likely be people peeing in the sink even so people won't even glance at you using the mens room.

[GnomeKid]

MSI is the ->-bleeped-<-.

I've definitely worn a binder to an MSI show before (at around this same time of year... but maybe 6 years ago [...man was it really so long ago....) and was just fine. 

People do get rough-ish, but I've definitely seen much more intense crowds than at an MSI show.  Either way have fun! 

As for the restrooms I agree with whoever said the womens rest room may just be cleaner.  At those kind of events lots of people wouldn't even notice what bathroom they're in anyway.  I think I was still in the phases of using the women's room in those days, and I didn't get a question... Oftentimes much of the gender spectrum shows up for an MSI show, so I wouldn't expect to get hassled either way you choose to go.