'The Crown' star Emma Corrin wears chest binder in 'intimate' photos: 'It’s all a journey'
Emma Corrin is embracing their gender identity — and they're encouraging others to do so as well.
The actor, who uses she/they pronouns, detailed their experience of using a chest binder for the first time in an Instagram post Monday and emphasized the importance of doing it safely.
Chest binding is "wearing something to flatten the chest for the purpose of gender expression," according to Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
Most commonly worn by transgender and nonbinary people, chest binders can empower one to "feel affirmed in their gender" or "reduce gender dysphoria," she says.
Corrin, who portrays Princess Diana in Netflix's "The Crown," said it was "some time" before they bought a proper binder.
"Messing around with @sirdavidsimon, we used boxing wrap," they wrote alongside a series of black-and-white photos. "Thanks for capturing this with me, very intimate, very new, very cool. It’s all a journey right. Lots of twists and turns and change and that’s ok! Embrace it."
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Corrin concluded their post with advice: "Bind safely, find what works for you" and recommended binders from the transgender-owned brand gc2b as well as the eco-friendly and UK-based Spectrum Outfitters.
According to Peitzmeier, it is important to bind safely and avoid using alternatives such as duct tape or elastic bandages.
"Try taking a day off from binding each week, and wear a correctly sized binder. Don't get a smaller one for more compression, and don't wear multiple binders at a time," she advises.
Celebrities took to the comments to show their support for Corrin on Monday.
Jennifer Garner commented with three heart emojis, while "13 Reasons Why" actor Tommy Dorfman wrote, "I love you so much."
This isn't the first time Corrin has opened up about their identity. In April, the Golden Globe-winning actor publicly shared they were queer in an Instagram post.
"ur fave queer bride," Corrin captioned a photo of themself in a wedding dress.
Corrin turned heads in Season 4 of "The Crown" due to the actor's striking resemblance to Princess Diana. Most recently, they are starring alongside Harry Styles in the upcoming romantic drama "My Policeman," which follows a bisexual police officer (Styles) who marries a schoolteacher (Corrin).
Emma Corrin as Princess Diana: See Corrin in Diana's wedding dress
Contributing: Erin Jensen
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Emma Corrin wears chest binder in 'intimate' photos: What is binding?