A range of specially tailored underwear for transgender and non-binary children has been launched by an international transgender influencer. Forbes ‘30-Under-30’ listed transgender businesswoman, Carmen Liu, has launched the co-brand in response to the recent high-court decision to raise the age of consent for puberty blockers; a controversial move that has dramatic consequences for trans and non-binary children. The Carmen Liu Kids briefs are designed to flatten the front profile of the body without the need to tuck, a technique that Liu feels is “unnecessary” and “unethical” for children’s products.
Carmen Liu is best known for hosting the world’s first transgender lingerie fashion show in 2019, which debuted Carmen Liu Lingerie and its first sold-out line. Liu set out to abolish the frustration she faced as a transgender woman when it came to underwear selection, or the lack of it. Liu has now turned her attention to providing transgender children with the same opportunity.
Liu adds, “I have honestly put my heart into every detail of Carmen Liu Kids to allow them to learn, have fun and just be kids! That’s what’s your childhood should be about and that’s what I’ve created.”
The cotton briefs, available individually or in packs of 3, feature a layered design and are lined with a cotton gusset for comfort. The specialist fabrics have been tested to withstand a child's energy and were selected to perform a very special job – allowing the child to feel confident within themselves.
Liu explains her decision to create the brand by saying, “The launch of Carmen Liu Kids is a pivotal moment for all trans and non-binary children globally. I do not yet have children; however, I know it’s not fair that they should live terrible childhoods because they themselves, their families or guardians are not heard. This recent move by the court system does not show equality to all youth.”
Liu continues by saying, “I know what it feels like to not have something so simple such as underwear. It’s shocking what this world does to you when you are shunned by people, authorities and businesses – many of which don’t care or know about the horrific things that happen to trans people. This must change. I am listening to all trans and non-binary children, other people must do the same.”
The world’s-first trans/non-binary kids’ underwear are part of a wider project aimed at taking transgender/non-binary children and their support system on a journey of learning, interacting and building awareness.
Parents of the trans/non-binary child will initially purchase a Carmen Liu Kids Journal Pack which includes an activities book, tape measure, a letter from Liu dedicated to the child, and other educational resources for children. The Journal Packs are available worldwide with Carmen Liu offering complimentary priority shipping. The underwear comes as the second stage of the child’s progression, available in 7 unique flower names instead of using traditional sizing numbers.
