The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management published a Pride Month emergency preparedness guide telling LGBTQ residents to stockpile chest binders, packers, wigs, and hormones alongside standard disaster supplies.
The guide appeared Tuesday on the agency’s Facebook page under the heading “Emergency Preparedness Guide for LGBTQ People.”
“This #PrideMonth, OEM is sharing practical steps for LGBTQ+ residents to prepare.”
Standard recommendations include medication, important documents, and hygiene supplies. But the list diverges into gender-specific items: chest binders, packers, cosmetics, wigs, and hormonal medication.
The guide warns of difficulties for people “who rely on gender-affirming clothing” and recommends taking breaks from chest binders on hot days.
OEM defended the guide to the Daily Caller, saying the agency’s role is to ensure residents are prepared and that June presented an opportunity to address challenges faced by some LGBTQ community members.
The agency said the post advances their objective if it draws attention to emergency preparedness. OEM reminded everyone to be prepared as Atlantic Hurricane Season begins.
When asked to clarify the necessity of chest binders, packers, and wigs in emergencies, OEM did not respond.
The post claims LGBTQ people are almost twice as likely as the overall population to be displaced after disasters and far more likely to face food insecurity, unsanitary conditions, and isolation during recovery.
The guide concludes by stating that planning for everyone creates a stronger and safer Annapolis for all.
