Here are some common words, terms, definitions, and questions you may encounter when you’re learning about transmasc or transmasculine gender:
- Transmasculine/transmasc
- Masculine of center
- Nonbinary and masc
- Trans man
- FTM
- Testosterone
- Puberty blocker
- Hair loss
- Binding
- Mood swings and testosterone
- Voice changes with and without gender-affirming hormones
- Staying stealth
- Understanding clothing sizes
- How do I know I’m transmasculine?
- What are some names for my gender identity if I’m transmasculine?
- Why don’t people say “FTM” anymore?
- What are my hormone options for taking testosterone?
- Is there a natural way to transition without synthetic hormones?
- Can I be transmasculine without using hormones?
- Where do I find other transmasculine folks?
Transmasculine / Transmasc
Masculine of center
Some people choose “masculine of center” to describe a gender identity towards the masculine side of a masculine to feminine continuum.
Nonbinary and masculine
Some nonbinary people also identify as masculine or with expressions of masculinity. They might or might not also identify as “masculine of center,” transmasculine or transmasc, or with another gender term.
Trans man
A man who is transgender. Transgender is a term used to describe a person who has a gender identity that differs from the one they were assigned at birth. A transgender man is someone who identifies as a man and was not assigned male at birth. Some other terms for trans men are FTM, transmasculine people, or “assigned female at birth” (AFAB). Not all terms resonate with all people, and language is always evolving.
FTM
An abbreviation for “female to male,” the word FTM describes someone who was assigned female at birth. Some other terms for FTM folks are trans men or transmasculine people or “assigned female at birth” (AFAB). Some people like the shorthand of FTM when describing their gender (as it indicates both their assigned at birth and current gender). Others prefer not to use this term, as they don’t feel it fits how they view their identity or gender.
Testosterone
Testosterone (often called “T”) is a naturally occurring hormone that is typically produced in all bodies, but in different amounts for different bodies. For gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy), our Care Team prescribes synthetic testosterone. This medication is very similar to the testosterone all bodies naturally make. You can learn more about T and how to use it here.
Puberty blocker
Some gender-affirming medications can change your hormonal makeup by stopping your body from producing certain hormones. Since everyone’s body makes different amounts of estrogen and testosterone, blockers simply “block” one type of these hormones. Often, blockers are used in combination with other hormones to support gender transition. You can learn more about blockers here.
Hair loss
Binding
Binding is the practice of flattening or minimizing the appearance of your chest. Some people bind with sports bras while others wear a special garment called a binder. Binding is safe and can help alleviate gender dysphoria, but there are some precautions to help prevent injury. Learn more about safe binding here.
Mood swings and testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that affects every system in your body, from your reproductive organs to your skin and hair. T can influence your emotions as well. While many people are anxious about T making them angry or reactive, most folks report that T makes them feel happy and confident. Learn more about emotional changes on T here.
Voice changes with and without gender-affirming hormones
One of the most dramatic, early changes that T causes is lowering the voice. At first, it may sound husky—as though you have a cold. Within the first year on T, you will likely notice a significant drop in your voice. If you’re not interested in hormones, you can achieve a more “masculine” voice by using vocal training exercises to learn to speak in a new way. Learn more about vocal changes on T (and off T) here.
Staying stealth
“Stealth” commonly refers to a transgender person who does not share that they are transgender and may present as cisgender. Being stealth can be a choice that someone makes for their own privacy, for safety reasons, to avoid scrutiny or discrimination, or because they don’t feel it is necessary to talk about their medical history with some or all people in their life.
Another term you might hear is “passing.” Passing is a term used to indicate being perceived as cisgender.For example, a trans man who is “passing” is seen as a cisgender man and not recognized as being trans; this might be by choice or just because of how someone looks and presents themself. Some folks can “pass” as cisgender by taking hormones (gender-affirming hormone therapy, sometimes called HRT), changing their voice, body language, or other gender expression. Passing is sometimes a transition goal for people, while others are not interested in looking or being perceived as cis.
Understanding clothing sizes
When you embrace your masculinity, one of the first things you may notice is that clothes are very gendered. Women’s sizing is very different from men’s sizing! It can be hard to find the right fit or figure out what to buy. Before you go shopping, make sure you have your measurements: waist, hips, inseam, shoulders, and chest. Then, compare them to the sizing chart most brands have on their website or in stores. If you sew your own clothes, use the pattern size on the back of the pattern. With these measurements, you can choose (or make!) clothing that fits without having to guess.
How do I know I’m transmasculine?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people know and understand from an early age that they don’t identify with their assigned gender. Other people realize their identity is different than they assumed later in life. If imagining yourself as male, masculine, or “not female” makes you feel happy, you may be transmasculine.
What are some names for my gender identity if I’m transmasculine?
Some of the other words transmasculine people use to describe their gender identity are: trans, nonbinary, trans man, FTM, AFAB, butch, stud, boi or boy, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, genderfucked, or genderfluid. Use whatever words feel right to you—you’re the expert on your own identity!
Why don’t people say “FTM” anymore?
FTM is still commonly used and understood to describe one type of gender transition. There’s nothing wrong with saying FTM or identifying that way. For many trans people, we don’t transition “to” another gender—we change our gender expression to align with the identity we’ve always had. We didn’t start female and “become” male, we were always ourselves. If you’re hoping to talk to other people who are on a journey like yours, check out Plume Support Groups!
What are my hormone options for taking testosterone?
If you want to try gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy), you have several options. Testosterone comes in the forms of a patch, skin cream or gel, or injection. Depending on your needs, you can try any of these types of hormones. They all work well, and they all give you the same results. Reach out to your Plume Care Team to learn more!
Is there a natural way to transition without synthetic hormones?
While some people have used herbal remedies as part of their transition, Plume prefers to recommend FDA-approved, clinically supported treatments. This includes medications such as testosterone and other supports. If you’re interested in T and want to learn more about creating a care plan that will align with your transition goals, reach out to your Plume Care Team to learn more!
Can I be transmasculine without using hormones?
Yes, your gender identity has nothing to do with what medications you take. Gender identity is a deeply personal, inherent part of who someone is. You are transgender, nonbinary, or transmasculine as soon as you acknowledge that part of yourself. You get to define your identity—because you’re the expert on who you are!
Where do I find other transmasculine folks?
Every Plume Member gets access to a six-week series of support groups as part of their Membership. In these weekly groups, Members can meet and talk with folks who have a lot in common with them, such as nonbinary identity, people with questions about testosterone, and others. Each group is a safe, confidential space facilitated by a trained community member. To learn more about Support Groups and sign up, click here!
Co-founded by one of the leading voices in transgender healthcare, Dr. Jerrica Kirkley (she/her), Plume is the #1 gender-affirming healthcare provider in the world. Plume provides care and support for gender transition. Our services include gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes called HRT or hormone replacement therapy) such as estrogen and testosterone prescriptions for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals. Plume also provides specialized health care for the trans community that includes peer support and medications for treating anxiety and depression. To become a Plume Member, click here.
