Female-to-Male (FTM)
FTM people’s gender expression is usually masculine, but some of them may choose an appearance that is not clearly masculine.
Some FTM individuals may experience gender dysphoria.
Click here to take a free gender dysphoria test.
The process for figuring out, accepting, and eventually expressing one’s female-to-male gender identity is called transition. There are medical and non-medical options for transitioning.
Female-to-male transition
Medical options for female-to-male transitioning are the following:
- Hormone therapy (testosterone therapy);
- Surgery or surgeries (facial masculinization surgery, male chest reconstruction surgery, removal of the uterus and fallopian tubes/ovaries, and/or phalloplasty surgery).
The capacity to make a fully informed decision, consent for treatment, and age of majority is a must for an individual to undergo female-to-male surgeries.
The idea that all female-to-male people need or want hormone therapy or surgery to transition is not true. Some female-to-male individuals do, some do not, for various reasons.
Here are some of the most common non-medical options for female-to-male transitioning:
- Legal name change (this option might be unavailable in some countries - it depends on a country's legal system);
- Wardrobe update/hairstyle change.
- Use of men’s bathroom/fitting rooms.
FTM flags
Some FTM people prefer the first and, undoubtedly, the most popular transgender pride flag designed in 1999 by Monica Helms, an American trans woman. It has five horizontal stripes. Their colors, from top to bottom, are as follows: light blue, pink, white, pink, light blue. The two light blue stripes symbolize men (as light blue is traditionally used for boys), the two pink ones represent women since pink is traditionally a girls’ color. The central white stripe stands for people who are in the process of transitioning, intersex, genderless people, and individuals whose gender is neutral or undefined.
Some of the members of the female-to-male community in the USA use this flag with an added canton to represent the North American transgender identity.
But there’s another part of FTM people who prefer the "Andrew design" created in the same year. This trans pride flag was made specifically for female-to-male people. It has seven stripes alternating in light pink and light blue separated by thin white stripes. In the upper left hoist corner of the flag, there are female and male signs in lavender color put together. It’s one of the versions of the female-to-male symbols.
There’s a third version of the transgender flag created in Israel (the year of creation is unknown). Its color is neon green. The flag also features the black female, male, and male with stroke symbols put together and overlaid in the center. It’s the second and probably the most well-known female-to-male symbol.
Female-to-male and sexual orientation
Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is male, female, neither, both, etc. It’s not visible to others. The same goes for sexual orientation which means an inherent sexual desire and/or romantic attraction to someone.
Some people affirm that FTM individuals are predominantly heterosexual and normally have lesbian histories. But recent data challenge this assumption. It turns out that female-to-male people may be sexually attracted to men, women, agender people, or individuals of any other gender identity.
What pronouns should I use when talking to a female-to-male person?
Some female-to-male people use the "he/him/his" pronouns, while some others may use the most common gender-neutral "they/their/them" pronouns, or neopronouns like "xe/xem/xyr", "ze/hir/hirs", "ey/em/eir". Asking your female-to-male acquaintance or coworker politely and with a smile what their preferred pronouns are is the best choice - it will clear up all your doubts instantly.
Coming out as female-to-male
It can be hard to deal with your decision to transition from female to male on your own. At some point, you’ll feel the need to share it with someone. And even though coming out can be challenging, it’s also very liberating. It’s the first step to start living authentically, without having to hide anything.
If you decide to come out as female-to-male, here are some tips for you:
- Be prepared for different reactions - from people being surprised to them being shocked or scared;
- Since part of your coming out as female-to-male is choosing a new name, realize it may take some individuals time to get used to this new name;
- Enlist the support of friends and family who will always be there for you and encourage you;
- If you think you need some extra support or your safety is compromised, there are support hotlines for trans people, you can get help there.
How can I support female-to-male people?
Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, even in civilized countries, a large number of FTM people still face discrimination in the job market, healthcare, and in many other areas. Some also experience sexual violence and other forms of abuse. This can be a risk factor for female-to-male people to attempt suicide.
A survey conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and National Center for Transgender Equality revealed that 41% of transgender people had attempted suicide.
It’s sad that female-to-male individuals have a tougher time than people within the binary because of their gender identity and face transphobia. But this doesn’t have to be our reality forever!
You can help change this situation by supporting trans equality and becoming the female-to-male people’s ally. All you have to do is:
- Respect the words an FTM individual uses to describe themselves - some may call themselves female-to-male while some others may prefer more generic terms, such as "trans" or "transgender";
- Avoid making comments like "You don’t look trans at all!" even if you think people should take it as a compliment - it may hurt an FTM person’s feelings; explain this to others too;
- Commit to being a real ally - support female-to-male people in every way you can and stand up for their rights (attend LGBTQIA+ events, consider donating your extra money to trans equality organizations).