Trans Man - Transitioning

Transitioning

Originally, the term "trans men" referred specifically to female-to-male transsexual people who underwent HRT and/or surgery. In recent years, the definition of "transition" has broadened to include theories of psychological development or complementary methods of self-acceptance.

Transsexual men may seek medical interventions such as hormones and surgery to make their bodies as congruent as possible with their gender presentation. However, many transgender and transsexual men cannot afford or choose not to undergo surgery or hormone replacement therapy. Many who have not undergone top surgery choose to bind their breasts. There are many different methods of binding, including using sports bras. Bandages or tape should never be used for binding as they tighten with wear and compress the ribcage.

Transitioning might involve some or all of the following steps:

• Social transition: name change, wearing clothing seen as gender appropriate, disclosure to family, friends and usually at the workplace
• Sex reassignment therapy: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and/or surgery
• Legal affirmation: name and (sometimes) sex marker correction in legal identification documents. Being socially accepted as male (sometimes known as passing) may be challenging for trans men who have not undergone HRT and/or surgery. Some trans men may choose to present as female in certain social situations (e.g. at work). After physical transition, trans men usually live full-time as male.