#transmasculine resources

[thebigendercosmonaut]

Transmasculine Resources (Incomplete)

Transmasculine, sometimes abbreviated to transmasc, is an umbrella term that describes a transgender person... whose gender is masculine and/or who express themselves in a masculine way. Transmasculine people feel a connection with masculinity, but do not always identify as male.

► Transmasc 101:

What is Transmasculine? (from health.com)

Transmasculine, Everything You Need to Know (from cosmopolitan.com)

Butch (Nonbinary Wiki)

► Transitioning and Healthcare:

How to bind safely (Trans Lifeline)

Spectrum Binders

Free chest binders

FTM Voice Training 1

FTM Voice Training 2

What to expect when taking testosterone

Masculinizing hormones (from TransHub)

Gynecologic care

How to get on testosterone (video)

Gender-affirming healthcare information (Planned Parenthood)

► Transmasculinity in Other Cultures:

Decolonising Transmasculinity - The Visibility of Brotherboys

A Transmasculine Account of Reimagining Masculinity Without ‘Maleness’ And Aggression (Feminism in India)

Gender-Variant Identities Worldwide (Nonbinary Wiki)

► Further Reading:

Is Healthy Masculinity a Lost Cause?: A Non-binary Person’s Thoughts on New Masculinity

Navigating Toxic Masculinity as a Demiguy

What’s in a Word?: Crafting Transmasculine (Note: This blog post loosely defines transmasculinity as an AFAB experience.)

Testosterone Does Not "Work Better" than Estrogen

Please note that many definitions of 'transmasculine' tend to include being assigned female at birth (AFAB) but this is not a requirement in many spaces. Also keep in mind that the person posting this is technically transmasculine and has taken steps to physically transition in a masculine way, though ey does not consider emself to be transmasc. ⚡

[genderqueerdykes]

hey! u had an ask a couple weeks ago from a transmasc+intersex person who was interested in bottom growth but hesitant about hormones that would masculinize them further.

the best answer is a DHT cream that can be applied directly to the genitals to stimulate growth, depending on where they’re located it can be hard to come by. in the us it has to be prescribed through a speciality pharmacy.

r/GrowYourTDick is great for this discussion, especially if that is specifically what they are looking for.

i just wanted to share this information in case it would be helpful to them and/or the information and advice you’re able to give people in the future.

i missed this ask, it got buried, but thank you so much! that's extremely useful, i know Reddit can actually be super helpful for transmasculine people, as the FTM subreddit is pretty popular. i didn't know about that one, so thank you so much!

i'll be saving this as part of my resources =) appreciate you!

[nekhcore]

HEY YOU!

Yeah, you! Are you trans? Do you like reading books? Or watching movies?

Do you like media about trans men/transmasculine characters but don't know where to find it?

That's sooo crazy because I have this little spreadsheet I'm working on where I'm trying to document all media with protagonists/major characters who are FTM or transmasculine.

The spreadsheet currently has 200+ entries spread across the following categories:

Books

Manga

Memoirs and non-fiction

Movies

TV Shows

Graphic novels / Comics

Webcomics

Audio dramas

Books and movies are also sorted by:

Which character is trans (MC, love interest, antagonist, etc)

If the trans character is POC

The trans character's sexuality (Because I saw lots of transhet guys sad about only being able to find gay romances)

If the author/actor is also trans (if we know for sure)

It's free to use, and free to add to as well! Editing permissions are on, and I check on the spreadsheet every now and then to make sure everything is in order and to clean up.

If you know something that isn't on the list, please add it! You don't have to fill in every single column, but fill it to the best of your abilities.

If you don't want to use the big ass long link below, you can also use: bit.ly/FTM-protags

I made this because I want it to be a community resource. So even if you're not a trans guy or transmasculine person, please reblog!

[trans-androgyne]

TERFism & Transandrophobia

Hi folks, the radfems are on their shit again. They are trying to insert themselves into our conversations and spaces. They flatten transandrophobia to ��just misogyny” and attribute it to transfems and other people they consider “male.” They are trying to use the backlash and transandrophobia we’ve received from some transfems as proof that “afab people” are specially oppressed by all “amab people.” They claim that trans women oppress cis women and promote “afab solidarity” against transfems. I’ve seen the radfem @/detransraichu (block them and @/vaelystrasia) talking about trying to get trans people—especially transmascs who acknowledge transandrophobia—to swallow their points better by using “afab” and “amab” instead of “female” and “male.”

If you have a moment to read below the cut, I wanted to briefly remind us all of some more crypto-TERF/radfem/gender critical rhetoric to look out for in these conversations.

1) Using amab/afab as nouns or adjectives instead of verbs — It isn’t always a radfem, but they basically find&replace “male/female” to amab/afab for the optics, so it’s something to look out for.

2) The idea of “male/amab supremacy” or “sex-based oppression” — belief everyone amab oppresses everyone afab. They use this to say trans women oppress cis women.

3) “Afab solidarity” — asking trans people afab to side with cis women over trans women. Erases the power cis women can have over transmascs. Think “trans men are my sisters.”

4) Male/female socialization — insists people are destined to become a specific way based on their agab. What they use to consider everyone amab dangerous and everyone afab safe. Always, always be extremely suspicious of anyone saying “women/afabs are safe, men/amabs are unsafe” for any reason. However, not everyone talking about their agab affecting how they were raised is a radfem. It’s acceptable to say that growing up when amab/afab affects how you were treated or how you act today. It is not okay to assume how others’ perceived socialization affects them, ever.

5) Bio women/bio vaginas/bio breasts — transphobic ways to exclude trans women or refer to their body parts in a way that implies they are cosmetic rather than biological.

6) “Afabmisogyny” — used to describe misogyny presumed to only affect people afab. Positions any misogyny experienced by transfems as less important.

7) “Kink critical” — radfem rhetoric is often very anti-kink, anti-porn, and anti-sex work(ers) as they believe all three are used to oppress females.

These are the points I thought were most relevant to transandrophobia conversations, but feel free to add on if you’re able!

[the-transgenda-agenda]

I often see posts asking about different places to get binders. Therefore, I have decided to make a list of different sites where you can buy binders. Hope this helps someone.

amorsensory [based in Australia]

binderme [based in Poland]

cantiq [based in the US]

flavnt [based in the US]

gc2b [based in the US]

gendergear [based in Canada]

peecock products [based in Singapore]

shapeshifters [based in the US]

sockdrawerheroes [based in Australia]

spectrum [based in the UK]

tomboyx [based in the US]

underworks [based in the US]

urbasics [based in Canada]

youropencloset [based in Canada]

Free binder programs based in the US; dcats, genderbands, point of pride.

[pronounpinbadge]

hey trans people in the UK who want to stop getting their periods: buy Lovima

Lovima is an OTC (over-the-counter) contraceptive pill that stops pregnancy and most importantly, periods. It's got progesterone, not estrogen in it, which means you're not getting any of the feminising effects.

I was prescribed desogestrel by my GP in tandem with Tavistock, literally 75 micrograms like Lovima is, at 15 exclusively because I experienced such heavy dysphoria over having to deal with monthly periods. So it is legitimately prescribed as a transition resource!

You don't need to be a certain age to buy birth control in the UK, and if your local chemist gives you shit about looking young just ask if they want another teenage pregnancy taking out of their taxes lmao.

Goodluck! and if theres a US equivalent feel free to link it @ US trans peoples

[milocelium]

Please consider donating if you’re in a financial position to do so, or reblog to boost ✌🏻

Update: surgery is only a few days away, any extra money to help out with food and travel expenses is greatly appreciated! Check my page for commission info as well !

[marxism-leninism-meowism]

Binding Resources (2022)

So, I think we’ve all noticed by now: GC2B’s loss of quality has led to many people desperate for better and safer options for chest binding. In the past few years, their quality has dipped significantly, sizing is unreliable, binders are cheap and low quality so they start to fall apart rather quickly. Not great for daily use, right?

Because of this, more people have been seeking out alternative options. I’ve tried to gather up all the best options (based on word of mouth, as is tradition in our community) into one post. I’ve only tried a few methods personally, but for reference, I am very much plus size and my chest is currently DD cup, historically C cup (when I tried some options).

If anyone has any resources, advice, or personal experience with any of the companies/brands I’ve already included to add, I definitely encourage you to reblog with additions.

Keep reading below the cut for more info!

Tape Binding

TransTape

Price: Recurring Purchase. $20-$25 for starter kit (incl. 1 roll, nip patches, small removal oil, small salve), $13-$17 for single rolls, ~$90 for ultimate kit (incl. 3 rolls, nip patches, large removal oil, large salve). Subscriptions available.

Wearability: Very good, especially for those with existing health conditions such as asthma that limit the use of traditional binding methods.

Binding: Best for D-cup and lower. Success with larger chests vary from person to person.

Purchase Options: US Based. 3″, 4″, 5″ widths. Four skin tones available, plus four colors and one “inked” design.

Risks: Adhesive reactions, cutting off circulation in chest if done improperly, removal can cause irritation and skin tearing.

I've seen a lot of hype around TransTape. First off, the positives: TransTape is amazing at binding without causing breathing issues or back pain. You can wear it constantly, and it’s super helpful on hot days because you can go shirtless and not worry about your chest. It’s waterproof, as well, so it can last through showers and swimming just fine. BUT you need to know the possible downsides before investing in this method. TransTape is rather expensive, so keep the cost compared to how much you’ll be using each time you bind in mind—you’ll have to keep buying it, as well, so it’s not a long-term investment like binders are. This will take trial and error to know how much you’ll use and how long it lasts, because those things are different for everyone—this is not a low budget option.

This option does not come without it’s major issues, though. TransTape can be very harsh on your skin, even if you do the removal process correctly. This isn’t a universal problem, but even if you’ve never had issues with adhesives, test a strip on the thinnest skin on your chest, NOT your arm or somewhere else with thicker skin, specifically your chest. Leave it on for a few days before removing. TransTape has really good adhesives but even for me (someone who has never had negative reactions to adhesives) the TransTape ripped off a whole layer of skin and caused a lot of red rash-like irritation and some bleeding no matter how carefully I removed it. The adhesive also sticks to your skin for a bit, which is a horrible feeling. I know many people that haven't had all these issues with skin irritation but you need to test it before putting it all over your chest.

KT Tape / kinesiology tape

Price: Recurring purchase. $5+ depending on where and how much you purchase. Generic available.

Wearability: Very good, especially for those with existing health conditions such as asthma that limit the use of traditional binding methods.

Binding: Best for B-cup and lower. Success with larger chests vary from person to person.

Purchase Options: Worldwide. Available in multiple skin tones and non-skin tone colors. Many more brands and purchase options available for kinesiology tape than TransTape, so I can’t get more specific, but there’s plenty of options available.

Risks: Adhesive reactions, cutting off circulation in chest if done improperly, removal can cause irritation and skin tearing.

Using KT Tape for binding has roughly the same benefits and downsides as TransTape. Binding with tape does not restrict breathing or cause back pain, which is a huge improvement from standard binding, especially for people with preexisting health issues. KT Tape, however, has a few differences from TransTape. It’s cheaper, which could be a major plus, but it’s kind of taken away by the fact that KT Tape is typically narrower than TransTape, which means the chest size it can effectively bind is going to be lower unless you’re using a lot more of it and being very clever about placement. The only people I personally know that have success with KT Tape have very small chests.

It’s possible to have similar issues with the adhesive as TransTape, so I highly recommend doing the same strip test on the thinnest skin of your chest, same as you’d do with TransTape. I don’t know the specific adhesives used by each company, but I recommend doing a strip test even if you’ve already done it with TransTape, or if you’re buying a new brand of kinesiology tape. I know people who have had skin irritation with TransTape but none with KT Tape, and vice versa. It’s always best to be sure before causing rashes and skin tearing over your entire chest.

Traditional Binders

Underworks

Price: $32.99 (tri-top)

Wearability: Very good, fairly comfortable

Binding: Very good compression, seen recommended up to H cup.

Purchase Options: US based. White, black, and pale beige skin color. Size XS-3X available. (XS: 28-30″, 3X: 49-52″)

Risks: All the risks of traditional binding—back pain, breathing constriction, pain from wearing the wrong size.

I, of course, remember the old days when people warned against Underworks and touted GC2B as the best binder on the market. Those days are long past, however—and Underworks binders have become one of the most recommended brands. The company and its binders are primarily geared toward cis men with gynecomastia, but include trans folks in their descriptions. (In my opinion, the cis male models of their binders do a bit to boost gender euphoria, but that might just be me). Underworks binders are comfortable and tend to be good at compression, depending on the one you get (tri-top seems to be the best at compression, but others are looser and more comfortable.) Underworks binders also have a lower neckline than some other binders, so if you often wear shirts with lower necklines that’s definitely a plus. The main downsides are that their binders only come in three colors, their only skin tone being a pale beige, and they do not carry sizes over 3X. The company is also not queer-run.

**This review is mostly about the Tri-top Chest Binder, as that seems to be the option that binds the best, but the website has other options, including full-length binders and tank binders.

Spectrum Outfitters

Price: $45 / £38.00 GBP / €43.33

Wearability: Very good, very comfortable

Binding: Very good compression, even for large chests (have not heard specific cup sizes for this one, just recommendations from other plus size trans folks)

Purchase Options: UK based. Offered in four skin tones and a large assortment of colors. XXS-7X sizes available. (XXS: 25-27″, 7X: 47.5-49″)

Risks: All the risks of traditional binding—back pain, breathing constriction, pain from wearing the wrong size.

Spectrum is a UK-based company with incredibly comfortable binders that bind well. I’ve only heard good things about this company’s binders, especially in terms of comfortability. The most common sentiment is that they’re more comfortable or equally comfortable than pre-quality dip GC2B, and bind similarly. Their diversity in skin tone is a definite plus, and their non-skin tone colors are all very pleasing to the eye.

However, please keep an eye on the size chart—I’m not making a fuss about the XXS-7X sizing for a reason. The size 7X is equivalent to Underworks’ 3X, so it’s a bit of faux size inclusivity there. I generally fit into 2X/3X clothing, and based on my measurements, a 7X Spectrum binder would very likely be slightly too small for me, which is pretty disappointing.

Shapeshifters

Price: $85 minimum. Additional $22 for zipper in location of choice, $25-32 for a hood, and $1 for a taper-in at the waist. $115 minimum for custom print binders with ANY design—create your own fabric via Spoonflower or pick one another user already created.

Wearability: Very good due to being made to your measurements. Their optional additions, such as the zippers and relaxed fit, make these binders very accessible for folks with disabilities and/or preexisting health conditions.

Binding: Very good compression. Again, I have no recommended cup size, but due to being custom made they tend to be good at binding large chests.

Purchase Options: US based. Custom-made for your measurements with eight free fine-tuning options. Tons of options to customize since they’re made to order.

Risks: All the risks of traditional binding—back pain, breathing constriction, etc.

Shapeshifters is definitely one of the companies I’ve heard recommended most. Aside from being custom tailored to your measurements, they also use relatively comfortable fabrics, and you can even get mesh binders for breathability, or lace binders for the aesthetic. Since they offer a relaxed fit option, as well, I’d recommend Shapeshifters as one of the best traditional binders for those with asthma or other conditions that might prevent other traditional binders. Their zipper add-ons are also very good if you have limited range of motion.

The main downsides are both due to the nature of custom tailored garments: price point and timeframe. The price point is definitely out of range for a lot of low-budget trans folks, but if you have the ability to splurge for a custom-fit binder, it’s definitely a great option. I don’t believe the price point is unreasonably high, because it’s a small queer-run business, but it just isn’t in budget for many. As for the timeframe, you have to keep in mind that these binders are made to order so they will not be getting to you as fast as a pre-made binder from another company.

GenderBender

Price: $61 for half binder, $69 (cue funny number giggles) for full length

Wearability: Good, especially for plus size folks or those with large chests

Binding: Very good, especially for large chests

Purchase Options: US based. White, black, light skin tone, dark skin tone. XXS-6X sizes available. (XXS: 26-29″, 6X: 59-64″)

Risks: All the risks of traditional binding—back pain, breathing constriction, pain from wearing the wrong size.

Now, GenderBender is a new recommendation to me, so I don’t have much to say about them out of a lack of personal experience and lack of specific recommendations from other trans folks. I do want to point out that their sizing is actually size inclusive, unlike Spectrum—GB’s 6X is ten inches bigger than Spectrum’s 7X. GenderBender also offers zipper binders for a very small upcharge (to clear up possible confusion: unlike the regular binders, the zipper binders are split into two listings on their site—plus sizes are under the “zip plus” listing.) Definitely consider getting one of the zipper binders if getting in and out of binders is an issue for you!

They only have two skin tone options and no fun colors for their regular binders, so that’s a bit of a downside. They do, however, offer swim binders in additional colors, and zipper swim binders, which are worth checking out as well.

If anyone has any more information on GenderBender’s quality and fit, feel free to reblog with your experience!

ForThem

Price: $48

Wearability: Comfortable

Binding: Not great—fits like a high impact sports bra.

Purchase Options: US Based. No skin tones, about ten colors. Seem to offer sizes for up to 60″ chests and be custom designed.

Risks: All the risks of traditional binding—back pain, breathing constriction, pain from wearing the wrong size. 

ForThem’s The Binder has been all over social media ads lately, so of course I had to include a section on it. From what I’ve heard, The Binder is comfortable, but does not bind well—rather, it fits like a high impact/compression sports bra, which is not going to give the compression and flattening most trans folks are looking for.

The website is also hellish to navigate. It took me forever to figure out how their sizing works, due to the “aesthetic” names they’ve given sizes and the way the site is almost impossible to navigate. They also require your phone number to even see the size you need. I could not find out if they offer upcharges for sizes or if they even offer add-ons, either.

I don’t personally recommend this brand, even without having tried it myself—judging by the experiences of others who have tried it, it’s just not worth it. Also: flash/strobe and eyestrain warning for the website, if you plan on checking it out.

Special Mentions

Paxsies - I know very little about this brand, so any personal experience with them is welcome. Only offer up to size 2X.

TomboyX - Offers compression tops, but I don’t believe they are proper binders. Potentially a good option for those that can’t handle traditional binders due to breathing problems. There’s also the issue with TomboyX’s branding being a potential dysphoria point for some.

Binding Info

Now that you’ve got a good picture of all the binding options available, I’m going to take this time to note all the risks and tips I’m personally aware of. These may all be a given for those experienced with binding, but if you’re new to it, please make sure to keep these things in mind!

First, no matter what binder you choose to get, you MUST make sure you buy the right size. Do not downsize with binders—there are so many dangers, from breathing restriction all the way to breaking ribs (yes, that last one has happened). You may, however, size up with little detriment to the binding capability of the binder, and sometimes it makes a world of a difference for comfort. Do not layer binders, as well: that’s a recipe for disaster.

Remember that your comfort comes first, and you do not have to sacrifice comfort for a good bind. Pain does not mean the binder is making you flatter. In fact, it could be just the opposite, depending on the binder.

Give yourself frequent breaks, and do not bind for more than eight hours. If you can, carry a sports bra with you if you plan on leaving home with your binder, so you can quickly change if the binder begins to cause breathing problems, begins to cause pain, or you’re required to run/exercise for any reason.

For large chested folks: I highly recommend zipper binders. Your binder size does not typically change based on cup size, but it WILL be more difficult to get in and out of the binder—a problem that is typically solved with zipper binders.

Keep in mind that if you have a large chest (as in, larger than C or D cup, typically) you will most likely not achieve a perfectly flat chest. Binders can’t make the tissue disappear—they just redistribute it to appear much flatter. Do not downsize if you can’t achieve a flat chest. It will not help, it will just cause you pain and potentially injury. If it helps, look up cis men without shirts—they are rarely flat, whether it be a product of exercise creating buff pectorals, or plus size men having extra chest tissue due to their weight.

Final Notes

These are ONLY the companies I’ve heard frequent mentions of and know enough about to include. Again, if anyone has any more recommendations or additions, PLEASE reblog with your experience—I highly value all input from other trans folks. Even if your experience is contradictory to what I’ve written here, your experience is valuable to give everyone the most information possible to make an informed decision.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this! I hope this post can help at least a few of you with your binding journeys. You all deserve all the love and respect in the world, so know that you are loved, appreciated, and affirmed, even if the people currently in your life don’t.

-bjorn

[rat-man-fruit-juice]

2023 TDOR Resources and trans resistance

For mutual aid and strategic planning, check out

https://transresistancenetwork.wordpress.com/

I don't mean to get doomer about the U.S, but if you can please get passports and prep.

Please reblog, especially if you're trans and/or have a trans audience

[aatroxskitten]

i think the solution to seeing more of the content about your specific kind of trans existence to follow blogs that actually post about it instead of expecting different trans ppl to cater to you. tumblr is not activism and ppl are allowed to do whatever they want on their personal tumblrs, so like??? i am not expecting a trans girl to blog about transmasc experiences and vice versa. it is not a "denial of resources" and it is not oppression to not be blogged about on Tumblr Dot Com. this is literally just a little journal. we're not changing the world, we're venting or posting about things we like. allow others their space. "waaah there's too much x on my dash, why aren't they posting about y" why do you follow people who only post about x then, why aren't you following the million blogs that post about y? it's tumblr. we're not running out of space. there is room for all of us, so curate your dash and stop whining.

[myceliumcreature]

Also for anyone who's had issues with hot flashes for any reason, my doc recommended "black cohosh" and dude... it like works. I was like "idk man, I'm ready for this to be fake" but duuude not fake

[genderqueerdykes]

please don't forget to check out our queer resources page if you are in need of help

sometimes you don't want to send an ask or look through tags and that's totally cool! we've compiled a queer resources page on our blog where you can easily look for what you need. please feel free to use the find in page option in your browser to find what you're looking for

we will continue to add resources as time goes on!

[sensible-tips]

What’s Happening Wednesday

Sensible Tips is seeking donations to help launch the Trans Pop Up Closet in their local area. This community resource aims to help transgender individuals access clothing free of charge.

[transmasculine]

“this user is a trans boy” “this user is a trans girl” “this user is transfeminine” “this user is transfeminine” “this user is transmasculine” “this user is transmasculine”

[pensarecool2]

I sent someone a link to The Transgender Dictionary page on top surgery and realized that it looks really empty but a lot of the info is in the links. Cause it was split up to show information on different types of surgery.

[padded-daydreams]

im a trans guy (4 months on T woo!!) who regresses and like diaps too!! its so hard to find sfw blogs about that side of agere cus its usually scrutinized by the sfw agere community :P anyways keep doin what u do!

@moo-moos

Thank you so much for the support! I'm gonna follow you, if that's ok. Welcome to the community!

Congrats to 4 months on T, as well! I've been on T since September of 2020, myself. For anyone who is not trans, or is new to being trans and is looking for resources, I'm going to take this opportunity to plug a resource I made called The Transgender Dictionary! Here is the section on testosterone. This resource is for everyone and feel free to share it around. Basically, it is a carrd with definitions for different transgender-related terms. Certain terms have their own pages with summaries further explaining them, and various links to other hubs of information and resources! Hope this helps, and again, welcome to the community, @moo-moos