FTM having some trouble... Needs Tips?

Question

Hey everyone in my favorite section,

this question got deleted, weird...anyway

I'm having some trouble in my FTM transgender life,

Im younger, younger than eighteen,

so I obviously can't take hormones yet,

and still wear my binder.

anyway, my problem is,

I'm very petite,

5'2 and 98 pounds,

and I have a very young face and such,

I'm having trouble making my body match my mind set,

meaning, I don't come off very masculine.

So its nothing serious,

im just asking for some tips on how to be more "MANLY"

I know it sounds silly but, Id rather be taken seriously as Male,

and not androgynous.

Answer 1

There are very skinny, feminine boys at your age, so I don't think that's a problem. You could practice speaking with a deeper voice (you feel it at the back of your throat) and start working out, to build some muscle.

For bigger, more macho muscles, you're going to want to lift the heaviest weight possible for few reps in few sets. (If you wanted to build lithe muscles you'd do lighter weights more times.) If you do start lifting heavy weights, be sure to have a spotter (quite a few of my soldiers got hurt because they didn't.)

Answer 2

A few things I've noticed:

when you walk, hold your arms out away from your body just a bit, as though they were so muscular that you have to hold them out to keep from hitting your sides.

Hunch your shoulders forward a bit. Most women keep their shoulders back, most men hunch.

Don't look around at things - focus on exactly where you're going.  The scenery is unimportant.

Keep your voice in a relative monotone.  Women emphasize with tone, men emphasize with volume.  (This is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much.)

Most importantly - have you found a support group?  Transmen who have successfully transitioned will be able to give you much better tips than I can.  I tend to work with transwomen, and what I'm telling you is pretty much the opposite of what I tell them.

Beyond that, be aware that it's usually much easier for a transman to pass socially than for a transwoman.  You are probably not read as much as you think you are.  Relax as much as you can - tension will get you read long before body language will.

Good luck!

Answer 3

1. Well, ditto what other folks said that getting on blockers or even T right now is possible according to the Standards of Care, but i remember earlier you mentioned your mother was not very supportive of you, in which case...

2. Weight training is not a bad way to go. Done properly its good for the mind, body, and spirit! And it can help accentuate your more manly features as well. I recommend checking out the article Training For Visual Mass (pt. 1 & 2) at Trans-Health.com http://www.trans-health.com/displayartic...

And also check out Trans Health's other fitness and training articles as well.

3. Confidence, and finding a style that fits the kind of man you are, can do wonders. Consult with friends and experiment with finding a kind of masculine expression that fits your tastes and personality. When first transitioning i've noticed a lot of fellows gravitate towards more traditional masculinities, even if they are not typical guys, and i think the fish-out-of-water aspect of it attracts people's scrutiny a bit more. If you're a head-banger, feel free to let your hair down a bit. If you're an emo guy, go ahead and wear tight jeans. And of course if you do happen to be a more typical guy, express that too. Remember that lots of teenage guys look pretty young, and don't kick into puberty until latter in the game, so you're in good company that way. Beyond that its just a matter of just living as the man you are the best you can, and being comfortable in your style.

4. Finally, if at all possible, find people who are trans-friendly to hang out with. One of the most reliable ways to be taken seriously as male is to be in a community that really understands that you ARE a male, regardless of your current outwards appearances.

Answer 4

Who says you can't take hormones?  Download a copy of the Standards of Care (SOC) here:

http://www.WPATH.org

The SOC clearly state that HRT can be started at 16!  And hormone blockers for young teens even earlier.  Know your rights.

Answer 5

I believe that you might be able to take hormones even if you are under 18 years of age.  In any case, I would start by lifting light weights, nothing heavy just to start toning your body.  Also work out your legs and in general your whole body, by doing this you are developing muscle and when you start the testosterone oh baby you gonna be a good looking modaflicker.  Best of luck buddy.