Navigating Life and Transition: Essential Tips for Trans Men

Ask anyone, ‘What does it take to be a man?’ A thousand answers will come up. Ask any Trans man, ‘How do you navigate life?’ You will likely get a pause before an answer. Ask, ‘How is transitioning life for you?’ You will get an even deeper pause before you get an answer.

Why? Navigating life as a Trans man can be a tricky affair. First, you want to make peace with your identity. But you know what will not let you? Gender dysphoria is first on the list. Discrimination and stigma follow you like a stench. Your pronouns are not respected. Or worse, your legal rights are thwarted. Being Trans is beautiful. It is your being. It is everything you love about yourself. But it is not a mere walk in the park. You have to have some setbacks.

In this article, we have specifically curated some ways for you to navigate life as a trans man. From personal help to professional help, it is all here.

1. Take Your Time

Life forces most to be patient. Then why rush your transition, dear Trans man? Be patient with your body. It will help you to be patient with yourself as you will see your uniqueness.

Patience with yourself means giving yourself time to explore. It includes time to find those who will understand your value. You will take time to try the packers. It may take time to see which one works. Give your body the patience for the hormone to work.

Patience with others, as they will need time to adjust. Some people need time to understand that you are on a journey. Give them grace. If they forget your pronoun, remind them cordially.

If they want to learn more about your journey, let them know. Patience will lead to a fulfilling transition, which is beneficial for your interpersonal relationships.

Avoid comparison. Your hormone therapy may not work overnight. Other Trans men may develop facial hair before you do. Everyone is different. You will set realistic expectations. Do not expect your body to become buff after a week. Learn to live with the delay.

2. Understand Your Legal Rights and Documents

As a Trans man, you have your legal rights. Knowing your rights is the first step to navigating your transition.

According to the legal rights campaign, you have the following rights.

• Right to legal protection. What this means is that you should not be discriminated against in where you work or live for being trans.
• Right to quality healthcare. This means that you have the right to medical care like everyone else.
• You have the right to employment. You have the right to work like everyone else. Your identity should not affect your career.
• Your right to education. You have a right to obtain knowledge.

Did you know that you have the right to update your documents? Yes, some Trans men choose to change their driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, and other identification documents. Always check with your state laws regarding your legal rights.

3. Find Supportive Communities

You will need support as you navigate the transition. There are supportive communities within your circle. Outside your circle, you will also find supportive communities.

Friends and family

As you embrace your transition, friends and family can be your number one supporters. They are likely to treat you normally. They may only bring something Trans-related if you ask for it.

Many Trans men will tell you they appreciate the energy match. Friends and family can also offer advice and help you celebrate any milestone.

Trans Online resources

Transgender For Friends, for instance, offers friendship benefits for Transmen. There are myriad Trans resources to give you support.

4. Mental Health Matters

Did you know that Trans people are more likely to suffer from mental health issues? These issues include anxiety and depression. Other mental health issues include isolation and sadness. Still, you are not doomed.

Care for your mental health by;

• Surround yourself with a support system
• Seeking help from a mental health professional. This includes therapy
• Take a mental health first aid course to help you deal with feelings of sadness

Trans men sometimes suffer from gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria will make you feel like your body does not align with your identity. This leads to mental health issues.

Still, there are options to help you think of the ‘junk’ down there. Banabuddy is an online store that makes this easy.

Banabuddy have;

• The 5.3″ Play Packer

This comes with;

• Two movable testicles
• Three silicone layer techniques
• A perfect fit
• A realistic look
• Powerful erection

You can also have your custom-made to give lifelike pubic hair if you desire to feel grown.

As a Trans man transitioning, you may also develop gender dysphoria from your chest appearance. Use binders for a flatter chest appearance.

Bannabuddy offers binders of vast options. They come as a zip-up, as a pullover, or as a tank top. For instance, the Short Chest Binder Front Zip will masculinize your chest.

It comes with an inner soft cotton lining that absorbs moisture. You can use it while running or at the gym, so you do not have to worry about getting sweaty.

• Pull over-design. This makes it easy to wear.
• Mesh-fitted back. This supports your lungs and rib movement.
• Comes in all sizes. As a Trans man, you can flatten your chest any day, any time.

Understand that the extent of these changes will depend on how long you take your hormone therapy.

5. Understand Physical Changes

One of the physical changes you will experience will come from hormone therapy. Hormone therapy adds to you the male hormone testosterone. It can be done via injection, oral, or through patches. You may have the following physical changes if you have had hormone therapy.

• You may have more facial and body hair. Understand this part of the transition
• Clitoris enlargement. This is also called bottom growth
• Deepened voice due to treatment. You can also have gender-affirming lessons to help you achieve a deeper voice
• Increased muscle mass/strength
• Changes or stopping of your menstrual cycle

Understand that the extent of these changes depends on individuals. The period for your treatment also matters.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrating your small wins may involve trying your packer for the first time. It may not feel comfortable at first, but over time, you may adjust.

Did you assert yourself by stating your pronouns to your peers. Congratulations, it takes some guts to take up space.

Your small win will be booking your health assessment. Your health provider will do blood work and assess your reproductive health. When you care for your well-being, you feel more confident.

The thing is, your small wins will gradually make you proud of your identity and your journey.

7. Be Prepared for Uncertainty

There is no guarantee that everything will magically fall into place. Like life, you may do everything right. However, there will be setbacks. So, if you are using packers, be prepared for failure the first time you decide to use them. It may feel uncomfortable.

Did your peers misuse your pronouns? It may take a while for others to get used to them.

Some Trans men take time before they have changed after hormone therapy. Your voice may not be as deep as you like. Your body muscles may look less than you anticipated. It is not a perfect walk.

Be prepared that some people will make you feel less than others. The binder may feel like it could be more accurate. Here is something to learn: Whether or not everything works out, you are still worthy. Your identity does not depend on how fit your body is. You are a man. The best you can do is own it, and that is uncertain.

8. Advocate for Your Health Care Needs

Even with uncertainty, it is not a reason not to champion yourself. Advocate for your healthcare needs. Take the wheel by;

• Getting consultation on the medical transitioning process. This includes gender-affirming treatments such as hormones. Surgery can lead to gender euphoria
• Formal diagnosis for gender dysphoria. This helps you access gender-affirming healthcare. This includes top surgery. Others include bottom surgery. Facial surgeries are also an option. Others include voice therapy
• Ask about changing your gender markers on healthcare documents
• Annual checkups. This includes STD testing and other infections
• Planned Parenthood services

Advocating for your healthcare needs and finding healthcare providers who are sensitive to Trans issues. You deserve to be seen for who you are. Hence, your doctor and nurse should be qualified and compassionate.

Conclusion

Navigating life as a Trans man will not be a walk in the park. That does not mean it is impossible. Focus on personal things like being patient with yourself. Use gender-affirming products proudly.

In other news, seek professional help, like therapy, if you need it. There is also more support from friends and family. In other words, it is not all dark. If you are patient, you will come out the other side happy, strong, and brave. All the best!