What is FTM Identity Expression? A Guide to Becoming Your True Self

‘Who are you?’ This is a commonly asked question in interviews or social interactions. Others may ask what your haircut means. So, dearest Trans man, then, ‘who are you?’ Many would like to know. Why? Becoming your true self begins with your identity expression.

FTM individuals will tell you that the journey to becoming your true self is long. And comparably, to the cis-population, it is true. Trans men have to go on the quest of self-exploration. Your male identity awaits you to put into action. Action in your body and action in social spaces. Action in your authenticity and how you deal with societal gender roles. But getting to your true self cannot be impossible. All it takes is discovering your authentic masculinity.

Read on to find out what FTM gender identity means for any Trans man. In this guide, you will find answers to becoming your true self.

Discovering Authentic Masculinity

Authentic masculinity is a journey that most FTM are on a mission to know and understand. In society, you are likely to find a host of definitions of what masculinity is. A man should have this. Or a man should not do this.

For you, your FTM identity expression is something only you can give meaning to. Discover your authentic masculinity by understanding your FTM Identity.

Understanding FTM Identity

Your FTM identity is simply you being Trans. Being an FTM means you were born male but were assigned female at birth (AFAB). The importance of aligning one’s inner self with outward expression is crucial.

If you know you are genuinely male, why do you bother to express it via your external? Someone would ask. Her article titled’ My experience as a Trans person doesn’t fit the script, but why should it?’ by Yves Rees will help you understand why aligning one’s inner self with outward expression is essential. You will learn that;

Gender Dysphoria Is Real

In his article, Rees states that he knew that ‘living as a woman made me want to climb out of my skin.’ Trans people face stigma as they try to live their true selves. The goal is to live like a real man.

He stated that due to gender dysphoria, he suffered from eating disorders, and he would also compulsively exercise, something that many Trans youth suffer from.

Your External Expression Is Not Vain

Learning that wearing a binder does not make you a fake Trans is cool. But do you know what is more astonishing? Understanding that everyone expresses themselves differently? And yours, as an FTM, happens to be with your authentic masculinity.

For Social Inclusion

People may yap at you, saying it is all right to stand alone. Yes, it is. But what they do not tell you is that some spaces need you to express your inner self with outward expression.

For instance, as an FTM going out for the first time on a date, you may want to dress as masculine as you can if your date is a woman who cares about masculine presentation. There is nothing wrong with that.

The Role of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is accepting yourself and your personality as precisely as you are. The journey of self-acceptance and embracing one’s authentic masculinity goes beyond societal standards.

For Rees, self-acceptance meant;

There Is No Right Way to Do or Be Trans

What this means is that the only ingredient to being trans is your feeling the difference between your assigned sex and gender identity. FTM individuals state that they notice this when their interests and clothing change. Some want to be soft masculine, others want to be hard masculine.

Embracing Trans Liberation

Self-acceptance allows you to own your story and empathize with other trans stories. Trans liberation is knowing that your story has meaning, is valid, and is a testimony of your personhood. It leads to inner peace and acceptance.

Self-Acceptance and Confidence

Accepting your trans identity and expression will give you confidence. You will be able to be authentic in your masculinity. You will also gain the confidence to love yourself despite your flaws.

Authenticity vs. Societal Norms

As a trans man, you will learn how society defines masculinity and masculinity’s expression. You may know that men are assertive and pursue women relentlessly. The idea that real men are in charge in a relationship is not uncommon. Society demands that real men work in ‘real’ jobs such as construction.

However, the key to achieving your authenticity will lie in exploring how Trans men carve out their unique expression of masculinity without adhering strictly to traditional gender norms.

Social Transition

A big part of your FTM Identity Expression lies in social transition. This will include aspects such as changing your name and/or pronouns.

Name and Pronouns

You may change your name to reflect your male identity. You may use the pronouns to express your male identity further. The significance of changing one’s name and pronouns in claiming a male identity is to change how you express your gender to others.

There is no correct way to do this. The goal is to reduce the discomfort that you feel when your outward gender identity does not match who you are on the inside.

Gender Presentation

Exploring the physical aspects of gender expression, including clothing, hair, posture, and mannerisms.

Personal Style

This entails finding clothing and style that feels authentic. These may include aspects such as;

• Wearing a binder/binding. A binder is a garment similar to a tank top. It flattens the chest tissue, giving you a masculine, flatter chest appearance.
• You may choose to wear a packer which is an artificial penis. It can be worn inside the underwear using a soft harness.
• Cosmetics that give you a male appearance, such as haircuts, or you may choose to wear male makeup to express your identity.
• Beard and moustache dye for a more masculine facial look. This is part of gender expression, where you may choose to have thicker facial hair or haircuts that affirm your gender identity.

Body Language and Speech

Adjusting how one carries oneself and speaks to align with one’s identity. In this case, you may take a masculine posture and begin to walk straight.

You may also use assertive speech and eye contact to express your masculine nature. You can also alter your voice when talking to others. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

Medical Transition

In medical transition, you will have either surgery or hormone therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy will help you change physically. You will align your body with your gender identity using the hormone testosterone. You can receive testosterone via injection, orally, or through a path.

Changes During HRT

It takes about 2-5 years. Changes occur differently for everyone. Expect the following changes after HRT.

• Your voice changes as it begins to deepen. It may start with a scratchy sensation and become hoarse over time.
• Facial Hair and body hair increase. This will be on your back, chest, and arms.
• Body Composition as you have muscle and mass.
• Your clitoris will increase in size. What this means also is that your libido will increase.
• Your periods may become lighter or shorter during HRT. They may stop altogether.

Psychological Impact

The psychological impact includes both emotional and mental responses after HRT. The emotional impact includes having a narrow range of emotions.

These include;

• Happiness and Joy

You may feel happy as your gender dysphoria is removed. This is a relief that most Tran states lead to gender euphoria.

• Sexual Appetite

You may have an increase in sexual appetite due to a clitorial size increase. This will bring you erotic pleasure.

The mental effects of seeing physical transformation include feelings of euphoria. You may feel confident in your new body.

• Confidence

You may feel confident in your body as it aligns with your identity.

Gender-Affirming Surgeries

You may have the following surgeries as part of your transition.

Top Surgery

Top surgery is where your breasts will be removed surgically. There is the option of making them smaller. Your nipple may be reshaped for a natural flat chest.

The goal is to have a flatter chest appearance. This helps to reduce your gender dysphoria.

Bottom Surgery

Bottom surgery (genital reconstruction) for many Trans men to achieve body autonomy. Here the surgeon will remove some of your vaginal tissue. You can have other options, such as;

• Phalloplasty is where you get a new penis. This is done with tissue from other parts of your body. The surgeon also constructs a new urethra or scrotum for you. You have the option of also removing your female genital organs. These include the uterus or ovaries.
• Metoidioplasty is where your tissue is enlarged to look like a natural penis. It can be done using local skin.

Medical Transition Choices

Not all Trans men must choose medical transitioning. The factors range from financial constraints to personal preferences.

Most Trans men will tell you that they are okay and feel masculine enough without the need to transition medically.

As an FTM, you can choose to wear a packer to create a bulge, leaving people thinking you have a penis, which is a good deal. Examples of packers include Stand-to-pack packers and pack-and-play packers.

To flatten your breast region, wearing a binder will sort you out. Flattening your chest makes it look manly. Examples of binders are long binders and short binders.

Banabuddy offers different types of packers and binders that will help you in your transition process.

Evolving Identity

In this regard, it is essential to note that with gender expression, you will evolve. Your interests may change, and thus, you may pursue new hobbies.

You may seek different companies and peers. You may grow to be more outspoken about your trans journey. Be it legal or social transition, you will evolve to own your identity. Your likes and dislikes will change. You will not have to ‘act’ male but to ‘just be’ because it is already in you.

Embracing Change and Growth

As you embrace your identity, you may find your masculinity changing and growing. Many trans men find that their sense of masculinity matures over time. You may feel responsible enough to engage in sexual interactions confidently.

You may want to pursue a career in a male-dominated field. Hush, you may even want to start your own family. In other words, you will feel a heightened sense of liberation being a trans man.

Reclaiming Masculinity and Challenging Norms

Along the journey, it is important to look back and reflect. One thing will become obvious: You are not just male. You will stand on ten toes, knowing you are a unique individual.

Your preferences and identity are unique, which is why you brush shoulders with gender norms so much. FTM identity expression is also a powerful tool for challenging traditional gender norms. You will learn about being masculine in your own way without societal influence.

Conclusion

The road map to your true self as a Trans man has always been with you. All the rest are little compasses meant to awaken the sleeping bits in you. Hence, along the way, you may stop to smell the flowers. The flowers of change as you transition socially will help you assert your gender to others.

Stopping to smell the flowers of change as you medically transition will help you feel confident in your body. However, the blooming flower that stays vibrant in your gender expression will be your authentic masculinity.

Along the maze, you will realize that masculinity is you and that whatever way you choose to express it is rightfully yours, and no one can take it away from you. Like Rees, your identity does not have to fit the script; why should it?