Tips for Transgender Teens

We are a blog created for humans of all ages who have questions concerning their gender identity. This is a safe space for people of all genders and sexualities,i.e. FTM, MTF, non-binary, intersex, neutrois, etc. You can share your concerns and we'll try to help and provide resources. We will also post tips for transgender people and various other resources on coming out, binding, packing, tucking, etc. None of us are professionals and all advice is to be taken into consideration, because our responses will come either from experience or sources on the internet/books. We hope we can make a difference.

[transgender101]

Hi, I have a question about binding. The thing is is that I want to start binding, but I'm still in school. I go to school from 7am to about 3pm. Is that too long to have a binder on? Also, is it safe to have a binder on in gym? (I live in Arizona so it's very hot here so I'm not too sure) (Sorry if I'm bothering you)

Binding is a risk many people take to feel comfortable in their own skin. I personally would keep my binder on in school for that long, that's 8 hours which is about as long as you should wear it without hurting yourself. Now, that being said sometimes I would go to the restroom just to take off my binder stretch my back and take deep breaths. It's a little bit of a hassle but it can be helpful because I know it's really hard to just not wear your binder (it creates so much dysphoria and anxiety ofc). The issue with gym and the heat is... hmmm this one is tough for me because I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn't work out with my binder. HOWEVER, I will be a hypocrite because the truth is it is pretty dangerous stuff (excercise + binder + heat = very bad for you). I live in Florida where it's really hot too and binding even when I'm not exercising can be horrible for my back, neck and just everything. I suggest you not bind and opt for two sports bras instead, if not consider talking to a counselor and seeing what sort of accommodations can be made for you. You are young, and consider that it's only for now. You really can get through this, I know it. Much Love.-Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

what do you think of the name Mars?

If you like it, it's perfect! Try it on! Take it for a spin, own it :) Much Love, -Mod Elijah

[journeyintomanhood]

Fashion Resources for Trans Men

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to dress. I don’t mean to pass but to dress and look and fee good. The truth is I used to know nothing about fashion. I grew up wearing my brothers hand-me-downs because we were didn’t have money for much else, moved to wearing clothes I hated, and then moved into wearing clothes to pass (read oversized hoodies and jeans). So here is a list of things I’ve found helpful and you might too: 

General Fashion Tips:  

15 Quick Fashion Tips for Men

Men’s Fashion Basics - Formal

Men’s Fashion Basics - Casual 

Upgrade Your Style: 25 Easy Tips for Men 

How to Dress Sharp: 9 Style Steps for Young Men 

A Man’s Belt Guide 

28 Fashion Items Every Guy Needs for Spring and Summer Under $100 

The Ten Commandments of Summer Style 

10 Tips for Better Men’s Fall Outfits 

Dos and Don’ts of Winter Fashion

Tips for Dressing when You’re Short: 

Dressing Taller: 10 Tips for Short Men 

The Modest Man 

5 Dressing Tips for Short Men 

Fashion Tips for Short(er) Men

Tips to Look Older: 

14 Style Tips to Dress Older 

10 Easy Ways to Look Older as a Man 

How to Look Older: Ways Baby Faced Guys Can Look Older Than Their Age 

Haircut and Style Tips: 

How to Get a Better Haircut 

How to Find the Right Hairstyle for your Face 

Grooming Style Product Guide 

Shaving & Facial Hair Tips:  

12 Easy Beard Care Tips 

How to Get the Best Shave 

Shaving 101 

[holisticsexualhealth]

Queer Poetics: How to Make Love to A Trans Person

by Gabe Moses 

 Forget the images you’ve learned to attach To words like cock and clit, Chest and breasts. Break those words open Like a paramedic cracking ribs To pump blood through a failing heart. Push your hands inside. Get them messy. Scratch new definitions on the bones. Get rid of the old words altogether. Make up new words. Call it a click or a ditto. Call it the sound he makes When you brush your hand against it through his jeans, When you can hear his heart knocking on the back of his teeth And every cell in his body is breathing. Make the arch of her back a language Name the hollows of each of her vertebrae When they catch pools of sweat Like rainwater in a row of paper cups Align your teeth with this alphabet of her spine So every word is weighted with the salt of her. When you peel layers of clothing from his skin Do not act as though you are changing dressings on a trauma patient Even though it’s highly likely that you are. Do not ask if she’s “had the surgery.” Do not tell him that the needlepoint bruises on his thighs look like they hurt If you are being offered a body That has already been laid upon an altar of surgical steel A sacrifice to whatever gods govern bodies That come with some assembly required Whatever you do, Do not say that the carefully sculpted landscape Bordered by rocky ridges of scar tissue Looks almost natural. If she offers you breastbone Aching to carve soft fruit from its branches Though there may be more tissue in the lining of her bra Than the flesh that rises to meet it Let her ripen in your hands. Imagine if she’d lost those swells to cancer, Diabetes, A car accident instead of an accident of genetics Would you think of her as less a woman then? Then think of her as no less one now. If he offers you a thumb-sized sprout of muscle Reaching toward you when you kiss him Like it wants to go deep enough inside you To scratch his name on the bottom of your heart Hold it as if it can- In your hand, in your mouth Inside the nest of your pelvic bones. Though his skin may hardly do more than brush yours, You will feel him deeper than you think. Realize that bodies are only a fraction of who we are They’re just oddly-shaped vessels for hearts And honestly, they can barely contain us We strain at their seams with every breath we take We are all pulse and sweat, Tissue and nerve ending We are programmed to grope and fumble until we get it right. Bodies have been learning each other forever. It’s what bodies do. They are grab bags of parts And half the fun is figuring out All the different ways we can fit them together; All the different uses for hipbones and hands, Tongues and teeth; All the ways to car-crash our bodies beautiful. But we could never forget how to use our hearts Even if we tried. That’s the important part. Don’t worry about the bodies. They’ve got this.

[alex-johnn-deactivated20180421]

@inkcrystals lol this made me cry

[transguys]

10 Tips to Reduce Intramuscular Testosterone Injection Pain

1. Find injection sites that work for you (“sweet spots”) and rotate them. The deltoid (arm), vastus lateralis (thigh), and ventrogluteal (hip/butt) muscles are acceptable sites for IM injections. The common dorsogluteal injection site is no longer recommended. (Doing T shots in your butt? Read this.)

2. Choose your gear wisely. Use a needle that is long enough to penetrate deep into the muscle. Use a larger gauge needle for drawing up, then switch to a smaller gauge needle to inject.

3. Shorten your cycle. If you’re injecting every 14 days, you might try moving to a 7 day cycle to see if injecting the smaller volume helps minimize pain.

4. Re-visit your injection technique. Air-lock or Z-track? Are you injecting straight in or does the trajectory of the needle shift during injection? Fast or slow? Small tweaks to your technique might provide big wins in reducing post-injection pain.

5. Warm up and relax. Have a hot shower or bath before your injection to warm up the injection site. While injecting, keep the muscle relaxed (and unflexed.)

6. Warm up your T. too! Hold the vial in a closed fist for a couple of minutes, run it under hot water or place it on a baseboard heater for a minute to warm the T. to room temperature or a little higher. Warm oil in a warm muscle will produce less pain than cold oil in a cold muscle!

7. After sterilizing the injection site with alcohol, let the skin dry. Penetrating the skin with the needle before the alcohol has evaporated can cause a stinging pain sensation.

8. Apply manual pressure to the injection site for 10 seconds before your injection. Be sure to maintain sterility!

9. After your injection, reduce pain and swelling by applying topical Arnica gel or cream, and then ice the injection site.

10. Some people swear by it, so massage the site after injection if you think it helps!

Excerpt from 10 Ways to Make Intramuscular Testosterone Injections Less Painful: A review of scientific studies sets the record straight on minimizing post-injection pain from IM injections.

[arudetrans]

Post Top Surgery: Scar Care Diet🍌

The big question: How do I get my scars to fade?

While we have videos and posts about which oils and butters work best; I have noticed there is a complete lack of what we put INSIDE our bodies that will help us heal. 

Diet is just as important!!

In this post I will explore some 🌱plant-based food🌱 options to support happy and healthy healing!

Protein💪 - This stuff is important. It plays a vital role in producing collagen (the stuff that basically holds your body together) You can find protein in beans, tofu, avocado, various nuts and seeds, alternative milks (I also really love Vega brand plant-based protein - berry flavor) 

Vitamin C🍊 - Another great aid in collagen production, while also giving your immune system a boost! You’ll find it in citrus fruits and dark & leafy greens. However, your body does not always do a great job in transferring Vitamin C to your skin. For maximum benefit you can try a topical Vitamin C and apply it to your incisions along with whatever else you choose to use!

Vitamin A -  It helps with stimulating new cell and blood vessel growth. Eat carrots, spinach, kale, mangoes, sweet potatoes

Vitamin E - packed with antioxidants. Many of you have probably already read up on topical Vitamin E oils for scar care. Try avocados, almonds, oats, flax (if you’re going with seeds make sure they are ground up! Your body won’t get the benefits of it in its whole seed form) 

Zinc - This can accelerate your healing time and reduce inflammation. Pick up some beans, walnuts, whole grains

**Your body benefits most from breaking down these foods in their whole form and obtaining nutrients that way. Popping a bunch of vitamins isn’t going to be of much use to you.**

I hope this helped you guys out a little. I plan to add a list of smoothies that will be packed with this stuff after I try out some recipes! Stay tuned and stay healthy!

🌼

[viriles]

tips on alleviating sex dysphoria

i have yet to read a post on relief of sex dysphoria that was ACTUALLY helpful, and if you have moderate to severe sex dysphoria reading a book or dancing isnt really gonna do jack shit so here’s some cheap/free ways to actually help you

for FTMs

tutorials for making packers: [tumblr post] [video] [wikihow]

diy packer harness: [pouch] [pouch] [for underwear] [easy]

tutorials for making STPs: [super easy] [realistic] [semi-realistic]

binders: [diy tips] [In A Bind (U.S. only)] [Replace The Ace (U.S. only)] [MORF (worldwide)]

exercises to make you look more masculine: [hips and thighs] [chest] [biceps] [abs]

miscellaneous: [tumblr post for fake beards] [foods that lower estrogen] [foods that heighten testosterone] [masculine makeup] [lowering your voice] [passing tips]

for MTFs

tutorials for tucking: [video] [video] [wikihow] [tumblr post]

making breast forms: [very easy] [easy] [video]

bras/panties: [Cheap Undies] [bras and sports bras] [for trans women]

makeup: [All Cosmetics Wholesale] [Bang Good] [elf] [BH Cosmetics] [basic makeup tutorial]

exercises to make you look more feminine: [hips and thighs] [chest] [legs]

miscellaneous: [how to cover up stubble] [foods that heighten estrogen] [foods that lower testosterone] [making your voice higher] [passing tips] [advice for pre-e trans women] [get cleavage with makeup]

resources for all trans people

Trans Housing Network

Trans Clothing Exchange

Trans Lifeline: U.S. [phone] and Canada [phone]

Trans Supplies

feel free to add links or correct broken ones!

[somesortaalpaca-deactivated2020]

Oh my fuck thank you

[viriles]

ur welcome

[psych2go]

[fitness01993]

Things they don’t tell you about top surgery

- Talk to the surgeon about the size you want your new areolas/nipples (don’t be afraid to ask)

- Numbness. No one talks about this for guys who are about to have surgery. You’re going to be numb all in your chest area, especially where the incisions were. They cut nerves as they pass along your chest, and it can take up to a year to regenerate those nerves. Still, feels super foreign for the first two weeks

- Make your bed into a pillow chair, body pillow, two on each side, and two for your head. 

- Sleep alone. I tried to sleep with my girlfriend and it was miserable. You really do need the entire bed for yourself

- Go on Groupon, & get yourself a 10 foot lightning cable iPhone charger, BEST THING EVER, can reach from wherever you are

- Don’t take a week off from work, take two. You will regret the one week, and love the extra time

- When they say “don’t move too much, even after the first week”. LISTEN. I moved way too much and got so sore super quickly. 

- Drink lots of water & eat if your taking the pain medication, otherwise your stomach feels super funky.

- Get stool softeners, & don’t be afraid to take those babies. Don’t wait a week to poop. you’ll surely regret it. 

- The drains are scary & they may hurt while draining or rewrapping your dressings, but once they come out, the second they do, its no more pain, its crazy. 

i hope this helps someone, because i wish i knew all of this when i was having mine a month ago. Looking back its like everyone forgets all the real negatives, its a great experience, & i healed very well & quick compared to most, but the first few days are crazy. They hurt, suck but it gets better. 

[ravenoli]

Top Surgery Advice

Hey everyone! I’ve been waiting to make a post with some top surgery advice and now that I’m finally feeling a little better I thought I’d take a shot. I’ve already made a post about my personal experience, so feel free to read that and maybe get an idea of what your day might be like. I also dealt with a minor complication after surgery, which I’ve posted about here. It was nothing too serious, but feel free to read it if you want to learn about a not-so-common experience. Now, on to the good stuff!

Leading up to surgery:

Drink plenty of fluids and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle–this will help during surgery and during recovery!

Make sure you have an after surgery buddy. I’m not sure I would’ve survived without @gaydogdad to hand me things I couldn’t reach (that were usually 6 inches away). 

If you feel anxious, call and talk to your surgeon/staff. It’s totally normal to worry and they will help you out any way they can. 

The day of surgery:

Wear loose clothes! Many surgeons will recommend wearing a button-up, but mine only allowed zip-up sweaters. I strongly recommend going with the sweater instead of button-up shirt! You might think that a shirt will be loose enough, but once the swelling and soreness sets in you’re going to want something loose and comfy. Basketball/workout shorts are also your best friend because pulling your pants down to pee is not a fun experience the first day or so. Also, flipflops/sandals. Comfort is the key on surgery day!

Your surgeon will likely give you instructions with what to bring to the facility on surgery day (prescriptions, clothes, inhalers, etc.). Be sure to review them and pack your bag the night before!

You are going to feel nervous/anxious/excited/scared/happy (basically every emotion ever) and that’s totally okay! This is a big day! You are also probably going to feel like you’re forgetting to do something or that you haven’t done everything your doctor said–at least, that’s how I felt the entire morning. Chances are, you’re fine. Your nerves will trick you into thinking you should be doing more, but your number one concern should be relaxing and mentally preparing yourself for the day!

Communicate with your doctor/staff! Don’t be shy to ask questions about what is going to happen or concerns you may have. That’s why they are there. 

Recovery:

Rest, rest, rest! ‘Nuff said. 

Figure out the most comfortable position/place for you. I stayed on the couch for a few days because it was really hard to sit up from laying flat on my back in bed. Sometimes I even slept sitting straight up. Just figure out what works best for you and get plenty of sleep/rest.

Listen to your doctor! Don’t overexert yourself just because you start feeling better. Don’t stop wearing your compression shirt because the swelling subsided. Don’t forget to take your medicine. Basically, be the ideal patient. 

Listen to your body! If you feel tired, sleep. If your muscles are sore, take a break from whatever  you’re doing. If you’re hungry, eat. Surgery is exhausting and it takes a lot out of you. Don’t think “well it’s been a week so I should be able to do _____” because that’s not always how it works. Everyone heals differently. 

That being said, I know guys who stopped taking pain pills after the first day and others (including myself) who needed them for a longer period of time. As long as you are using them the way they’re intended, don’t be ashamed that you are in pain. Take care of yourself the best way you can!

My doctor provided a post-op package as well with some helpful contents that I’ll list here just so you have an idea of some things you may need but didn’t think about:

Melatonin (sleep, sleep, sleep!)

Sleep mask and ear plugs (sleep, sleep, sleep during the day!)

Dulcolax (helps relieve constipation that most people experience from pain killers and anesthesia) 

Probiotic Pearls (helps your immune system and your tummy!)

Arnica Montana (an herb that helps with swelling and bruising)

Benadryl (in case you’re itchy; also helps sleep)

White Petroleum Jelly (for post-op massages)

Additional Gauze/Dressings (they gave me maternity pads and they worked wonders absorbing the fluid from my drains)

Well, that’s all I have for now! I hope this can help some folks in the future and I am always open to answering questions you may have about hormones or surgery or anything in general. 

[journeyintomanhood]

10 Tips for Recovering from Chest Surgery

I decided to compile some tips that I found helpful when recovering from chest surgery. I tried to think of things that aren’t are the average lists. 

1. Laxatives: Start taking laxatives 2 days before surgery and continue when you get home from surgery for about a week post op. 

2. Arnica: Start taking arnica tablets about a week before surgery and continue when you get home from surgery. Arnica helps reduce swelling and bruising. 

3. Pillows: If you have a recliner that is ideal but if you don’t then using a bunch of pillows to keep yourself propped up in bed is necessary. Also keep ones under your butt to help with back pain and under your elbows. 

4. Gravol: If you’re driving more than just a couple minutes you will probably feel really sick on your way back. Gravol helps keep the nausea down. Just double check with the nurse that it won’t interfere with any of your medication. 

5. Pill chart and alarms: It can be hard to remember when and what you took. My partner was great at having an alarm set on her phone and writing down what I took and when. 

6. Protein: Protein helps the body heal and helps keep you full which is really important especially if you can’t eat a lot after. Try making smoothies with protein powder and protein bars.

7. Deodorant Wipes: I found a pack of these in the travel section of the drug store and they were good because for over a week I wasn’t allowed to shower and it was horrible but this made it slightly less horrible.

8. Melatonin: For the first while the T3s helped me sleep but after I was off then I had a hard time getting comfortable since I don’t normally sleep on my back. Melatonin helped a lot with that. 

9. Avoid alcohol: Obviously, when you’re on pain meds you really can’t drink but I’ve seen a lot of people ask how long you should wait. Its recommended that after plastic surgery, especially something with grafts, you should avoid drinking for at least 4 weeks. This doens’t seem to be common knowledge among the community. 

10. Listen to your body and take it easy: It became a joke when I was recovering about “taking it easy” because my Mum said it to me a lot but she was right. Relax. Don’t push yourself. Don’t rush recovery. Just take it easy and listen to your body. 

[transgender101]

Can E be taken as pills?

Okay so here is what I found on hrt for transwomen, I'm directly quoting from a website I found to be insightful (I'll put the link below) since I myself am not fully educated on hormones for transwomen. However, I'll always do my best to help: "Now let’s talk about treatments. Cross gender hormone therapy for transwomen may include three different kinds of medicines: Estrogen, testosterone blockers and progesterones.Estrogen is the hormone responsible for most female characteristics. It causes the physical changes of transition and many of the emotional changes. Estrogen may be given as a pill, by injection, or by a number of skin preparations such as a cream, gel, spray or a patch.Pills are convenient, cheap and effective, but are less safe if you smoke or are older than 35. Patches can be very effective and safe, but they need to be worn at all times. They could also irritate your skin. .Many transwomen are interested in estrogen through injection. Estrogen injections tend to cause very high and fluctuating estrogen levels which can cause mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, anxiety or migraines. Additionally, little is known about the effects of these high levels over the long term. If injections are used, it should be at a low dose and with an understanding that there may be uncomfortable side effects, and that switching off of injections to other forms may cause mood swings or hot flashes.Contrary to what many may have heard, you can achieve the maximum effect of your transition with relatively small doses of estrogen. Taking high doses does not necessarily make changes happen quicker it could, however, endanger your health. And after you’ve had genital surgery or orchiectomy—removal of the testicles—your estrogen dose will be lowered. Without your testicles you need less estrogen to maintain your feminine characteristics and overall healthTo monitor your health while on estrogen, your doctor will periodically check your liver functions and cholesterol and screen you for diabetes.Let’s move on to testosterone blockers.There are a number of medicines that can block testosterone and they fall into two categories: those that block the action of testosterone in your body and those that prevent the production of it. Most testosterone blockers are very safe but they can have side effects.The blocker most commonly used, spironolactone, can cause you to urinate excessively and feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when you first start taking it. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids with this medication. Because spironolactone can be dangerous for people with kidney problems and because it interacts with some blood pressure medicines, it’s essential you share with your doctor your full medical history and the names of all the medications you’re taking. A rare but potentially dangerous side effect of spironolactone is a large increase in the production of potassium, which could cause your heart to stop, so while on this medication you should have your potassium levels checked periodically.Finasteride and dutasteride are medicines which prevent the production of dihydro-testosterone, a specific form of testosterone that has action on the skin, hair, and prostate. These medicines are weaker testosterone blockers than spironolactone but have few side effects, and are useful for those who can not tolerate spironolactone. It is unclear if there is any added benefit to taking one of these medicines at the same time as spironolactone.Lastly, let’s talk about Progesterone.Progesterone is a source of constant debate among both transwomen and providers. Though it’s commonly believed to have a number of benefits, including: improved mood and libido, enhanced energy, and better breast development and body fat redistribution, there is very little scientific evidence to support these claims. Nevertheless, some transwomen say they experience some or all of these benefits from progesterone. Progesterone may be taken as a pill or applied as a cream."https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapyMuch love and if there are any girls on E who would like to pitch in please do!! -Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

Im not transgender but the boy i like is and i want to make the next step(sex) but i dont know how to make it and to make it feel good for him, btw we are of legal age

Hi! You will have to sit down and discuss all his likes and dislikes before initiating any sexual contact. That way, it is clear what is okay and what is not. Communication is super important when it comes to this!! Much love and goodluck!! -Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

Can T be taken as pills?

Yes but a doctor typically will not administer them at least not in the US. The thing about pills is they can be harsh on the liver. Harsher than any other form of T. Much love. -Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

Good places to get binders?

In my experience GC2B is going to be your best bet. I’ve tried underworks but they are not comfortable for me at all. They are itchy and kind of painful. GC2B has its flaws but it’s been the best for me in terms of comfort. Anyone feel free to give suggestions!! I could do a better comparison later if someone request. However, I think I’m gonna stick to my gut and say GC2B is where it’s at. Much love. Here is their tumblr: @gc2b-apparel

-Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

Recommendations for ftm names starting with s?

Hmm, some people choose names that are popular in their culture. Like if you’re Hispanic something like Sergio or Stefano ( lol sorry I can only speak for Hispanic/American culture but wanted to give an example.) However off the top of my head Steven, Seth, Shawn… I actually have a friend whose brother’s name is Sinder! Although I’m not sure if he spells it with a C or S. I’d say look in a baby book for names and try them out!! Let us know! Much love.

-Mod Elijah

[transgender101]

Whatdya think of the name Cliff?

Love it! Sorry this is probably late. -Mod Elijah