This is a website for FtMs/transmen intended to assist them in passing/presenting/living as male. TG butches, drag kings and other masculine identified people also welcome.
Binding is a term given to the process by which the chest is bound to create a flatter, more male appearance.This practice is very common among the FtM population.It can be achieved in several ways, though some are much safer than others. A long standing method or binding is with an ace bandage.While this is one of the the most affordable methods,selling for 8 bucks or less, I do not recommend it.The material does not allow much movement, which is what it was made to do.Not so good for the respiratory system.In fact, long term use or extremely tight ACE's can restrict breathing, resulting in atelectasis (poorly inflated lungs),possible pneumonia (from poor coughing ability), pain and skin irritation.Some guys with small chests can get away with layering shirts and slumping over,though I am sure it is not healthy for the back.Neoprene binders are also a common method.These are marketed as back support, but can be used to bind and at 10 bucks or less, they are affordable.However, they are also major sweat makers.Some guys have success with wearing sports bras(the higher the lycra, the better),prices vary greatly.One popular in the FtM community is the Frog bra.All of the above products can be found at walmart.There are vests/shirts that are made specifically for chest binding.Underworks,(my personal favorite), carries a several different styles that are effective for guys with small to large chests.They are reasonable at 19.99 and up.They also offer compression shorts,made to reduce appearance of hips, thighs and buttocks.T-male, an excellent site, offers donated, gently used binders in its Big Brothers program that vary in price.T-Kingdom is an FtM oriented site/company based in Taiwan that offers chest binders.Have heard several guys say these run quite small,so order larger that you think you need.Prices seem to be around 50 bucks and up, but use the currency converter below to be sure.Morris Designs offers vests with prices 56 bucks and up.Mango products is an FtM owned and operated site that offers binders 76 bucks and up.
Packing refers to "stuffing" one's pants to create a more male like appearance and feel.There are many different ways of doing this.Here are the most common.Many guys have and continue to use the tried and true sock method.That is, rolling the socks into a ball and placing them into the pants.While not always the most realistic, its one of the cheapest ways to pack.Other methods include filling a condom or something similar with gel.Not sure of the success rate with this one, but this method could also cost next to nothing, depending on the cost of supplies.There are several products that were actually made to be a packer.The most common seems to be the Tricky.This product comes in sizes 3.5 to 7 inches long and colors vanilla, mocha, pink, chocolate and sometimes blue.This packer should be dusted with cornstarch to maintain its texture (DON'T USE TALC! powder as it has been linked to health issues) .They have a fairly realistic feel and create a realistic package.Prices range from 12-20 bucks, depending on the website.I have found it difficult to find the chocolate or mocha color on some sites, which can be a problem for us FtMs of color.Astericks indicate chocolate and or mocha color available as of 4/7/07.Babeland, T-male, *Mango products*(recommended for price and color availability.)Early 2 Bed. FYI: some of the longer packers seem to have small testicles, which some guys don't like. Good Vibrations, along with most of the above mentioned sites also carry a packer called Mr Right. (Mine split along the underneath of the shaft.)It is 50 bucks and up.Some guys just place these in the pants and go, but for those of us that want to secure our packer better, there are several options.Jock straps are an affordable way to keep your packer in place.Prices vary, but most seem to start at 9 bucks and go up from there.There are many products made specifically to hold packers in place.The Cock Sock, Cock Strap, Packin Sac, FtM Underwear and the Packin Strap are all available from the T-male, with prices 10 bucks and up.A couple of these products are available from the sites listed above that sell packers.The Packy Pocket is available for 15 bucks.Site is currently under construction.The Mango harness sells for about 30 bucks a piece.This F2M harness is sold in pairs for 14.95. There are also products available from Babeland and Early 2 Bed that are referred to as Pack-n-Play devices, or cocks that are used for packing as well as sex.Prices range from 30 bucks and up. These items usual contain a rod that can be bent into different positions. They tend to be less firm than those made exclusively for intercourse. According to some sources, with vigorous action, the rod can actually break through the head of the cock, becoming a hazard to one's partner. There seems to be a lack of realism with the colors available. They also tend to create a rather large bulge in the pants. If looking for an item primarily for packing, this product is not recommended.
The products listed below are referred to as penile prosthetics.They look and feel very realistic and usually require only prosthetic glue to hold them in place,which is also available from the website.
Tyron is a German Transman that sells prosthetics.Prices listed on his page are in Euros.If my conversions are correct,this is a really good deal at 140 bucks.A fairly new company,Lola.Jake, offers several both flaccid and firm prosthetics.Starting at 125 bucks for the smallest packer to 600 bucks for other models. For an added fee, 3D balls can be added to the packer. Medical adhesive is all that is needed to wear these.
FtM Prosthesis are made in the Netherlands and is quite realistic.Prices 350 bucks and up.(According to email response from site owner on 4/8/07,Phase 1 on the site is no longer available.)FtM Prosthetic is a site owned by an Australian professional prosthetist.The site offers both flaccid and erect cocks, as well as the Dual, a penis that can be worn daily and for sex.While these products are pricey at 575 bucks and up,the product quality is amazing.
For many guys, it is a neccesity to be able to "go" like other men. Some transmen are able to accomplish this without much assistance. There is something called the Finger Assist Method, shown here. This seems to require alot of practice and may be prone to accidents. But if successful will eleminate the need to carry any extra
equipment in pockets or waistbands. Some guys report using coffee can or a similar type lid. Depending on the supplies you already have, this could cost nothing. Some choose not to do this, but cutting of the edge of the lid that will be against you may help prevent accidents. Make sure that it is smooth. Next, roll the lid into a funnel or U-shape. Place the lid behind the uretheral opening, ain for the toilet/urinal and go.This is the correct position for all STPD's. Most of these methods will require practice to perfect, so it may be best to practice alot in the shower. Also, it may be wise to practice washing the device discreetly as you wash your hands and placing it back into the waistband or pocket. The medicine spoon, costing about a buck at Walgreens and other drug stores, is an inexpensive option. The closed end should be cut at a 45 degree angle, facing downward, to allow the urine to flow out. There is also a device called the TravelMate , available for $6.59 a piece or $17.95 for a pack of three. Available in blue or white. The Campmor website offers both the Freshette for 20 bucks (very easy to use, but pink) and the Lady Jane, which is available for 7 bucks. The Whizzy is a disposable,flexible STP that comes in packs of 10 or more starting at 10 bucks. The T-male offers the U-Tube, a thin,flexible STP. Comes in two styles from 10-15 bucks. The P Style is a hard plastic STP device that comes in a few different colors and costs about 12 bucks. There are also packers available from the T-Male at 45 bucks, and Mango Products at 60 bucks and up that contain a tube through the shaft to allow urination through the packer.
Hairstyle can oftentimes mean the difference between passing and not passing.Some guys prefer longer hair and thats fine if it works for you.But guys seeking a new cut may have a hard time picking our a new hairstyle. One way to find a cut that works for you is to pick out a guy whose hair you like and see if it works for you.For example, what works for an angular or slim face may not look as good on a round faced guy. Some guys might use a celebrity style as an example of the cut they want. Another important aspect is actually getting it done. Some guys, like myself have learned to do our own or ask an SO, friend or family member to help you. A good set of clippers is well worth the 30-100+ you will spend on them.They save trips to the barber shop and you can get it done whenever you need to. For some more complicated (easy to screw up) hairstyles like a fade, going to the barber is a must.First off, make sure you will be comfortable in the establishment and most importantly, with the barber. Why barber and not stylist?Because you would end up with a feminized version of the cut you really wanted. Barbers are trained on doing masculine cuts.Still if you do not pass as male, the barber may attempt to feminize your style. So it may be necessary to clarify this. If questioned, just tell them you prefer it this way. Something that DIY haircut guys might forget is their sideburns. Cut them off, unless you are able to grow mutton chops, or thick sideburns.Unless you have started T, this is usually unattainable. Women commonly style theirs into points.I think they should end at the upper half to middle of of the ear.And cut them straight across.The fine unruly hairs around your hairline should be shaped/lined up to create a clean hairline. Some guys, especially those that are pre-T, wish to shave, but do not have any facial hair. But there is probably at least some hair there, so you can still shave. I like a hot shower or how towel on my face to open the pores.Try to get a nice razor, 6-10 bucks at Walmart.I like the Quatro midnight from Schick.I always use shaving cream, which can be had for 1 buck and up from Walmart.Who doesnt use shaving cream, right? Well my dad for one and I am sure he is not alone.Also, to add a masculine scent and cooling, try using aftershave, though you may want to avoid alcohol based products. They BURN.A good aftershave will be 3-6 bucks.
Note: Everyone has their own style. First and foremost,wear what makes you most comfortable.
Because confidence goes a long way in passing.
Clothing can either worth for you or against you.First I will talk about things that you might want to avoid.For example clothing that is too tight or otherwise ill fitting if it emphasizes hips,chest or both. Also,stay away from clothing that clings. And for the most part,try to avoid shopping in the women's section. Even if you find something that looks "safe",it may end up looking feminine.I am not a small guy,but it seems common among ftms. For some of these guys,shopping in the men's department is out of the question.The sizes are just too large.You could have them tailored to fit. You might also want to check out the boy's/teen section.
IMO, layering clothes can be very helpful.It seems to help hide the chest and/or body shape. A button up shirt over an under/tee shirt is a popular way to go. A polo with a t shirt underneath looks good as well. Patterns also seem helpful,especially stripes.As far as pants go,minimizing the hips can is a concern for some. Wearing you pants lower on the hips can help with this.You might generally want to avoid pants with pleats,tapered legs and the super straight leg.They all emphasize the body shape.As far as watches think bigger.Women's watches/bracelets tend to be thinner or smaller.Go for a watch with a bigger face.Some basic wardrobe items that I recommend: A white and a blue button up shirt,watch,wallet,white undershirts,a black and a brown belt,a pair of brown and a pair of black shoes,jeans,and khakis.
For some guys, vocal pitch, tone and pattern may work in your favor or may it very difficult to pass.Sometimes, nothing else but T will drop the voice into a male range, but there are techniques that some guys use that result in a drop in vocal range. There is a helpful video on Youtube called Boom Your Voice.The exercise itself seems strange, but I think it worked for me.Also you may try practicing a deeper range by singing in a pitch lower than you are used to.Make it a point to practice speaking in a lower tone.At first, it may be obvious by your facial expressions that you are trying too hard.Thats why its good to practice at home.Make it a point to speak from the diaphram as opposed to higher in the throat.This will often naturally drop the voice.Another thing that some guys may need to work on is our body movements or mannuerisms.No matter how masculine one might feel, some guys may subconsiously do feminine things.IMO, the less "hand talking" one does, the better.Also, crossing the legs at the knee can make an FtM seem more feminine that crossing them at the ankles or ankle over knee.Also, pay attention to the way men vs women walk.There IS a difference.
Dr Kayla Springer,Ph.D
3280 Observatory Avenue Cincinnati (513) 381-6611
psychlogist that serves the transgender community in the tristate area. Not sure that she offers sliding scale. Follows Harry Benjamin Standards of Care.Very professional.
Dr Thomas De Hoop, MD
222 Piedmont Avenue, Cincinnati (513) 475-8588
gynecologist that performs Robotically assisted hysterectomies,in addition to conventional procedures. Trans friendly.Great bedside manner.
Dr Margery Gass, MD
(513) 475-8588
gynecologist that conducts a transgender clinic the first Friday(last time I checked) of each month. May give T shots in her office(with script).Trans friendly.Great bedside manner.
Cincy boyz
(513) 238-9318 or cincyboyz@gmail.com
An ftm support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month.
bravenet.com