Female to Male Transsexualism

An introduction to female to male transsexualism in natal females who have male gender identities

What does FTM mean?

FTM is an abbreviation for female-to-male transsexual. Female to Male transsexuals are individuals who were born biologically female who identify and/or undergo a physical transition to appear as male. thus, female to male transsexualism is characteristic of person who was female at birth but who have a masculine identity. The FTM transition process may involve:

Hormone Replacement Therapy with synthetic male hormones in order to develop masculine physical attributes
Surgical reconstruction of their breasts or genetalia
Surgical removal of their female sexual organs
Legal petitions to change their name and/or gender

The Psyche Behind Female to Male Transsexualism

Female to male transsexualism may include a variety of transgender identities, including: tomboys, butches, drag kings, gender nonconformists, transsexuals, intersexuals, and various other expression of gender identification.

Intersex Individuals are born with various physical conditions that cause a combination male and female physical traits.
Transsexuals experience a misalignment between their natal physical body and their gender identity. They may seek to alter their bodies to conform to their internal concept of self
Drag kings are gender bending performers.
Butches are masculine-appearing women, which may or may not be attracted to women.
Gender variant or Gender Nonconformists have spiritual, political, cultural, social or personal reasons that they compel them to dress or live differently than conventional societal expectations. These people are often referred to by the umbrella term "transgendered", especially in a political context, e.g. "the transgendered civil rights movement."
For more information, see our What is Transgender? page

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Female to male transsexualism and sexual orientation are not co-exclusive. They may be attracted to females, males, gender nonconformists or other transgender persons. Sexual orientation may change when the female to male transsexual undergoes gender transition. There is no correlation between sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Effect of Female to Male Transsexualism on Partner Relationships

Learning that a partner is transgender can be stressful on a relationship. The added stress of a partner undergoing transgender transition can have be potentially devastating on a relationship, even if the partner is supportive of their partners decision to transition. However, many relationships remain intact and even strengthen following the transition of one of the partners.
Many FTMs will find that their opportunities for relationships increase following their transition. This may be attributable to an increase in their confidence or other positive personality traits that emerge when they become more “at home” in their bodies. FTMs have fulfilling relationships just like any one else.
In addition, many men, women and transgendered people are sexually attracted to FTMs. They may find FTMs to be sexually intriguing or exciting. In fact, it is not uncommon for heterosexual males to be very attracted to FTMs. Likewise, heterosexual females may also be attracted to FTMs.

Can a woman become a man?

Absolutely. Gender transition for FTMs is highly successful. A combination of male hormones, surgery and masculine clothing can transform a very feminine person into a very masculine appearance. Legal petitions for a court ordered name and gender change are granted everyday.

The Female to Male Parent

FTM transsexuals may have children before undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Adoption is also an option. FTMs may also have a female partner who becomes pregnant through artificial insemination. Less commonly, some female to male transsexuals may become pregnant after undergoing hormone treatment, however the long-term effects on the child after their carrying parent has taken hormones has not been conclusively studied. Furthermore, gender reassignment surgery may render the FTM infertile.