Five Questions Transgender People Are Sometimes Afraid To Ask

We have come a long way as a society, but we still have much work to do. Although some people are more accepting than others of transgender people, there is still a stigma that must be broken to allow you and others like you to live comfortably. As a transgender person, you may have questions you’d like to ask but don’t feel comfortable doing so. No matter if you have undergone FTM surgery or are slowly discovering the real you, here are five questions to guide you:

1. Am I trans? You’ve spent your whole life grappling with this idea. You feel one way inside, but your body presents something else to the world. You may even be faced with a tinge of impostor syndrome. If you say you are trans, then you are. That’s the bottom line. No one can tell you how you feel inside, and no one has the right to tell you that you are or aren’t trans.
2. What if I don’t know what my exact gender is? There is no rule that you have to know your exact gender. Gender is fluid and you aren’t defined by it. Instead of trying to pinpoint your exact gender, explore your self. If after this self-exploration you decide you want to stick to a certain gender, then it is your right to do so.
3. What is the FTM procedure? The FTM procedure, also known as female-to-male surgery, is a series of surgeries that can include chest masculinization and hysterectomy. Not all trans people undergo surgery, and it is entirely up to the individual to decide if it is the right move for them.
4. What is T? T stands for testosterone, which is the hormone that creates male physical traits. Testosterone works directly on the body’s tissues by stimulating genital growth and suppressing estrogen production.
5. Why do I feel so ashamed of who I am inside? When it comes to gender, we are taught what is “normal” when we are young. In reality, there is no “normal.” Feeling ashamed is common for those who are transgender because they feel they have done something wrong by wanting to transition. You have done nothing wrong. Remember that it is your body and your business. How you choose to present yourself is also your business and nothing to be ashamed about.

Whether you are thinking of undergoing the FTM procedure or simply looking for like-minded people to talk to, you are in the right place. We are a resource for you to understand what you are going through and help you transition through surgery or without.