Feb 9, 2019
5 min read
Common FTM Words & Acronyms
- Binder — Traditionally, binders are an article of clothing used to bind a person’s chest to create a flattened, more ‘masculine’ chest. This can range from DIY binding (though generally considered unsafe and dangerous) to sports bras and mass marketed products from specialized companies (ie. Underworks, F2M, gc2b)
- Bottom Surgery — An informal term referencing to anything that may fall under the umbrella of “Gender Reassignment Surgery.” Note: Refer to Gender Reassignment Surgery or GRS for more details
- Cisgender — ‘Cis’ for short. A person whose gender and identity correspond with their birth sex.
- Cishet — Combination of the words ‘cisgender’ and ‘heterosexual.’
- Dysphoria — Dysphoria is defined as “a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life.” In the context of transgender individuals, this usually refers to “Gender Dysphoria,” or a state of anxiety, unease, or dissatisfaction with one’s biological sex.
- FTM — ‘Female to Male,’ refers to the transitioning of a biological woman to a transgender male. Some may use the acronym F2M as well.
- Endocrinologist — ‘Endo’ for short. In order for a transgender person to receive HRT, more often than not (unless you have informed consent), they will be required to see an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a medical professional that specializes in conditions, diseases, and treatment related to hormones.
- Endo — See endocrinologist
- Gender Confirmation Surgery — Refer to Gender Reassignment Surgery
- Gender Dysphoria — A state of anxiety, unease, or dissatisfaction with one’s biological sex. In cases where an individual experiences Gender Dysphoria, the assigned sex and gender do not match the person’s gender identity.
- Gender Reassignment Surgery — ‘GRS,’ An umbrella term for any surgical procedure a transgender individual might undergo to have their body align with their gender. In the case of tradesmen or female-to-male, this includes phalloplasty or metoidioplasty. Also known as genital reconstruction surgery, gender confirmation surgery or sex realignment surgery.
- Genital Reconstruction Surgery — Refer to Gender Reassignment Surgery
- HRT — ‘Hormone Replacement Therapy,’ is the term used to describe the use of hormones to aid transgender individuals in achieving their gender-specific features. While not all transgender individuals opt for the use of HRT, HRT helps relieve transgender individuals of their dysphoria by helping their bodies become more aligned with their sense of being. For example, a transgender male may opt for the use of HRT in the form of testosterone in order to gain a more ‘male appearance.’ (ie. body hair, deeper voice, male hairlines) Note: prescriptions, frequency, side effects and results vary from person to person.
- Hysterectomy — ‘Hysto’ for short. It is a surgical operation to remove all or part of the uterus. While not all transmen undergo this procedure, the removal of the uterus reduces the chance of ovarian cancer.
- Informed Consent — While this is not available anywhere, it is usually done in lieu of seeing an endocrinologist and/or gender therapist in order to receive HRT. It is the process of being granted permission to receive a given procedure or treatment, acknowledging the possible consequences.
- Metoidioplasty — ‘Meta’ or ‘Meto’ for short. In a metoidioplasty, a surgeon separates the enlarged clitoris (the use of testosterone enlarges the clitoris) from the labia minora, and severs its suspensory ligament in order to lower it to the approximate position of the penis. Wikipedia
- Social Transition — Presenting as your desired gender of choice to the public. Every individual transitions differently, but socially transitioning can include using a new name, changing pronouns, changing appearance.
- STP — ‘Stand to Pee,’ usually used to reference devices that allow transmen to pee standing up and/or use public urinals. STPs come in many shapes and forms: some merely serve as a extension, allowing transmen to pee standing up, while others resemble cisgender penises. Depending on how they were manufactured, some are marketed as STPs and packers. Degree of realism and detail vary from company to company.
- WPATH — ‘World Professional Association for Transgender Health,’ provides standards of care (SOC) for the treatment of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People. The SOC are based on the best available science and expert professional consensus.
- Packer — It is a prosthetic penis used to resemble a cisgender penis. Many transmen utilize a packer to create a realistic bulge in their pants. Packers can come in all sizes, shapes (cut or uncut), and colors. There are some packers in the market that can also be used as an STP device. Some packers may require maintenance, such as the use of corn starch to prevent chafing and wear and tear, particularly if also used as an STP.
- Packing — the use of a prosthetic or other item to create a realistic bulge. Packing is not limited to the use of a traditional packer. Some men use rolled-up socks, for example, to create a similar bulge.
- Packing Underwear or Harness — Underwear or harnesses designed to be used for packing. These often contain a pocket in the front of the underwear or harness. Note: Regular, store-bought underwear may also be used for packing but the term packing underwear may refer to underwear specifically designed and manufactured for packing purposes.
- Pack and Play — Packing device also created to be used for sexual activity. Usually hollow (for packing and/or STP use) and include a rod that can run through the shaft to make it stiff for sexual use.
- Passing — Appearing to be the ‘right’ gender to the general public. Often frowned upon by the transgender community, as it sets “standards” for what is “male” or “female.”
- Phalloplasty — ‘Phallo’ for short. Phalloplasty involves the construction of a penis using donor skin from other areas of the body. Depending on the type of phalloplasty procedure, skin is typically taken from the abdomen, groin/leg, forearm, and/or side of the upper torso (latissimus dorsi area) and grafted onto the pubic area. Phalloplasty usually involves a urethral lengthening procedure so that the patient can urinate through the penis. Erections are usually achieved with either a malleable rod implanted permanently or inserted temporarily in the penis, or with an implanted pump device. FTM Guide
- PIV — ‘Penis in Vagina,’ usually used to reference sexual intercourse. Many transmen may opt for the use of a strap-on or dildo in order to achieve sexual intercourse. Note: not all transmen enjoy or partake in this particular form of sex. Each individual is different. This does not imply that they or he are okay with being penetrated, as it may be referring to penetrating their partner.
- Sex Realignment Surgery — Refer to Gender Reassignment Surgery
- Stealth — Presenting as a cisgender male and living without disclosing transgender status to the general public (friends, family, etc).
- Testosterone — ’T’ for short. Testosterone is the prescribed ‘male’ hormone prescribed to female-to-male transgender individuals.
- Top Surgery — An informal term that describes chest surgery often undergone by transgender individuals. Depending on body type, surgeons can opt for two kinds of chest reconstruction surgery: Double incision/Bilateral mastectomy or Keyhole/Peri-areolar incision. FTM Guide
- Transsexual — Outdated term referencing to transgender individuals.
