16 Best MTF Transition Tips From Already Transitioned Women
This article will look at some important tips and advice for people who are ready for transitioning. However, it is important to understand that the transition process is unique to each person.
There are several factors that influence the experience, including the place, whether you’re transitioning from male to female or vice versa, and so on.
1.) Dating
Many people wonder what dating is like after the operation. Is it difficult or easier? Obviously, that is going to depend on your experiences, your circle, and where you live.
However, in most cases, it does get easier. The reason being, many trans people do not disclose their identity on the first date or meeting itself.
When you finally disclose it to a date, it is common for them to ask questions about your identity, including whether you underwent the bottom surgery.
Before the surgery, you may face a lot of rejections at this stage.
2.) What is too soon?
This is another question that trans people often ask once they come to terms with their identity.
The answer to this would also be unique to each person’s experience. However, if you are wondering whether you are rushing into it, it’s best to hold off.
The fact is that the bottom surgery is not reversible. As a result, it is something you must think through.
If you have just come to terms with your identity, it is recommended to give it some time.
Live your truth for some time before going ahead with the surgery. In many countries, the procedure and regulations make it easier to wait and live with your newfound identity before beginning transitioning.
If you are ready to start transitioning, spend at least one year under HRT before contemplating SRS.
It is natural to keep questioning yourself about this procedure, which will ensure that you do not rush into it.
If you are uncertain, please reach out to a therapist to determine whether it is right for you.
Interact with other trans people and better understand their experiences.
Finally, talk to doctors who specialize in the bottom surgery to learn more about the procedure.
3.) Insurance & Healthcare
Transitioning is an expensive process. There are many surgeries, procedures, and therapies that one must go through.
Needless to say, having insurance coverage is a huge lifesaver.
So, take some time, check what plan your employer offers, talk to your insurance agent, and do some research regarding trans friendly insurance providers in your country.
Some employers, like Starbucks, cover many procedures for trans people.
4.) Familial Issues
This is another common issue, particularly in certain cultures and communities. Many parents of trans people openly disprove their identity and are unsupportive if they want to transition.
In a few cases, they have threatened to physically hurt their trans children. If you are in such a circumstance, we insist that you reach out to a professional or an authority figure for safety.
In case you are not a minor and have moved out of your parents’ home, you no longer have to keep in touch with someone who cannot accept you for who you are.
However, if you are still a minor and live with them, it is imperative to have a support system outside your home in the form of friends, community, and so on.
Online LGBTQ+ communities are very welcoming, so leverage the internet.
5.) Voice Therapy
While hormone replacement therapy works effectively in developing many feminine attributes while transitioning, one thing it does not impact is your voice.
However, for many trans women, the process of transitioning is incomplete without working on their voices.
If you are seeking voice lessons, follow Zoe Alexandria on YouTube.
Eventually, by pushing your limits, you can master your high-pitched voice. It is all about practice.
6.) Transitioning Stealthily
Transitioning is a very personal experience and, as a result, you may want to go through it alone or share it with very few people.
It is, therefore, understandable that you might want to find ways in which you can mask your transitioning until you are fully ready to come out.
Firstly, if you are over the age of 18, undergoing HRT does not require parental consent.
This is great, because once you are ready to come out, passing becomes quite easy.
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are two other options available to begin your transitioning process without attracting any attention.
You can also grow out your hair, since man buns have become common today. Start working out to get your body in shape. Take good care of your skin.
If you're looking for a better way to get rid of unwanted facial and body hair at home (permanently) click here to learn more.
7.) Adjusting to Identity
Many transgender people feel inauthentic and uncomfortable in their own skin. Do not try too hard to pass off as a woman.
Regardless of what you wear and how you talk, you are still a woman, so do not force yourself to be too feminine or girly.
This could lead to insecurity and imposter syndrome. Instead, wear what you feel comfortable in and ditch what does not define your personality.
There isn’t just one kind of a woman; some like sweats, others like dresses.
8.) Where do I Start
Typically, people begin with HRT and are on hormones for a year or so before they move on to other procedures.
It is completely up to you to decide which procedure you want to start with.
Many people determine this based on what they can afford and what is covered by insurance.
It also depends on what strengthens your dysphoria and insecurities.
9.) Passing
In simple terms, passing is when a trans person looks like the gender that they identify with.
For some people, passing comes easy while for others, it does not. Regardless, it would take a lot of time and hormones as well as surgeries in many cases.
However, remember that if you transition a little later in life, after attaining puberty, you would have developed “manly” attributes that may require surgeries to reverse.
This is typically due to the different bone structures that men and women develop.
Since hormones do not act on the bone structure, surgeries are often the way to go. However, with a little bit of work, anybody can pass.
Here are 7 MTF Passing Tips.
10.) Workplace Transitioning
At a workplace, transitioning takes a little bit of effort. It is recommended to talk about it to your manager or your superior once you are ready.
You can also get HR involved before you start discussing it with others. Among your colleagues, you can first talk to your close friends.
You can also send out a mass email informing your team that you are transitioning and let them know your pronouns and the name that you now go by.
11.) Dressing Up
As you begin to transition, you will feel the urge to start exploring your feminine side through clothes, heels, makeup, and so on.
It is also very common for people to feel nervous before they start the transitioning process in terms of clothes.
However, remember that you are doing this for yourself. So don’t worry about what others say. Wear whatever you want to feel more connected to yourself.
12.) Professional Help
We cannot emphasize this point enough. Transitioning can be an overwhelming process and as a result, can take a toll on your mental health.
Thus, it is important to seek professional help in the form of therapy if you can afford it. Always go to a therapist who has specialized in trans topics.
13.) Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is very common in the trans community. With transitioning, a lot of that goes away.
Various surgeries and hormones help develop feminine attributes and consequently, you would be able to associate better with your identity.
However, for most people, the dysphoria does not completely go away and they learn to live with it and manage it.
Thus, it is very important to accept that part of your identity.
14.) Breast Augmentation
When you transition into a woman with HRT, you would develop breasts to a certain extent.
However, not everyone is happy with the volume.
In that case, breast augmentation is a great option to increase your size, if it makes you insecure or strengthens your dysphoria.
15.) Hobbies
Transitioning can be daunting, and physically and mentally excruciating. Thinking about it constantly does not help either.
As a result, find a hobby or a creative outlet and get right into it!
16.) Resources
Today, there are many resources available to understand transitioning better. Be on the lookout for YouTube videos, blogs, community meetups, and more.
Engaging and interacting with the community while conducting your own research on the side can help you prepare for what’s coming, so there are no surprises.
You can also visit our MTF Transition Hub for more information.
These are some of the tips we thought you should know before you begin transitioning.
This is not an exhaustive list, but does include some important pointers. We hope this helped. Good luck!