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Hysterectomy/Vaginectomy Basics
Posted a year agoHysterectomy:
Removal of the uterus.
Laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal procedures exist and depend on individual anatomies and a surgeon's experience & preferences. A total hysterectomy also includes removal of the cervix, while a partial hysterectomy leaves it intact. If you intend to have a vaginectomy, your surgeon will require a complete hysterectomy.
Commonly paired with an oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy, but neither is a requirement for phalloplasty or vaginectomy, local laws and surgeon's personal requirements notwithstanding.
Oophorectomy:
Removal of one or both ovaries. Commonly performed simultaneously with a hysterectomy.
Some people choose to leave one or both ovaries during hysterectomy. This is generally fine and accepted by surgeons. Reasons to leave an ovary/ovaries may include future plans to harvest eggs (which can be done post-hysterectomy), or as a precaution against possible future inaccessibility to testosterone (to prevent osteoporosis and other side effects from not having estrogen or testosterone in one's body).
If you are at risk for ovarian cancer, your surgeon may suggest performing an oophorectomy. If you are not at any known additional risk, you may still have an oophorectomy, but be aware that new studies suggest that the most common ovarian cancers typically start in the fallopian tubes. You can have a salpingectomy performed and still retain your ovaries.
Salpingectomy:
Removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Commonly performed simultaneously with a hysterectomy.
Once a hysterectomy has been performed, there is no functional reason to keep the fallopian tubes, as their primary job is to deliver ova from the ovaries into the uterus. Given their recent developments highlighting them as a risk factor and originator for ovarian cancer, if you are getting a hysterectomy your doctor will likely suggest you perform a salpingectomy in tandem.
Vaginectomy, Colpectomy, Colpoplasty, or Colpoclesis:
The removal of part or all of the vagina. This can be done separately or simultaneously to phalloplasty, but it is recommended you consult with your intended phalloplasty/metoidioplasty surgeon beforehand if you wish to do both, and how they would prefer to stage things.
NOTE: Vaginectomy is not a universal requirement for phalloplasty or metoidioplasty. If you do not want a vaginectomy, be sure to bring this up with your surgeon during a consult. This is more of an issue if you require urethral lengthening due to a significantly higher complication rate. Every surgeon is different and have their own requirements, exceptions, and comfort zones; respect them, but find someone that respects yours too.
Colpectomy: A full vaginectomy - removal of the vagina. A risky procedure with a high, serious complication rate. The risk of hemorrhage, damage to the bladder and rectum are significant even with an experienced surgeon. The vaginal mucosa (lining of the vagina) is removed and the deep pelvic muscles are sewn together. Again, prior to having this procedure, consideration of the implications of future surgery should be discussed.
Colpoplasty: A newer procedure that involves closure of the external opening of the vagina whilst opening the internal (cervical) end into the abdominal cavity. This operation is less risky than a colpectomy but still preserves the vaginal mucosa. Vaginal cancer is therefore still possible. If such a cancer were to develop it would therefore go unnoticed and be difficult to get at. The risk of developing vaginal cancer is slight: one in a million.
Colpoclesis: Involves ablation (complete removal) of the vaginal mucosa and fusion of the muscular walls of the vagina. It is well tolerated with a low complication rate. Additionally since there is no vaginal mucosa, there is no risk of vaginal cancer.
A list of doctors willing to perform tubal sterilization, minimal/no questions asked:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet.....krb7Q/htmlview
+ a similar list from r/childfree (other states are parts 2-5) https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/.....tors_part_one/
Removal of the uterus.
Laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal procedures exist and depend on individual anatomies and a surgeon's experience & preferences. A total hysterectomy also includes removal of the cervix, while a partial hysterectomy leaves it intact. If you intend to have a vaginectomy, your surgeon will require a complete hysterectomy.
Commonly paired with an oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy, but neither is a requirement for phalloplasty or vaginectomy, local laws and surgeon's personal requirements notwithstanding.
Oophorectomy:
Removal of one or both ovaries. Commonly performed simultaneously with a hysterectomy.
Some people choose to leave one or both ovaries during hysterectomy. This is generally fine and accepted by surgeons. Reasons to leave an ovary/ovaries may include future plans to harvest eggs (which can be done post-hysterectomy), or as a precaution against possible future inaccessibility to testosterone (to prevent osteoporosis and other side effects from not having estrogen or testosterone in one's body).
If you are at risk for ovarian cancer, your surgeon may suggest performing an oophorectomy. If you are not at any known additional risk, you may still have an oophorectomy, but be aware that new studies suggest that the most common ovarian cancers typically start in the fallopian tubes. You can have a salpingectomy performed and still retain your ovaries.
Salpingectomy:
Removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Commonly performed simultaneously with a hysterectomy.
Once a hysterectomy has been performed, there is no functional reason to keep the fallopian tubes, as their primary job is to deliver ova from the ovaries into the uterus. Given their recent developments highlighting them as a risk factor and originator for ovarian cancer, if you are getting a hysterectomy your doctor will likely suggest you perform a salpingectomy in tandem.
Vaginectomy, Colpectomy, Colpoplasty, or Colpoclesis:
The removal of part or all of the vagina. This can be done separately or simultaneously to phalloplasty, but it is recommended you consult with your intended phalloplasty/metoidioplasty surgeon beforehand if you wish to do both, and how they would prefer to stage things.
NOTE: Vaginectomy is not a universal requirement for phalloplasty or metoidioplasty. If you do not want a vaginectomy, be sure to bring this up with your surgeon during a consult. This is more of an issue if you require urethral lengthening due to a significantly higher complication rate. Every surgeon is different and have their own requirements, exceptions, and comfort zones; respect them, but find someone that respects yours too.
Colpectomy: A full vaginectomy - removal of the vagina. A risky procedure with a high, serious complication rate. The risk of hemorrhage, damage to the bladder and rectum are significant even with an experienced surgeon. The vaginal mucosa (lining of the vagina) is removed and the deep pelvic muscles are sewn together. Again, prior to having this procedure, consideration of the implications of future surgery should be discussed.
Colpoplasty: A newer procedure that involves closure of the external opening of the vagina whilst opening the internal (cervical) end into the abdominal cavity. This operation is less risky than a colpectomy but still preserves the vaginal mucosa. Vaginal cancer is therefore still possible. If such a cancer were to develop it would therefore go unnoticed and be difficult to get at. The risk of developing vaginal cancer is slight: one in a million.
Colpoclesis: Involves ablation (complete removal) of the vaginal mucosa and fusion of the muscular walls of the vagina. It is well tolerated with a low complication rate. Additionally since there is no vaginal mucosa, there is no risk of vaginal cancer.
A list of doctors willing to perform tubal sterilization, minimal/no questions asked:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet.....krb7Q/htmlview
+ a similar list from r/childfree (other states are parts 2-5) https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/.....tors_part_one/
Bodily Autonomy
Posted a year agoTransitioning is the ultimate act of bodily autonomy. That is why we as trans people have been turned into a political football and boogeymen across the globe. In taking away trans peoples' right to bodily autonomy, everyone else loses their rights and freedom too. Do not forget that. In painting us as confused deviants that must be eradicated we are being used as a trojan horse to bring full unflinching fascism.
Things will get worse, there's no avoiding that at this point- this can't really be considered doomerism or fear mongering anymore. Regardless of which politicians take power, the far right has made their intentions very loud and clear. Do not ignore their warnings. You have seen what they've started to do with laws. Do everything you can to get your documents updated while you still can, consider getting additional copies too. For HRT, consider talking to your doctor about changing the diagnosis to something other than gender dysphoria or anything trans related. If you're wanting surgery, consider starting that process now instead of putting it off for later. Develop practical skills. Find real and supportive community. Make your contingency plans.
Do what you need to do to maintain quality of life. But most importantly, continue to live your life to the fullest and watch out for each other. If you live somewhere safe and stable, extend your hand to help others relocate and find their footing. You are stronger than you realize and better days will come again. The times ahead will be difficult and they may try to take away your dignity and liberty, but do not let them just take it without a fight. Tomorrow is another day.
Things will get worse, there's no avoiding that at this point- this can't really be considered doomerism or fear mongering anymore. Regardless of which politicians take power, the far right has made their intentions very loud and clear. Do not ignore their warnings. You have seen what they've started to do with laws. Do everything you can to get your documents updated while you still can, consider getting additional copies too. For HRT, consider talking to your doctor about changing the diagnosis to something other than gender dysphoria or anything trans related. If you're wanting surgery, consider starting that process now instead of putting it off for later. Develop practical skills. Find real and supportive community. Make your contingency plans.
Do what you need to do to maintain quality of life. But most importantly, continue to live your life to the fullest and watch out for each other. If you live somewhere safe and stable, extend your hand to help others relocate and find their footing. You are stronger than you realize and better days will come again. The times ahead will be difficult and they may try to take away your dignity and liberty, but do not let them just take it without a fight. Tomorrow is another day.
Trans 101: Dysphoria vs Dysmorphia
Posted a year agoInspired by a recent comments section where even trans people were getting the two mixed up and confused. Plus I seem to recall people being in favor of some Trans 101 style content anyway. Feel free to leave critiques or share your own experiences in the comments!
Dysphoria can be treated and even resolved- hormone therapy and surgery are capable of dramatically reducing it if not completely eradicating it. Not all trans people have dysphoria and among those who do suffer from it, the amount varies from individual to individual. For example, not all trans people are dysphoric about their genitals, but they may be dysphoric about their breasts or lack thereof, or their body hair or lack thereof. Others are overcome with crippling dysphoria when sexual activity with their natal genitals are involved and can turn fun sexy time into a much less fun highly distressing mess. Trans people who are dysphoric about their genitals will often describe disassociating being necessary in order to get off. It's not great to feel like your body is betraying you while aroused, it's very...existential. This can extend beyond sexual activity too of course.
Dysmorphia on the other hand is more of an obsession that will never be satiated. Surgery for example, will not help.
Think of the person who can't stop getting plastic surgery on their face. To contrast, a trans woman who gets facial feminization surgery once (the rare complication or revision to fix an error aside) is not the same as someone who compulsively keeps getting nose jobs, face lifts, lip fillers, etc because they can't stop obsessing over how ugly they think their face is. Plus usually these people looked perfectly fine before, whereas facial feminization has a specific achievable goal: remove/reduce identifiably male features.
Skin picking and obsessing in front of the mirror for hours to hide perceived flaws is another example of dysmorphic behavior. A dysphoric person will usually just shut down. Both dysphoria and dysmorphia can also be present at the same time, and that's often the case for some people unfortunately. There is also the potential for dysphoria to get so bad that it becomes dysmorphic dysphoria; i.e. no matter what they'll always believe no matter how well they pass as the gender they transitioned to, that they in fact do not pass and you will never convince them otherwise.
Dysmorphia isn't unique to trans and nonbinary people either, think of anyone with a negative obsession with a body part, or people who are absolutely convinced they're fat when they're not. Key difference: dysmorphic people can't see reality, dysphoric people are very painfully aware of reality.
Dysphoria can be treated and even resolved- hormone therapy and surgery are capable of dramatically reducing it if not completely eradicating it. Not all trans people have dysphoria and among those who do suffer from it, the amount varies from individual to individual. For example, not all trans people are dysphoric about their genitals, but they may be dysphoric about their breasts or lack thereof, or their body hair or lack thereof. Others are overcome with crippling dysphoria when sexual activity with their natal genitals are involved and can turn fun sexy time into a much less fun highly distressing mess. Trans people who are dysphoric about their genitals will often describe disassociating being necessary in order to get off. It's not great to feel like your body is betraying you while aroused, it's very...existential. This can extend beyond sexual activity too of course.
Dysmorphia on the other hand is more of an obsession that will never be satiated. Surgery for example, will not help.
Think of the person who can't stop getting plastic surgery on their face. To contrast, a trans woman who gets facial feminization surgery once (the rare complication or revision to fix an error aside) is not the same as someone who compulsively keeps getting nose jobs, face lifts, lip fillers, etc because they can't stop obsessing over how ugly they think their face is. Plus usually these people looked perfectly fine before, whereas facial feminization has a specific achievable goal: remove/reduce identifiably male features.
Skin picking and obsessing in front of the mirror for hours to hide perceived flaws is another example of dysmorphic behavior. A dysphoric person will usually just shut down. Both dysphoria and dysmorphia can also be present at the same time, and that's often the case for some people unfortunately. There is also the potential for dysphoria to get so bad that it becomes dysmorphic dysphoria; i.e. no matter what they'll always believe no matter how well they pass as the gender they transitioned to, that they in fact do not pass and you will never convince them otherwise.
Dysmorphia isn't unique to trans and nonbinary people either, think of anyone with a negative obsession with a body part, or people who are absolutely convinced they're fat when they're not. Key difference: dysmorphic people can't see reality, dysphoric people are very painfully aware of reality.
⚧️ Trans Surgery Support 🏳️⚧️
Posted a year agoJust a general awareness post, this is a discord server for trans people actively pursuing or post-op any trans surgery and is not exclusive to trans men. Verification is required to see the vast majority of the server, and requires at minimum a consult scheduled with a surgeon.
https://discord.gg/ahRjdr2Bzf
https://discord.gg/ahRjdr2Bzf
Have you faced barriers in getting gender affirming care?
Posted 2 years agoProPublica is investigating the ways transgender people are blocked from getting quality health care related to gender transitions. If you live somewhere in the US and have struggled to get the healthcare you need and are willing to talk about it, consider filling out the form in the link below:
https://www.propublica.org/getinvol.....affirming-care
Major medical associations recognize that access to gender-affirming care, also known as transition-related care, is medically necessary for transgender people, whose mental and physical health may be harmed if they are barred from getting it. Yet conservative politicians across the country have moved to restrict access to gender-affirming care. Our recent investigation found that state and local governments that deny this care to their employees are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to defend their policies in discrimination lawsuits.
We are interested in talking to transgender individuals who have faced barriers when seeking quality gender-affirming care; we want to hear about obstacles you’ve faced in any part of the process, from struggling to find providers to limitations in insurance coverage. Documents, such as health bills or insurance denial letters, are always welcome and helpful for our investigative reporting process.
Our team may not be able to respond to everyone personally, but we will read everything you submit. We understand that sharing personal information may feel risky, and we will not publish any of it without your permission. We appreciate you sharing your story and we take your privacy seriously. We are gathering these stories for the purposes of our reporting, and will contact you if we wish to publish any part of your story.
Also just a head's up, a case is on its way to the Supreme Court which could result in the single most consequential trans rights court determination- West Virginia v. B.P.J. asks the Supreme Court to address whether any government discrimination against transgender people is inherently suspect under the Constitution, and thus must be subject to “heightened scrutiny” by the courts. The best case scenario would be an outcome similar to Brown v. Board of Education.
Here is a well written overview:
https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/3.....duncan-protest
https://www.propublica.org/getinvol.....affirming-care
Major medical associations recognize that access to gender-affirming care, also known as transition-related care, is medically necessary for transgender people, whose mental and physical health may be harmed if they are barred from getting it. Yet conservative politicians across the country have moved to restrict access to gender-affirming care. Our recent investigation found that state and local governments that deny this care to their employees are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to defend their policies in discrimination lawsuits.
We are interested in talking to transgender individuals who have faced barriers when seeking quality gender-affirming care; we want to hear about obstacles you’ve faced in any part of the process, from struggling to find providers to limitations in insurance coverage. Documents, such as health bills or insurance denial letters, are always welcome and helpful for our investigative reporting process.
Our team may not be able to respond to everyone personally, but we will read everything you submit. We understand that sharing personal information may feel risky, and we will not publish any of it without your permission. We appreciate you sharing your story and we take your privacy seriously. We are gathering these stories for the purposes of our reporting, and will contact you if we wish to publish any part of your story.
Also just a head's up, a case is on its way to the Supreme Court which could result in the single most consequential trans rights court determination- West Virginia v. B.P.J. asks the Supreme Court to address whether any government discrimination against transgender people is inherently suspect under the Constitution, and thus must be subject to “heightened scrutiny” by the courts. The best case scenario would be an outcome similar to Brown v. Board of Education.
Here is a well written overview:
https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/3.....duncan-protest
DIY Testosterone Guide
Posted 3 years agoThe DIY HRT page was finally updated to include a full guide for trans-masculine people to obtain testosterone who can no longer obtain their HRT due to all the anti-trans laws in the US, though it includes information for people in other countries too. It includes everything from sourcing, dosing, blood testing, and needle size recommendations. Check it out!
https://diyhrt.wiki/transmasc
Additional harm reduction resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....tGfasAm1pjPka/
https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....DNqhqlCJE5yrg/
Also for people with shot anxiety, UnionMedico makes FDA approved autoinjectors:
https://unionmedico.com/product/super-grip/
https://unionmedico.com/product/45-.....ctor-reusable/
You can find videos of it in action here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBYGUV4Ezk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzqwVTOcR-A
https://diyhrt.wiki/transmasc
Additional harm reduction resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....tGfasAm1pjPka/
https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....DNqhqlCJE5yrg/
Also for people with shot anxiety, UnionMedico makes FDA approved autoinjectors:
https://unionmedico.com/product/super-grip/
https://unionmedico.com/product/45-.....ctor-reusable/
You can find videos of it in action here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBYGUV4Ezk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzqwVTOcR-A
Abortion Resources
Posted 3 years agoRoe v Wade was overturned a few hours ago, and Clarence Thomas wrote that the Supreme Court should reconsider Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell— i.e. the rulings that currently protect contraception, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage. We also know that Republicans are ramping up to introduce anti-trans laws at the federal level after the next election cycle. So get ready for a rough ride.
Not my list (was taken from elsewhere) please pass it along/repost to whoever may need these resources.
https://shareabortionpill.info/ This site created by SYA is full of information about abortion pills, where to get information about them, where to get legal help, and other FAQs.
https://ineedana.com/ This easy to navigate site will point people to abortion options in their state. If people live in a state where abortion is inaccessible, the site will point them to other options. It is reliable and regularly updated.
https://aidaccess.org/ One of our favorites, this site connects people with physicians who prescribe abortion pills, even before someone is pregnant. Pill mailing times vary from state to state. Pills are medically safe and effective for most people, but legal risks may apply depending on who you are and where you live.
https://abortionfunds.org/ The National Network of Abortion Funds helps people get abortions in a variety of ways. Go here if you need help acquiring an abortion.
https://keepourclinics.org/ Many clinics in receiving states will be overwhelmed with people needing abortions as we see access continue to fall. This is a great place to support the independent abortion clinics who will be unfairly overloaded in the months and years to come.
https://mahotline.org/ The Miscarriage and Abortion hotline is a confidential text and phone line staffed by physicians who can securely counsel people through self-managed miscarriages and abortions. Help is available in English and Spanish. Text or call 1-833-246-2632, 8am - 11pm in the continental US.
A list of doctors willing to perform tubal sterilization, minimal/no questions asked:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet.....krb7Q/htmlview
+ a similar list from r/childfree (other states are parts 2-5) https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/.....tors_part_one/
Not my list (was taken from elsewhere) please pass it along/repost to whoever may need these resources.
https://shareabortionpill.info/ This site created by SYA is full of information about abortion pills, where to get information about them, where to get legal help, and other FAQs.
https://ineedana.com/ This easy to navigate site will point people to abortion options in their state. If people live in a state where abortion is inaccessible, the site will point them to other options. It is reliable and regularly updated.
https://aidaccess.org/ One of our favorites, this site connects people with physicians who prescribe abortion pills, even before someone is pregnant. Pill mailing times vary from state to state. Pills are medically safe and effective for most people, but legal risks may apply depending on who you are and where you live.
https://abortionfunds.org/ The National Network of Abortion Funds helps people get abortions in a variety of ways. Go here if you need help acquiring an abortion.
https://keepourclinics.org/ Many clinics in receiving states will be overwhelmed with people needing abortions as we see access continue to fall. This is a great place to support the independent abortion clinics who will be unfairly overloaded in the months and years to come.
https://mahotline.org/ The Miscarriage and Abortion hotline is a confidential text and phone line staffed by physicians who can securely counsel people through self-managed miscarriages and abortions. Help is available in English and Spanish. Text or call 1-833-246-2632, 8am - 11pm in the continental US.
A list of doctors willing to perform tubal sterilization, minimal/no questions asked:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet.....krb7Q/htmlview
+ a similar list from r/childfree (other states are parts 2-5) https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/.....tors_part_one/
TDOV Contact your gov about the anti-trans laws! ⚧️
Posted 3 years agoMarch 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility. Under normal circumstances I probably wouldn't do much on this day, however most of you have probably noticed by now the endless slew of these cruel and inhumane bills/laws in the US, especially the ones targeted at younger trans people.
From the start of 2021 to now, March 2022, a total of 39 states have attempted to pass anti-trans legislation with increasing and alarming frequency. I have compiled a full list of all 39 states (successful or not in their attempts) with the contact information for each governor. As a citizen it is your right to have this information and contact your governor and other representatives, and frankly if you are trans or have trans friends or loved ones it should be your moral obligation to do so.
Please feel free to take and repost this list and modify how you see fit. It would be beneficial to include other public officials but hammering out this list in time took enough work for me as it was already. Most of the visualization maps available online have not been updated for 2022 yet.
More journals for transition related info soon™
Alabama - Governor Kay Ivey
• Address: 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130
• Phone: 334-242-7100
• Email: https://contact.governor.alabama.gov/contact.aspx
Alaska - Governor Mike Dunleavy
• Address: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001
• Phone: 907-465-3500
• Email: N/A
Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey
• Address: 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Phone: 1-602-542-4331
• Email: https://azgovernor.gov/engage/form/.....governor-ducey
Arkansas - Governor Asa Hutchinson
• Address: Governor Asa Hutchinson, State Capitol Room 250, 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201
• Phone: 501-682-2345
• Email: https://governor.arkansas.gov/onlin.....es/contact-us/
Connecticut - Governor Ned Lamont
• Address: 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
• Phone: 860-566-4840, 800-406-1527 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the.....overnor-Lamont
Delaware - Governor John Carney
• Addresses: Wilmington, Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, 12th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 or Tatnall Building, 150 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd South, Dover, DE 19901
• Phones: Wilmington Office: 302-577-3210; Dover Office: 302-744-4101
• Email: https://governor.delaware.gov/email.....vernor-carney/
Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis
• Address: State of Florida, The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
• Phone: 850-717-9337
• Email: GovernorRon.Desantis[at]eog.myflorida.com
Georgia - Governor Brian Kemp
• Address: 206 Washington Street, Suite 203, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Phone: 404-656-1776
• Email: https://georgia.gov/contact-georgiagov
Hawaii - Governor David Ige
• Address: Executive Chambers, State Capitol, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
• Phone: 808-586-0034
• Email: https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact.....-the-governor/
Idaho - Governor Brad Little
• Address: State Capitol, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720
• Phone: 208-334-2100
• Email: https://gov.idaho.gov/contact-us/
Illinois - Governor JB Pritzker
• Address: 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706
• Phone: 217-782-6830 to 31
• Email: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov.....ceRequest.aspx
Indiana - Governor Eric Holcomb
• Address: 200 W. Washington St., Rm. 206, Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Phone: 317-232-4567
• Email: http://www.in.gov/gov/2752.htm
Iowa - Governor Kim Reynolds
• Address: Office of the Governor, Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
• Phone: 515-281-5211
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....p;__fid=100008
Kansas - Governor Laura Kelly
• Address: Office of the Governor, Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S, Topeka, KS 66612-1590
• Phone: 785-296-3232, 877-579-6757 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://governor.kansas.gov/questions_form/
Kentucky - Governor Andy Beshear
• Address: 700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
• Phone: 502-564-2611
• Email: https://governor.ky.gov/contact/contact-us
Louisiana - Governor John Bel Edwards
• Address: Office of the Governor, PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
• Phones: 225-342-0991, 844-860-1413
• Email: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/4
Maine - Governor Janet Mills
• Address: Governor Janet Mills, 1 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
• Phone: 207-287-3531
• Email: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mill.....e-your-opinion
Michigan - Governor Gretchen Whitmer
• Address: P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Michigan 48909
• Phone: 517-335-7858
• Email: https://somgovweb.state.mi.us/GovRe.....tGovernor.aspx
Minnesota - Governor Tim Walz
• Address: 130 State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
• Phone: 651-201-3400, 800-657-3717 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://mn.gov/governor/contact/
Mississippi - Governor Tate Reeves
• Address: P.O. Box 139,, Jackson, MS 39205
• Phone: 601-359-3150
• Email: governor[at]govreeves.ms.gov
Missouri - Governor Michael Parson
• Address: P.O. Box 720, Jefferson City, MO 65102
• Phone: 573-751-3222
• Email: https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us
Montana - Governor Greg Gianforte
• Address: PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620-0801
• Phone: 406-444-3111, 855-318-1330 (Toll-free)
• Email: N/A
New Hampshire - Governor Chris Sununu
• Address: State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301
• Phone: 603-271-2121
• Email: governorsununu[at]nh.gov
New Jersey - Governor Phil Murphy
• Address: PO Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625
• Phone: 609-292-6000
• Email: https://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/all/
New Mexico - Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
• Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501
• Phone: 505-476-2200
• Email: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/co.....-the-governor/
North Carolina - Governor Roy Cooper
• Address: 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
• Phone: 919-814-2000
• Email: https://governor.nc.gov/contact/con.....overnor-cooper
North Dakota - Governor Doug Burgum
• Address: State of North Dakota, 600 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505-0100
• Phone: 701-328-2200
• Email: https://www.governor.nd.gov/contact
Ohio - Governor Mike DeWine
• Address: Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215
• Phone: 614-644-4357
• Email: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/porta.....act/contact-us
Oklahoma - Governor Kevin Stitt
• Address: 2300 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
• Phone: 405-521-2342
• Email: https://www.governor.ok.gov/contact.....tact-governor/
Pennsylvania - Governor Tom Wolf
• Address: 508 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120
• Phone: 717-787-2500
• Email: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/
Rhode Island - Governor Dan McKee
• Address: 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
• Phone: 401-222-2080
• Email: https://governor.ri.gov/contact/
South Carolina - Governor Henry McMaster
• Address: 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
• Phone: 1-803-734-2100
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....p;__fid=100000
South Dakota - Governor Kristi Noem
• Address: 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
• Phone: 605-773-3212
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....;__fid=2100060
Tennessee - Governor Bill Lee
• Address: 1st Floor, State Capitol, Nashville, TN 37243
• Phone: 615-741-2001
• Email: https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us.html
Texas - Governor Greg Abbott
• Address: State Insurance Building, 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
• Phone: 512-463-2000
• Email: https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact/opinion.aspx
Utah - Governor Spencer Cox
• Address: 350 North State Street, Suite 200, PO Box 142220, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-2220
• Phone: 801-538-1000, 800-705-2464 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://governor.utah.gov/contact/
West Virginia - Governor Jim Justice
• Address: State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E Charleston, WV 25305
• Phone: 304-558-2000
• Email: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wv/.....rnor/contactus
Wisconsin - Governor Tony Evers
• Address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707
• Phone: 608-266-1212
• Email: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/.....ice-an-opinion
Wyoming - Governor Mark Gordon
• Address: State Capitol, 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
• Phone: 307-777-7434
• Email: https://governor.wyo.gov/contact
From the start of 2021 to now, March 2022, a total of 39 states have attempted to pass anti-trans legislation with increasing and alarming frequency. I have compiled a full list of all 39 states (successful or not in their attempts) with the contact information for each governor. As a citizen it is your right to have this information and contact your governor and other representatives, and frankly if you are trans or have trans friends or loved ones it should be your moral obligation to do so.
Please feel free to take and repost this list and modify how you see fit. It would be beneficial to include other public officials but hammering out this list in time took enough work for me as it was already. Most of the visualization maps available online have not been updated for 2022 yet.
More journals for transition related info soon™
Alabama - Governor Kay Ivey
• Address: 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130
• Phone: 334-242-7100
• Email: https://contact.governor.alabama.gov/contact.aspx
Alaska - Governor Mike Dunleavy
• Address: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001
• Phone: 907-465-3500
• Email: N/A
Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey
• Address: 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Phone: 1-602-542-4331
• Email: https://azgovernor.gov/engage/form/.....governor-ducey
Arkansas - Governor Asa Hutchinson
• Address: Governor Asa Hutchinson, State Capitol Room 250, 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201
• Phone: 501-682-2345
• Email: https://governor.arkansas.gov/onlin.....es/contact-us/
Connecticut - Governor Ned Lamont
• Address: 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
• Phone: 860-566-4840, 800-406-1527 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the.....overnor-Lamont
Delaware - Governor John Carney
• Addresses: Wilmington, Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, 12th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 or Tatnall Building, 150 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd South, Dover, DE 19901
• Phones: Wilmington Office: 302-577-3210; Dover Office: 302-744-4101
• Email: https://governor.delaware.gov/email.....vernor-carney/
Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis
• Address: State of Florida, The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
• Phone: 850-717-9337
• Email: GovernorRon.Desantis[at]eog.myflorida.com
Georgia - Governor Brian Kemp
• Address: 206 Washington Street, Suite 203, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Phone: 404-656-1776
• Email: https://georgia.gov/contact-georgiagov
Hawaii - Governor David Ige
• Address: Executive Chambers, State Capitol, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
• Phone: 808-586-0034
• Email: https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact.....-the-governor/
Idaho - Governor Brad Little
• Address: State Capitol, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720
• Phone: 208-334-2100
• Email: https://gov.idaho.gov/contact-us/
Illinois - Governor JB Pritzker
• Address: 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706
• Phone: 217-782-6830 to 31
• Email: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov.....ceRequest.aspx
Indiana - Governor Eric Holcomb
• Address: 200 W. Washington St., Rm. 206, Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Phone: 317-232-4567
• Email: http://www.in.gov/gov/2752.htm
Iowa - Governor Kim Reynolds
• Address: Office of the Governor, Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
• Phone: 515-281-5211
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....p;__fid=100008
Kansas - Governor Laura Kelly
• Address: Office of the Governor, Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S, Topeka, KS 66612-1590
• Phone: 785-296-3232, 877-579-6757 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://governor.kansas.gov/questions_form/
Kentucky - Governor Andy Beshear
• Address: 700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
• Phone: 502-564-2611
• Email: https://governor.ky.gov/contact/contact-us
Louisiana - Governor John Bel Edwards
• Address: Office of the Governor, PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
• Phones: 225-342-0991, 844-860-1413
• Email: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/4
Maine - Governor Janet Mills
• Address: Governor Janet Mills, 1 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
• Phone: 207-287-3531
• Email: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mill.....e-your-opinion
Michigan - Governor Gretchen Whitmer
• Address: P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Michigan 48909
• Phone: 517-335-7858
• Email: https://somgovweb.state.mi.us/GovRe.....tGovernor.aspx
Minnesota - Governor Tim Walz
• Address: 130 State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
• Phone: 651-201-3400, 800-657-3717 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://mn.gov/governor/contact/
Mississippi - Governor Tate Reeves
• Address: P.O. Box 139,, Jackson, MS 39205
• Phone: 601-359-3150
• Email: governor[at]govreeves.ms.gov
Missouri - Governor Michael Parson
• Address: P.O. Box 720, Jefferson City, MO 65102
• Phone: 573-751-3222
• Email: https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us
Montana - Governor Greg Gianforte
• Address: PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620-0801
• Phone: 406-444-3111, 855-318-1330 (Toll-free)
• Email: N/A
New Hampshire - Governor Chris Sununu
• Address: State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301
• Phone: 603-271-2121
• Email: governorsununu[at]nh.gov
New Jersey - Governor Phil Murphy
• Address: PO Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625
• Phone: 609-292-6000
• Email: https://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/all/
New Mexico - Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
• Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501
• Phone: 505-476-2200
• Email: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/co.....-the-governor/
North Carolina - Governor Roy Cooper
• Address: 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
• Phone: 919-814-2000
• Email: https://governor.nc.gov/contact/con.....overnor-cooper
North Dakota - Governor Doug Burgum
• Address: State of North Dakota, 600 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505-0100
• Phone: 701-328-2200
• Email: https://www.governor.nd.gov/contact
Ohio - Governor Mike DeWine
• Address: Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215
• Phone: 614-644-4357
• Email: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/porta.....act/contact-us
Oklahoma - Governor Kevin Stitt
• Address: 2300 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
• Phone: 405-521-2342
• Email: https://www.governor.ok.gov/contact.....tact-governor/
Pennsylvania - Governor Tom Wolf
• Address: 508 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120
• Phone: 717-787-2500
• Email: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/
Rhode Island - Governor Dan McKee
• Address: 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
• Phone: 401-222-2080
• Email: https://governor.ri.gov/contact/
South Carolina - Governor Henry McMaster
• Address: 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
• Phone: 1-803-734-2100
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....p;__fid=100000
South Dakota - Governor Kristi Noem
• Address: 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
• Phone: 605-773-3212
• Email: https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iq.....;__fid=2100060
Tennessee - Governor Bill Lee
• Address: 1st Floor, State Capitol, Nashville, TN 37243
• Phone: 615-741-2001
• Email: https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us.html
Texas - Governor Greg Abbott
• Address: State Insurance Building, 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
• Phone: 512-463-2000
• Email: https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact/opinion.aspx
Utah - Governor Spencer Cox
• Address: 350 North State Street, Suite 200, PO Box 142220, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-2220
• Phone: 801-538-1000, 800-705-2464 (Toll-free)
• Email: https://governor.utah.gov/contact/
West Virginia - Governor Jim Justice
• Address: State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E Charleston, WV 25305
• Phone: 304-558-2000
• Email: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wv/.....rnor/contactus
Wisconsin - Governor Tony Evers
• Address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707
• Phone: 608-266-1212
• Email: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/.....ice-an-opinion
Wyoming - Governor Mark Gordon
• Address: State Capitol, 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
• Phone: 307-777-7434
• Email: https://governor.wyo.gov/contact
The court case that dismantled trans rights 50 years ago
Posted 4 years agoThis one seemed important enough to share.
The secret UK court case 50 years ago that has robbed transgender people of their rights ever since
The story of Ewan Forbes shows how trans people were able to enjoy equality – until it was quietly removed to protect male rights of succession
A narrative has developed about the position of transgender people today that has become so widely accepted as to be assumed as fact: that it is only in the past few decades that trans people have begun to enjoy any rights; that trans women have always been more prominent than trans men; and most of all, that in recent years, trans people have been seeking to gain more rights than they’ve ever had before.
A new book, The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes by Zoe Playdon, upends all of this. The Emeritus Professor of Medical Humanities at the University of London has unearthed a legal case that 50 years ago changed everything for trans people, but which has been kept secret at the highest levels ever since.
The purpose, it seems, of this blackout was to uphold the patriarchal structure underpinning the monarchy, aristocracy, and hereditary peerages – the right of inheritance by the firstborn son. Or, to use the formal term, male primogeniture. The effect was to remove the human rights of transgender people that had previously existed – and in silence.
She first suspected something important had been buried in 1996, while helping lawyers with a case about trans rights in the High Court of Justice, which failed, baffling everyone.
“I knew that there was something about primogeniture that was a stumbling block,” she tells me via video call. This sense was emboldened by an informant, the lawyer Terrence Walton, who had worked on a famous early case involving trans rights, who told her “‘there are some interests that it is more important to protect than the rights of individuals’. I thought, ‘we’re not going to actually get trans equality until the issue of primogeniture is dealt with.’”
Playdon hoped that after the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, which removed male primogeniture from the monarchy, something would shift. But after the Act, several attempts to end the same among hereditary peers unexpectedly didn’t pass, and certain trans rights cases stalled. By then, Playdon had retired so was able to devote five years of digging to find out what happened, and why.
“I knew that in the past, trans people had corrected their birth certificates,” she says. “All the way through up to 1970, the path was: self-identify, get affirmative medical care, correct your birth certificate, and live equally. After 1970, that’s gone.”
Read the rest here:
https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads.....rights-1291857
The secret UK court case 50 years ago that has robbed transgender people of their rights ever since
The story of Ewan Forbes shows how trans people were able to enjoy equality – until it was quietly removed to protect male rights of succession
A narrative has developed about the position of transgender people today that has become so widely accepted as to be assumed as fact: that it is only in the past few decades that trans people have begun to enjoy any rights; that trans women have always been more prominent than trans men; and most of all, that in recent years, trans people have been seeking to gain more rights than they’ve ever had before.
A new book, The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes by Zoe Playdon, upends all of this. The Emeritus Professor of Medical Humanities at the University of London has unearthed a legal case that 50 years ago changed everything for trans people, but which has been kept secret at the highest levels ever since.
The purpose, it seems, of this blackout was to uphold the patriarchal structure underpinning the monarchy, aristocracy, and hereditary peerages – the right of inheritance by the firstborn son. Or, to use the formal term, male primogeniture. The effect was to remove the human rights of transgender people that had previously existed – and in silence.
She first suspected something important had been buried in 1996, while helping lawyers with a case about trans rights in the High Court of Justice, which failed, baffling everyone.
“I knew that there was something about primogeniture that was a stumbling block,” she tells me via video call. This sense was emboldened by an informant, the lawyer Terrence Walton, who had worked on a famous early case involving trans rights, who told her “‘there are some interests that it is more important to protect than the rights of individuals’. I thought, ‘we’re not going to actually get trans equality until the issue of primogeniture is dealt with.’”
Playdon hoped that after the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, which removed male primogeniture from the monarchy, something would shift. But after the Act, several attempts to end the same among hereditary peers unexpectedly didn’t pass, and certain trans rights cases stalled. By then, Playdon had retired so was able to devote five years of digging to find out what happened, and why.
“I knew that in the past, trans people had corrected their birth certificates,” she says. “All the way through up to 1970, the path was: self-identify, get affirmative medical care, correct your birth certificate, and live equally. After 1970, that’s gone.”
Read the rest here:
https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads.....rights-1291857
Safe Chest Binding 101
Posted 4 years agoI'm taking the suggestion to post some basic 101 stuff since most people coming by here will probably be earlier in their transition. Most of this kind of stuff is honestly so far behind me that I actually needed help trying to find the best and most up to date information. That being said, this information is not my own. Sources are provided at the bottom. As always please feel free to leave a comment or send a note if you have any feedback.
Is binding dangerous?
Binding can be dangerous, or it can be a lot safer, depending on how it’s done. This is because binding compresses the chest area where the lungs are located. As a rule of thumb, you need to be able to take a full, deep breath while wearing the binder. To stay safe, try to minimize the number of hours you bind each day.
Symptoms that may require medical attention while binding include but are not limited to dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, major pain. Never bind while you sleep. Your breaths become slower and shallower when you’re unconscious, creating a dangerous combination.
Do not use ace bandages or duct tape. Seriously, don't.
Most people would probably consider this common knowledge by now, but back in the day this definitely was more of a widespread problem. Ace bandages and tape are not meant for binding as they don’t move with your body and can cause serious physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. There have been numerous cases of trans men who’ve acquired permanent scars and other injuries from using Ace bandages or duct tape to bind.
But what about trans tape?
This is a product that was made for this purpose, so it's generally acknowledged as safe to use with the proper precautions. Some people love this much more over traditional binding because it's much more comfortable for them. You may be interested to know that kinesthetic (KT) tape is the same product and generic brands often sell it at a much more affordable price. The primary benefit of binding with KT Tape is that it does not constrict your chest and can be left on for a few days at a time, so you can put it on and forget about it for a while. It's also okay to swim or shower with.
Applying kinesthetic tape
-Cut the strips in half (so you have two shorter pieces) to conserve them.
-Cover your nipples with a bandaid, gauze, etc. to protect them.
-Place the leading edge of the tape on the front of your chest, near or over your nipple.
-Stretch everything back and to the side, under your armpit, and adhere the tape.
-Make sure the anchor contacts the skin and isn't on top of another piece of tape.
-Rub the tape to activate the adhesives.
-You may need to use more than one strip to get flat enough.
Removing kinesthetic tape
Removing any kind of tape is going to come with the risk of pulling hair and skin off. The primary complaint people have in terms of comfort with KT Tape is that the adhesives can irritate your skin, and it can be difficult to remove and take some skin with it. Here are some tips for safe removal:
-Soak the tape in oil (baby oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc) for about 10 minutes before removing.
-Take a long hot shower and hold on to your skin close to where you're slowly removing the tape.
-Or just leave it on until it starts to peel up on it's own, and then try the tips above.
Back to traditional binders...
Find the right fit
Even with the right binder it’s still possible to bind unsafely. Read the sizing charts. Despite what you may have been told, don’t buy a binder that’s too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with Ace bandages or duct tape. Another piece of bad advice floating around out there is to wear tape and/or another binder on top of your binder. Make sure the binder doesn't hurt and you can breathe. It can be pretty easy to damage your ribs or internal organs when you go too tight. Be very careful to read the sizing info before you buy, especially if you go for an asian brand (their sizing is different).
Your binder size might change, be sure to buy new ones when you outgrow the old ones. If you find yourself sore, have trouble taking deep breaths, experience pain in the collarbone area, then it's time to size up. Conversely, binders do stretch out with extended use. If you find that your binder is not compressing your chest as well as it used to, you can run it through the dryer to try and shrink it (at your own risk) but you may have to get a new one. Different brands stretch out at different rates (gc2b is known for stretching out the fastest).
Long and short
Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.
If you can't get a binder
You can use a compressing sports bra, a compression t-shirt, or a wrap around back brace. Sizing again is very important. You want to compress the breasts, not your ribs. The other tried as true classic is obfuscation with a baggy hoodie or puffy vest.
Give your body a break
Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath. Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.
Don’t bind 24/7. In fact, don’t bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Stick to 6-8 hours at most if possible. If you can, take your binder off throughout the day to give your body a break– even if it's just for a few minutes in the bathroom. Suppressing dysphoria can’t come at the expense of your health. Even high quality binders can cause bruising. Use the times that you’re not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer. Do not sleep with your binder.
Positioning
Every person is different, and you're gonna have to figure out how to position your breasts to achieve the best look. Some people like them straight forward. Some pull them down, or up, and to the side. Play around and see what works for you. Use something like gold bond powder between the binder and your skin if you will be wearing it a long time or you're likely to sweat. It'll prevent chafing, keep you drier, and be more comfortable. If you're large chested, getting a long binder and turning it up so it doubles over can give you a bit of extra power.
Washing
Don't wash your binder with the rest of your laundry. It'll deteriorate the binding ability. Usually you can handwash in cold water and air dry. You should also avoid swimming in one, because the chemicals in the water can also damage it. There are binders made specifically for swimming, or you can wear a rash guard. Binders usually come in black or white, occasionally beige. White gets dirty or stained pretty easily, so buy with caution. Black might get really hot in summer. Some binders are short and look like bras, others look like tanks or t-shirts.
Binding while exercising
When you engage in physical activity, your body’s need for oxygen increases. Binding too tightly while exercising can restrict your breathing, depriving you of oxygen and causing a buildup of harmful carbon dioxide. Bind lightly when exercising, take breaks, and do not push yourself if you begin to feel dizzy or short of breath. If you work out at a gym or somewhere else public, it may be helpful to hang a towel over your shoulders; depending on the size of your chest, it may help mask a looser binding job. It is recommended to bind using a sports bra or a binder that is one size too large when engaging in any strenuous physical activity such as exercising
Swimming
A rashguard or t-shirt over a binder works, but your binder may become damaged by water, especially in a chlorinated pool. Underworks, Flavnt, and Double T make swim binders. KT tape is also a popular option.
Where to buy?
The best known brands out there are gc2b and Underworks, however over the years many other companies have emerged. There are also many binder giveaways and buy/sell/swap groups for new and used binders. Make sure to read reviews from people with a similar body type before buying.
(link to a masterlist will be added when a good one is found)
Can chest binding affect my ability to have top surgery?
“Generally speaking, no. Binding over a long period of time can alter your skin’s natural elasticity, which may have some minor affects on your final cosmetic results.”
–Dr. Scott Mosser
Sources:
https://transguys.com/features/chest-binding
https://reddit.com/r/ftm/wiki/index/binding
Is binding dangerous?
Binding can be dangerous, or it can be a lot safer, depending on how it’s done. This is because binding compresses the chest area where the lungs are located. As a rule of thumb, you need to be able to take a full, deep breath while wearing the binder. To stay safe, try to minimize the number of hours you bind each day.
Symptoms that may require medical attention while binding include but are not limited to dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, major pain. Never bind while you sleep. Your breaths become slower and shallower when you’re unconscious, creating a dangerous combination.
Do not use ace bandages or duct tape. Seriously, don't.
Most people would probably consider this common knowledge by now, but back in the day this definitely was more of a widespread problem. Ace bandages and tape are not meant for binding as they don’t move with your body and can cause serious physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. There have been numerous cases of trans men who’ve acquired permanent scars and other injuries from using Ace bandages or duct tape to bind.
But what about trans tape?
This is a product that was made for this purpose, so it's generally acknowledged as safe to use with the proper precautions. Some people love this much more over traditional binding because it's much more comfortable for them. You may be interested to know that kinesthetic (KT) tape is the same product and generic brands often sell it at a much more affordable price. The primary benefit of binding with KT Tape is that it does not constrict your chest and can be left on for a few days at a time, so you can put it on and forget about it for a while. It's also okay to swim or shower with.
Applying kinesthetic tape
-Cut the strips in half (so you have two shorter pieces) to conserve them.
-Cover your nipples with a bandaid, gauze, etc. to protect them.
-Place the leading edge of the tape on the front of your chest, near or over your nipple.
-Stretch everything back and to the side, under your armpit, and adhere the tape.
-Make sure the anchor contacts the skin and isn't on top of another piece of tape.
-Rub the tape to activate the adhesives.
-You may need to use more than one strip to get flat enough.
Removing kinesthetic tape
Removing any kind of tape is going to come with the risk of pulling hair and skin off. The primary complaint people have in terms of comfort with KT Tape is that the adhesives can irritate your skin, and it can be difficult to remove and take some skin with it. Here are some tips for safe removal:
-Soak the tape in oil (baby oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc) for about 10 minutes before removing.
-Take a long hot shower and hold on to your skin close to where you're slowly removing the tape.
-Or just leave it on until it starts to peel up on it's own, and then try the tips above.
Back to traditional binders...
Find the right fit
Even with the right binder it’s still possible to bind unsafely. Read the sizing charts. Despite what you may have been told, don’t buy a binder that’s too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with Ace bandages or duct tape. Another piece of bad advice floating around out there is to wear tape and/or another binder on top of your binder. Make sure the binder doesn't hurt and you can breathe. It can be pretty easy to damage your ribs or internal organs when you go too tight. Be very careful to read the sizing info before you buy, especially if you go for an asian brand (their sizing is different).
Your binder size might change, be sure to buy new ones when you outgrow the old ones. If you find yourself sore, have trouble taking deep breaths, experience pain in the collarbone area, then it's time to size up. Conversely, binders do stretch out with extended use. If you find that your binder is not compressing your chest as well as it used to, you can run it through the dryer to try and shrink it (at your own risk) but you may have to get a new one. Different brands stretch out at different rates (gc2b is known for stretching out the fastest).
Long and short
Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.
If you can't get a binder
You can use a compressing sports bra, a compression t-shirt, or a wrap around back brace. Sizing again is very important. You want to compress the breasts, not your ribs. The other tried as true classic is obfuscation with a baggy hoodie or puffy vest.
Give your body a break
Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath. Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.
Don’t bind 24/7. In fact, don’t bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Stick to 6-8 hours at most if possible. If you can, take your binder off throughout the day to give your body a break– even if it's just for a few minutes in the bathroom. Suppressing dysphoria can’t come at the expense of your health. Even high quality binders can cause bruising. Use the times that you’re not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer. Do not sleep with your binder.
Positioning
Every person is different, and you're gonna have to figure out how to position your breasts to achieve the best look. Some people like them straight forward. Some pull them down, or up, and to the side. Play around and see what works for you. Use something like gold bond powder between the binder and your skin if you will be wearing it a long time or you're likely to sweat. It'll prevent chafing, keep you drier, and be more comfortable. If you're large chested, getting a long binder and turning it up so it doubles over can give you a bit of extra power.
Washing
Don't wash your binder with the rest of your laundry. It'll deteriorate the binding ability. Usually you can handwash in cold water and air dry. You should also avoid swimming in one, because the chemicals in the water can also damage it. There are binders made specifically for swimming, or you can wear a rash guard. Binders usually come in black or white, occasionally beige. White gets dirty or stained pretty easily, so buy with caution. Black might get really hot in summer. Some binders are short and look like bras, others look like tanks or t-shirts.
Binding while exercising
When you engage in physical activity, your body’s need for oxygen increases. Binding too tightly while exercising can restrict your breathing, depriving you of oxygen and causing a buildup of harmful carbon dioxide. Bind lightly when exercising, take breaks, and do not push yourself if you begin to feel dizzy or short of breath. If you work out at a gym or somewhere else public, it may be helpful to hang a towel over your shoulders; depending on the size of your chest, it may help mask a looser binding job. It is recommended to bind using a sports bra or a binder that is one size too large when engaging in any strenuous physical activity such as exercising
Swimming
A rashguard or t-shirt over a binder works, but your binder may become damaged by water, especially in a chlorinated pool. Underworks, Flavnt, and Double T make swim binders. KT tape is also a popular option.
Where to buy?
The best known brands out there are gc2b and Underworks, however over the years many other companies have emerged. There are also many binder giveaways and buy/sell/swap groups for new and used binders. Make sure to read reviews from people with a similar body type before buying.
(link to a masterlist will be added when a good one is found)
Can chest binding affect my ability to have top surgery?
“Generally speaking, no. Binding over a long period of time can alter your skin’s natural elasticity, which may have some minor affects on your final cosmetic results.”
–Dr. Scott Mosser
Sources:
https://transguys.com/features/chest-binding
https://reddit.com/r/ftm/wiki/index/binding
What do YOU want to see on this group?
Posted 4 years agoFirst of all, 200 views in 2 weeks. Damn!
Seems like the level of growth on this account is going to quickly overshadow my main account despite it just being an icon you display on your profile.
I've also done a slight visual overhaul to the layout of things just to make it a bit neater, and provided some extra links to help with finding other groups and for decorating your own profile pages.
So anyways, what do you want to see on this page? I wanted to use this account to help spread information about bottom surgery to help dispel myths and misinformation since they are absolutely rampant, as well as provide easy access to resources that most people don't know where to find. But I also know that most people don't want bottom surgery and/or just genuinely don't care about it. Though I haven't gotten to it yet, I planned on providing some resources to top surgery information, and probably other things like hysterectomies, etc.
But what do you guys want to see? Should I be going full basic 101 "How do I start T?" "What effects can I expect from T?" Or should I stick to providing information about lesser known things?
Either way I'm relatively committed to the idea of using this as a platform to help our fellow brothers.
(If you would like to submit an article to post here please send a note to this account!)
Seems like the level of growth on this account is going to quickly overshadow my main account despite it just being an icon you display on your profile.
I've also done a slight visual overhaul to the layout of things just to make it a bit neater, and provided some extra links to help with finding other groups and for decorating your own profile pages.
So anyways, what do you want to see on this page? I wanted to use this account to help spread information about bottom surgery to help dispel myths and misinformation since they are absolutely rampant, as well as provide easy access to resources that most people don't know where to find. But I also know that most people don't want bottom surgery and/or just genuinely don't care about it. Though I haven't gotten to it yet, I planned on providing some resources to top surgery information, and probably other things like hysterectomies, etc.
But what do you guys want to see? Should I be going full basic 101 "How do I start T?" "What effects can I expect from T?" Or should I stick to providing information about lesser known things?
Either way I'm relatively committed to the idea of using this as a platform to help our fellow brothers.
(If you would like to submit an article to post here please send a note to this account!)
Journal Table of Contents
Posted 4 years agoTestosterone:
• DIY Testosterone and autoinjectors
Binding:
• Safe Chest Binding 101
Top surgery:
(coming soon™)
Reproductive:
• Hysterectomy/Vaginectomy Information
• Abortion Resources
Bottom surgery:
• Where can I find more information about bottom surgery?
• Hair removal for phalloplasty
Metoidioplasty, DHT cream, and pumping (coming soon™)
Other:
• Dysphoria vs Dysmorphia
PEOPLE IN THE US:
• Contact your state's government about the anti-trans laws!
• DIY Testosterone and autoinjectors
Binding:
• Safe Chest Binding 101
Top surgery:
(coming soon™)
Reproductive:
• Hysterectomy/Vaginectomy Information
• Abortion Resources
Bottom surgery:
• Where can I find more information about bottom surgery?
• Hair removal for phalloplasty
Metoidioplasty, DHT cream, and pumping (coming soon™)
Other:
• Dysphoria vs Dysmorphia
PEOPLE IN THE US:
• Contact your state's government about the anti-trans laws!
Disclaimer
Posted 4 years agoThis is the only place where I will address this topic.
This page is aimed at being a resource and in the favorites a collection of art that depicts trans masculinity in a positive way for the intended audience of trans men. This includes depictions of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty as well as pre-op/non-op men. The resources are of course free to be used and passed around by any transmasc/AFAB/nonbinary/etc who finds it useful, but the target audience remains to be binary trans men. As such in the interest of keeping it that way, this account blocks any and all trolls, chasers, fetish/TF, and otherwise hostile appearing accounts. This also includes accounts owned by cisgender or nonbinary people with cboy or pregnant transmasc characters. Exceptions are made for trans men who identify themselves as cboys, but since it's somewhat of a sore topic for many trans men, please be mindful of your conduct. If this disgruntles you and you are not a trans man, sorry, but nothing will be changed to accommodate you. No hard feelings, this is simply a preemptive measure and not up for debate.
So that you are not left empty handed, here are some alternative pages:
Transmasc/demiboy/nonbinary
TransMasc • 
DemiboyFurs • 
Trans-NonBinary-Furs • 
Nonbinary • 
Genderqueer
cboy
cboysoffa
With all that being said, supportive/respectful comments are always welcome in the shouts!
This page is aimed at being a resource and in the favorites a collection of art that depicts trans masculinity in a positive way for the intended audience of trans men. This includes depictions of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty as well as pre-op/non-op men. The resources are of course free to be used and passed around by any transmasc/AFAB/nonbinary/etc who finds it useful, but the target audience remains to be binary trans men. As such in the interest of keeping it that way, this account blocks any and all trolls, chasers, fetish/TF, and otherwise hostile appearing accounts. This also includes accounts owned by cisgender or nonbinary people with cboy or pregnant transmasc characters. Exceptions are made for trans men who identify themselves as cboys, but since it's somewhat of a sore topic for many trans men, please be mindful of your conduct. If this disgruntles you and you are not a trans man, sorry, but nothing will be changed to accommodate you. No hard feelings, this is simply a preemptive measure and not up for debate.
So that you are not left empty handed, here are some alternative pages:
Transmasc/demiboy/nonbinary
TransMasc • 
DemiboyFurs • 
Trans-NonBinary-Furs • 
Nonbinary • 
Genderqueercboy
cboysoffaWith all that being said, supportive/respectful comments are always welcome in the shouts!
Hair removal for phalloplasty
Posted 4 years agoGeneral bottom surgery information (start here):
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9895112/
Do I need hair removal for phalloplasty?
- Hair removal is generally required if you are doing urethral lengthening and you have a hairy segment of your urethral graft. See Dr. Chen's template for RFF (https://www.gurecon.com/rf-phalloplasty) and ALT (https://www.gurecon.com/preop-alt-phallo) and Dr. Crane's templates (https://cranects.com/phalloplasty-h.....oval-templates). This will vary by surgeon so it's best to ask your surgical team where you should prioritize your hair removal of if you need it at all. Depending on how hairy you are, it can take 1 to 2 years, or sometimes longer.
Should I do laser or electrolysis?
- Laser is best for people with light skin and dark hair. Laser is only a permanent method of reducing the hair and you usually need to wait about 6 weeks between sessions. Electrolysis is the only method of permanently removing hair, works for everyone, and can be done as often as you like. Many people start with laser to thin out the hair, then finish it off with electrolysis. Hair grows in cycles so regrowth is likely with either method, which is why it takes so long for some people.
Can I get hair removal covered by US insurance?
- This will depend on your insurance, but many people do get reimbursed by their insurance. This usually requires a letter from your surgeon stating medical necessity for hair removal with the diagnosis code. Laser and electrolysis clinics rarely work with insurance directly, so you may have to obtain a receipt or statement from them to submit an insurance claim yourself. These receipts should include diagnosis and/or procedure codes as well. The procedure code for electrolysis is 17380, for example. For help with insurance denials, you can reference this article (https://www.transknowledge.me/artic.....bottom-surgery).
Any hair removal advice for those outside the US?
- Your surgical team will always be the best person to advise you here. In countries with public health systems, if you are getting phalloplasty under that system, any medically necessary hair removal is often covered too. However, this is a generalization and you should always check information specific to your surgeon and situation.
How should I prepare for my hair removal appointment?
- For laser, you will generally need to shave the hair beforehand. The appointments are relatively quick and should not be very painful. For electrolysis, you should not shave the area since the electrologist will need to see the hair. For pain, many people apply lidocaine cream such as this one to numb the area (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEZXMBK). Apply it generously about 30 minutes before your appointment and wipe it off right before you start. The person performing the hair removal may have specific advice or recommendations for you too. You can see this video for a Q&A with an electrologist (https://youtu.be/JAqlD4lJSBU).
Can I have hair removal done post op if I don’t have enough time to do it pre op?
- Yes and no. Electrolysis can be done on the exterior of the penis once you are fully healed and have no open wounds. The answer is generally NO for the urethra. Some surgeons have talked about doing hair removal on the interior post op, but don’t bet on this being the case. Hair inside the urethra can cause complications post-op like irritation, infections due to urinary obstruction, and urine dribbling. This is why it’s really important to have at least 1 year of hair removal on the area being used for the urethra pre op, but more time is better. Post op electrolysis is also very unlikely to be covered by US insurance.
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9895112/
Do I need hair removal for phalloplasty?
- Hair removal is generally required if you are doing urethral lengthening and you have a hairy segment of your urethral graft. See Dr. Chen's template for RFF (https://www.gurecon.com/rf-phalloplasty) and ALT (https://www.gurecon.com/preop-alt-phallo) and Dr. Crane's templates (https://cranects.com/phalloplasty-h.....oval-templates). This will vary by surgeon so it's best to ask your surgical team where you should prioritize your hair removal of if you need it at all. Depending on how hairy you are, it can take 1 to 2 years, or sometimes longer.
Should I do laser or electrolysis?
- Laser is best for people with light skin and dark hair. Laser is only a permanent method of reducing the hair and you usually need to wait about 6 weeks between sessions. Electrolysis is the only method of permanently removing hair, works for everyone, and can be done as often as you like. Many people start with laser to thin out the hair, then finish it off with electrolysis. Hair grows in cycles so regrowth is likely with either method, which is why it takes so long for some people.
Can I get hair removal covered by US insurance?
- This will depend on your insurance, but many people do get reimbursed by their insurance. This usually requires a letter from your surgeon stating medical necessity for hair removal with the diagnosis code. Laser and electrolysis clinics rarely work with insurance directly, so you may have to obtain a receipt or statement from them to submit an insurance claim yourself. These receipts should include diagnosis and/or procedure codes as well. The procedure code for electrolysis is 17380, for example. For help with insurance denials, you can reference this article (https://www.transknowledge.me/artic.....bottom-surgery).
Any hair removal advice for those outside the US?
- Your surgical team will always be the best person to advise you here. In countries with public health systems, if you are getting phalloplasty under that system, any medically necessary hair removal is often covered too. However, this is a generalization and you should always check information specific to your surgeon and situation.
How should I prepare for my hair removal appointment?
- For laser, you will generally need to shave the hair beforehand. The appointments are relatively quick and should not be very painful. For electrolysis, you should not shave the area since the electrologist will need to see the hair. For pain, many people apply lidocaine cream such as this one to numb the area (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEZXMBK). Apply it generously about 30 minutes before your appointment and wipe it off right before you start. The person performing the hair removal may have specific advice or recommendations for you too. You can see this video for a Q&A with an electrologist (https://youtu.be/JAqlD4lJSBU).
Can I have hair removal done post op if I don’t have enough time to do it pre op?
- Yes and no. Electrolysis can be done on the exterior of the penis once you are fully healed and have no open wounds. The answer is generally NO for the urethra. Some surgeons have talked about doing hair removal on the interior post op, but don’t bet on this being the case. Hair inside the urethra can cause complications post-op like irritation, infections due to urinary obstruction, and urine dribbling. This is why it’s really important to have at least 1 year of hair removal on the area being used for the urethra pre op, but more time is better. Post op electrolysis is also very unlikely to be covered by US insurance.
Where can I find more information about bottom surgery?
Posted 4 years agoFirst and foremost since I unfortunately need to address this:
Do you need bottom surgery to be a man?
Do you need to be binary to get bottom surgery?
No! Of course not!
This is just a resource for people who need it, because this kind of information is notoriously difficult to find.
If you are not FTM and/or trans masc, please be respectful and don't intrude in these spaces.
We have a hard enough time as it is, especially since misinformation and negativity is rampant. I get that you're curious, but please refrain from joining or posting in these groups/subreddits/websites/etc. They're not for you.
So you've decided you want bottom surgery. What now? Where do you start researching?
Hopefully these links can help you start the process of researching. Be prepared to stick your nose deep in all this stuff, most people take several years before they feel confident enough to finally move forward and start the process. It's important that you be well informed before you make any drastic surgical changes to your body, obviously.
Phallo.net (http://www.phallo.net/)
Metoidioplasty.net (http://metoidioplasty.net/)
Transbucket (http://transbucket.com/)
Facebook groups:
- FTM Bottom Surgery Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/764636093625483)
- Phalloplasty Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/328925807618908)
- Metoidioplasty Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/422469398173499)
Subreddits:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ftm
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FTMMen
- https://www.reddit.com/r/maletime
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FTMSurgeryTalk
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Metoidioplasty
- https://www.reddit.com/r/phallo plus wiki (https://www.reddit.com/r/phallo/wiki/index)
Trans Knowledge articles:
- Phalloplasty 101 (https://web.archive.org/web/2021101.....alloplasty-101)
- Metoidioplasty 101 (https://web.archive.org/web/2021101.....idioplasty-101)
Healthy Trans resources:
- Insurance 101 (https://www.healthytrans.com/insurance-101)
- Bottom Surgeons Listing (https://www.healthytrans.com/bottom.....rgeons-listing)
- Consultation Questions (https://www.healthytrans.com/surger.....sult-questions)
Phallo Finder blog post (somewhat outdated) (https://myphalloplasty.wordpress.co...../phallo-finder)
US Comprehensive Phalloplasty Guide (https://bit.ly/phallo-guide)
UK St. Peter's Andrology Phalloplasty Guide (https://bit.ly/2GsyJ8v)
Mr. Christopher's Metoidioplasty Slideshow (https://bit.ly/2GAg4Y7)
Mr. Christopher's Phalloplasty Lecture (https://youtu.be/EljwNoBhBGk)
Dr. Chen's UL & Complications Lecture (https://youtu.be/vRKX3lCDI9gk)
Dr. Chen's surgery instructions:
- Pre op phallo (https://bit.ly/2yshMqS)
- Post op phallo (https://bit.ly/3d1wIeP)
- Pre op meta (https://bit.ly/2U8Rul2)
- Post op meta (https://bit.ly/2zrAb7Q)
(There is also a very helpful/active private discord group, feel free to send a note to this account for an invite. I can't say how long it'll take me to respond, but I will check this account periodically for a while. Only people who are serious about pursuing surgery are allowed to join, for the safety and confidentiality of the members of the server. You will be required to go through a screening process and confidentiality pledge upon joining.)
I'm ready to start the process. Where should I start?
In the US, you should start by calling your insurance company to see which surgeons are in network. You can use that list to start narrowing down which surgeons are best for you. Schedule as many consults as you can. See the links above for consultation questions. If you need help with letters in the US, check out the GALAP (https://thegalap.org/). Pros and cons lists are also very helpful for many aspects of surgery such as: meta vs phallo, donor sites, surgeons, erectile implants, etc. In the UK, you can get referrals from the same clinic you normally go to.
How do I pay for bottom surgery?
In the US, most people use insurance. Call your insurance to see what you need specifically for coverage, such as mental health letters. If you're uninsured, it's almost always cheaper to purchase inclusive insurance than pay out of pocket. Check Out2Enroll for inclusive policies (https://out2enroll.org/). Most people end up paying their yearly out-of-pocket maximum for surgery. See the links above for more insurance information. In the UK, the NHS covers trans healthcare.
Hair removal for phalloplasty:
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9895165/
Metoidioplasty vs Phalloplasty:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-i.....plasty-4153084
Metoidioplasty, DHT, and bottom growth:
(coming soon™)
(more soon™)
If any links no longer work, please say so in the comments!
Do you need bottom surgery to be a man?
Do you need to be binary to get bottom surgery?
No! Of course not!
This is just a resource for people who need it, because this kind of information is notoriously difficult to find.
If you are not FTM and/or trans masc, please be respectful and don't intrude in these spaces.
We have a hard enough time as it is, especially since misinformation and negativity is rampant. I get that you're curious, but please refrain from joining or posting in these groups/subreddits/websites/etc. They're not for you.
• • • • •So you've decided you want bottom surgery. What now? Where do you start researching?
Hopefully these links can help you start the process of researching. Be prepared to stick your nose deep in all this stuff, most people take several years before they feel confident enough to finally move forward and start the process. It's important that you be well informed before you make any drastic surgical changes to your body, obviously.
Phallo.net (http://www.phallo.net/)
Metoidioplasty.net (http://metoidioplasty.net/)
Transbucket (http://transbucket.com/)
Facebook groups:
- FTM Bottom Surgery Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/764636093625483)
- Phalloplasty Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/328925807618908)
- Metoidioplasty Discussion (https://www.facebook.com/groups/422469398173499)
Subreddits:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ftm
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FTMMen
- https://www.reddit.com/r/maletime
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FTMSurgeryTalk
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Metoidioplasty
- https://www.reddit.com/r/phallo plus wiki (https://www.reddit.com/r/phallo/wiki/index)
Trans Knowledge articles:
- Phalloplasty 101 (https://web.archive.org/web/2021101.....alloplasty-101)
- Metoidioplasty 101 (https://web.archive.org/web/2021101.....idioplasty-101)
Healthy Trans resources:
- Insurance 101 (https://www.healthytrans.com/insurance-101)
- Bottom Surgeons Listing (https://www.healthytrans.com/bottom.....rgeons-listing)
- Consultation Questions (https://www.healthytrans.com/surger.....sult-questions)
Phallo Finder blog post (somewhat outdated) (https://myphalloplasty.wordpress.co...../phallo-finder)
US Comprehensive Phalloplasty Guide (https://bit.ly/phallo-guide)
UK St. Peter's Andrology Phalloplasty Guide (https://bit.ly/2GsyJ8v)
Mr. Christopher's Metoidioplasty Slideshow (https://bit.ly/2GAg4Y7)
Mr. Christopher's Phalloplasty Lecture (https://youtu.be/EljwNoBhBGk)
Dr. Chen's UL & Complications Lecture (https://youtu.be/vRKX3lCDI9gk)
Dr. Chen's surgery instructions:
- Pre op phallo (https://bit.ly/2yshMqS)
- Post op phallo (https://bit.ly/3d1wIeP)
- Pre op meta (https://bit.ly/2U8Rul2)
- Post op meta (https://bit.ly/2zrAb7Q)
(There is also a very helpful/active private discord group, feel free to send a note to this account for an invite. I can't say how long it'll take me to respond, but I will check this account periodically for a while. Only people who are serious about pursuing surgery are allowed to join, for the safety and confidentiality of the members of the server. You will be required to go through a screening process and confidentiality pledge upon joining.)
I'm ready to start the process. Where should I start?
In the US, you should start by calling your insurance company to see which surgeons are in network. You can use that list to start narrowing down which surgeons are best for you. Schedule as many consults as you can. See the links above for consultation questions. If you need help with letters in the US, check out the GALAP (https://thegalap.org/). Pros and cons lists are also very helpful for many aspects of surgery such as: meta vs phallo, donor sites, surgeons, erectile implants, etc. In the UK, you can get referrals from the same clinic you normally go to.
How do I pay for bottom surgery?
In the US, most people use insurance. Call your insurance to see what you need specifically for coverage, such as mental health letters. If you're uninsured, it's almost always cheaper to purchase inclusive insurance than pay out of pocket. Check Out2Enroll for inclusive policies (https://out2enroll.org/). Most people end up paying their yearly out-of-pocket maximum for surgery. See the links above for more insurance information. In the UK, the NHS covers trans healthcare.
Hair removal for phalloplasty:
https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9895165/
Metoidioplasty vs Phalloplasty:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-i.....plasty-4153084
Metoidioplasty, DHT, and bottom growth:
(coming soon™)
(more soon™)
If any links no longer work, please say so in the comments!
