A transmasc individual identifies as masculine, referring to non-binary people who identify with masculinity. Trans masc (or transmasculine) refers to a female, whose gender identity or expression is masculine, but not necessarily male. No matter where they are in their transition process or how people identify with them. Most Trans masc live authentically despite the stigma surrounding trans and gender nonconforming identities..
Trans masc Key Things
Some key things to know about trans masc individuals:
- They were assigned female at birth but do not fully identify with femininity or the female gender. Their internal gender identity leans toward masculinity.
- Popular identity labels include trans man, trans masculine, non-binary trans masculine, demiboy, and more. The specifics vary per individual.
- Expression and transition steps also vary greatly. Some Trans masc people undergo hormone therapy and/or surgeries to align their body and gender expression with their masculine identity. Others do not take medical steps but may change names, pronouns, clothing, hairstyles or other forms of social or physical transition.
- Sexual orientation for trans masc individuals can be straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual or any other orientation. Gender identity and sexual orientation are separate.
Common Aspects of a Transmasculine Identity
While no single narrative defines a transmasculine identity, some common themes often emerge:
- Feeling uncomfortable with being categorized or referred to as a girl/woman
- Disconnecting from stereotypical femininity in some way
- Having interests, clothing preferences, or mannerisms viewed as “tomboyish” or masculine from a young age
- Experiencing gender dysphoria around body parts seen as “feminine” such as the chest, hips, voice, or reproductive organs
- Using he/him, they/them pronouns, or a combination
- Making social or medical changes to align the body and gender expression more closely with masculinity in some way
Ultimately though, individual transmasculine people have diverse ways of understanding themselves and expressing their gender. There’s no one way to be transmasculine.
Transmasculine Transitions
Transmasculine identities include:
- Trans men: Assigned female at birth but identify fully as male. May socially and/or medically transition.
- Non-binary / Genderqueer / Genderfluid: they fall outside the male/female gender binary masculinity to varying degrees but not properly.
- Demiboys or Transmasc: Those who partially but not wholly identify as male or masculine. They often blend both masculine and feminine identities/expressions.
- Butch Lesbians: Lesbian women with gender expressions that emphasise
Most transmasculine individuals live authentically despite stigma around trans and gender non-conforming identities.
Why Language Matters
Using specific labels like “transmasculine” allows people to find community and better understand themselves. Finding the words to describe one’s complex gender identity and unique lived experiences can be very empowering.
However, we must recognize that identity terminology and social awareness of transgender identities continue evolving rapidly. The language being used today may change over time or fall out of favour in some communities. It’s best to remain flexible and open-minded, while listening to individual preferences.
The most respectful approach is to let transgender and non-binary people describe their own gender identity using the words that resonate most meaningfully for them. If someone tells you how they identify, honour and respect those exact terms.
Rather than make assumptions about a transgender or non-binary person you meet, give them space to share the language and pronouns that fit their authentic self. This act of listening and learning from one another is key for building understanding across all gender diversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transmasculine is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of identities and experiences of those assigned female at birth who view themselves as more masculine, male, or otherwise aligned outside the binary view of gender.
It includes identities like trans men, non-binary people, demiboys, genderfluid individuals, and some butch lesbians. Being transmasculine is about personal identity and gender expression that leans masculine, though medical transitions may also be undertaken. There is no one way to be transmasculine. Everyone has a unique and authentic experience. Acceptance and openness toward gender diversity helps create safer, more inclusive communities.
FAQs
Do all transmasculine people transition medically?
No. While hormones and surgeries help alleviate dysphoria for some, not all transmasculine individuals choose or are able to access medical transition options. Non-medical social transition is legitimate.
Is being transmasculine the same as a tomboy or butch?
Those identities describe aspects like dress or interests. Transmasculine relates more to a profound sense of gender identity itself. Some rejection of femininity may stem from transmasculine disconnect from womanhood.
Can women be transmasculine?
Transmasculine more typically describes those assigned female at birth, though some women also claim the term if they lean toward masculine gender expression but still identify as female.
Do you need dysphoria to be transmasculine?
Not necessarily – while issues with one’s assigned gender/body (gender dysphoria) are common, one does not need clinical dysphoria to be transmasculine. Gender euphoria in one’s true identity is also very valid.
