I finally got the chance to order binders from underworks! I got a black one and a white one. Can't wait for them to get here! I'll post pictures when they arrive so you guys can see what they look like.
If you plan on ordering from underworks and want to save a little money, I have a discount code for you. Enter it to get 10% off your purchase. I saved 6 bucks! Code: under10
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Lots Of Love
Wanted to make my own sign kinda thing. I love you all. Stand tall and be proud of who you are!
Need New Ear Candy?
I make some music. It's electronic, kinda techno-ish. I have a lot of fun making it. From the few people that I know that listened to it, it's viewed as pretty good. I plan on getting a usb microphone kinda soon so I can add some words and stuff in there. If you're into that kind of music, check it out and let me know what you think. Please don't just bash it, constructive criticism is welcome.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAidenApocalypse/videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAidenApocalypse/videos
Passing Tips
Now I probably won't be able to hit them all today, but I want to get a good start. As I think of/remember more, I will edit this and add them. I want to give you a few just to get you started.
1. Pants: Buying mens pants can be very difficult if you have curves. They weren't made for ftms, they were made for biological men. Straight leg jeans are probably the best way to go. They hide your curves. Avoiding skinny jeans is a good idea, however, they are all I wear. If you don't have intense curves and love skinny jeans, wear them, but use caution. Skinnies aren't the most masculine thing ever. Also, If you want to wear skinnies and have a little curve, underworks make compression shorts. They shape your butt and thighs to make you look manlier. I am thinking about ordering some. They only cost 25 dollars plus shipping. Cargo shorts also hide curves, I highly reccomend wearing them.
Link to compression shorts: http://ftm.underworks.com/
2. Shirts: Shirts can be more difficult to get than you think. Men's t-shirts are a good option because they have straight sides. They are pretty good at hiding curves. Men's button ups are also really great. I find that they tend to work best for me. V-necks are not particularly good for ftms. They show your chest a bit, which isn't something you really want to show off (unless you are post op). I wear some v-necks, but not often. Use extreme caution when wearing v-necks!
3. Shoes: You want shoes that don't show how small your feet are. Men have larger feet than us, sad fact. I wear skate shoes that are padded for skating. They make your feet look bigger. Osiris shoes, you know those giant obnoxious ones, are great at hiding feet size. I have a pair. Try to get your shoes a half size to a size bigger than what you wear.
4. Accessories: Gotta be extra careful here. Bracelets/arm bands might look cool to you, but they shorten your arms. Men have longer arms so don't make yours look even shorter. Necklaces are probably just better to avoid. If you wear glasses, get ones with thicker rims, that are square/rectangular and dark. Those kind of glasses are very masculine.
5. The Big C: This is probably the most important of all the rules for passing. Without this, no one will see you as male and respect you. Confidence. I understand that this is probably the most difficult to have. I know that you aren't happy with your body, but things could be worse. Men, in general, have a great deal of confidence. You should too. You're a man too, act like one. Usually transmen make the most attractive men anyway ;)
6. Hair: It's kinda hard to do this one. Edgy haircuts are usually the best way to go. I will post some pictures for ideas for you. Your hair should be longish on the sides to cover up where sideburns should grow. Having that area not covered up shows that you don't have any hair growing there. Other than that guideline, your hair is pretty much whatever you like.
1. Pants: Buying mens pants can be very difficult if you have curves. They weren't made for ftms, they were made for biological men. Straight leg jeans are probably the best way to go. They hide your curves. Avoiding skinny jeans is a good idea, however, they are all I wear. If you don't have intense curves and love skinny jeans, wear them, but use caution. Skinnies aren't the most masculine thing ever. Also, If you want to wear skinnies and have a little curve, underworks make compression shorts. They shape your butt and thighs to make you look manlier. I am thinking about ordering some. They only cost 25 dollars plus shipping. Cargo shorts also hide curves, I highly reccomend wearing them.
Link to compression shorts: http://ftm.underworks.com/
2. Shirts: Shirts can be more difficult to get than you think. Men's t-shirts are a good option because they have straight sides. They are pretty good at hiding curves. Men's button ups are also really great. I find that they tend to work best for me. V-necks are not particularly good for ftms. They show your chest a bit, which isn't something you really want to show off (unless you are post op). I wear some v-necks, but not often. Use extreme caution when wearing v-necks!
3. Shoes: You want shoes that don't show how small your feet are. Men have larger feet than us, sad fact. I wear skate shoes that are padded for skating. They make your feet look bigger. Osiris shoes, you know those giant obnoxious ones, are great at hiding feet size. I have a pair. Try to get your shoes a half size to a size bigger than what you wear.
4. Accessories: Gotta be extra careful here. Bracelets/arm bands might look cool to you, but they shorten your arms. Men have longer arms so don't make yours look even shorter. Necklaces are probably just better to avoid. If you wear glasses, get ones with thicker rims, that are square/rectangular and dark. Those kind of glasses are very masculine.
5. The Big C: This is probably the most important of all the rules for passing. Without this, no one will see you as male and respect you. Confidence. I understand that this is probably the most difficult to have. I know that you aren't happy with your body, but things could be worse. Men, in general, have a great deal of confidence. You should too. You're a man too, act like one. Usually transmen make the most attractive men anyway ;)
6. Hair: It's kinda hard to do this one. Edgy haircuts are usually the best way to go. I will post some pictures for ideas for you. Your hair should be longish on the sides to cover up where sideburns should grow. Having that area not covered up shows that you don't have any hair growing there. Other than that guideline, your hair is pretty much whatever you like.
7. Facial Hair: The more you shave the "peach fuzz" off your face, the darker it will start coming in. Keep shaving and you should see some shadow in about a month (depending on your body). You won't have a full on beard, but hopefully some shadow.
8. Walking: Sit back sometime and people watch. Notice how a guy's walk is different that a girl's. Guys walk with their feet heavier than girls and let their arms hang down. Girls usually move their arms and guys just let them hang there. Guys carry their weight in their shoulders/upper body. Girls carry it on their hips. If you have a supportive man in your life, ask him to help you practice. Make sure you practice in your home before you go out in public, because, chances are, you will look somewhat silly at first. Practice makes perfect.
Questions?
I know that a lot of trans people who have websites or blogs about things say you can ask questions. A lot of them never get back to you. I don't want to be like that. I want to be helpful to you guys out there.
This blog isn't really to help me. I am writing it in hopes that it helps at least one person. I am trying to make it so that you don't have to search all over the internet for the answers and information you need. I want to make it all organized into one spot.
I want you guys to feel free to email me and I will post answers on here. I might not get back to you within the same day, but I hope to be as timely as I can.
You can shoot me a message either at theadienapocalypse@gmail.com or zooyork171@yahoo.com
Like I said I will do my best to answer quickly and fully. The second email is my personal one and I make sure to check it everyday. I will be checking the other one everyday too.
Ask away!
This blog isn't really to help me. I am writing it in hopes that it helps at least one person. I am trying to make it so that you don't have to search all over the internet for the answers and information you need. I want to make it all organized into one spot.
I want you guys to feel free to email me and I will post answers on here. I might not get back to you within the same day, but I hope to be as timely as I can.
You can shoot me a message either at theadienapocalypse@gmail.com or zooyork171@yahoo.com
Like I said I will do my best to answer quickly and fully. The second email is my personal one and I make sure to check it everyday. I will be checking the other one everyday too.
Ask away!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Binding: The Dos and Don'ts
Many transmen feel the need to bind their chests.
Binding can be a great way to flatten your chest; but it can also be a health risk. You need to be careful of the way you bind. If binding is done wrong, it can mess up your ribs.
Don't:
- Use an ace bandage. It is too easy for you to make it too tight. It can move your ribs inward. It can bruise the tissue around your ribs. You could cause permanent damage to your sides. That permanent damage could make a surgeon not want to operate on your chest (if you plan on having that done). Ace bandages can often make it difficult to breathe. They are made to tighten with movement, so every time you breathe, it gets tighter. Ace bandages can also make bumps and roll up, making you look weird anyway.
- Bind your chest for more than eight hours. It can start restricting your breathing. You could possibly pass out or damage your ribcage badly. (even if you own an actual binder)
- Avoid sleeping in your binder at all costs. You can badly mess up your back.
Do:
- If you can afford it, buy a chest binder. They can flatten out your chest and are a lot safer than an ace bandage. Make sure you get the right size by measuring your chest. I will post links to great sites to get these at the bottom of this post.
- Not all people can afford a chest binder. There is a cheaper way to bind. It might not give you the best results, but it's better than nothing. You can get a sports bra a size smaller than you wear. Put that on with one in your size over the top. Wear an undershirt and the shirt you want to wear for that day over thebras. This might not work in the summer because it will be too hot. This probably won't work if you have a large chest either.
- If you feel the need to use that ace bandage, you need to be very careful. Don't bind everyday. Don't make it as tight as possible. Try to leave it a little loose so you can still breathe and move pretty easily.
So to sum everything up: Actual binders are the best option. They are the safest for you. They give you the best bind.
Be careful if you use ace bandages.
Sports bras can be a decent option.
If you have a large chest, I am very sorry. I have no idea what to tell you. Chest binders are still going to be your best option. I honestly don't know another safe way for you guys to bind.
Great Binders:
http://ftm.underworks.com/
http://www.t-kingdom.com/
http://www.thesurgerystore.com/compression_garment/breast_binders.html
Underworks is probably the best site to get binders. Most people get them from there. When I get mine, I will show you some pictures.
Binding can be a great way to flatten your chest; but it can also be a health risk. You need to be careful of the way you bind. If binding is done wrong, it can mess up your ribs.
Don't:
- Use an ace bandage. It is too easy for you to make it too tight. It can move your ribs inward. It can bruise the tissue around your ribs. You could cause permanent damage to your sides. That permanent damage could make a surgeon not want to operate on your chest (if you plan on having that done). Ace bandages can often make it difficult to breathe. They are made to tighten with movement, so every time you breathe, it gets tighter. Ace bandages can also make bumps and roll up, making you look weird anyway.
- Bind your chest for more than eight hours. It can start restricting your breathing. You could possibly pass out or damage your ribcage badly. (even if you own an actual binder)
- Avoid sleeping in your binder at all costs. You can badly mess up your back.
Do:
- If you can afford it, buy a chest binder. They can flatten out your chest and are a lot safer than an ace bandage. Make sure you get the right size by measuring your chest. I will post links to great sites to get these at the bottom of this post.
- Not all people can afford a chest binder. There is a cheaper way to bind. It might not give you the best results, but it's better than nothing. You can get a sports bra a size smaller than you wear. Put that on with one in your size over the top. Wear an undershirt and the shirt you want to wear for that day over thebras. This might not work in the summer because it will be too hot. This probably won't work if you have a large chest either.
- If you feel the need to use that ace bandage, you need to be very careful. Don't bind everyday. Don't make it as tight as possible. Try to leave it a little loose so you can still breathe and move pretty easily.
So to sum everything up: Actual binders are the best option. They are the safest for you. They give you the best bind.
Be careful if you use ace bandages.
Sports bras can be a decent option.
If you have a large chest, I am very sorry. I have no idea what to tell you. Chest binders are still going to be your best option. I honestly don't know another safe way for you guys to bind.
Great Binders:
http://ftm.underworks.com/
http://www.t-kingdom.com/
http://www.thesurgerystore.com/compression_garment/breast_binders.html
Underworks is probably the best site to get binders. Most people get them from there. When I get mine, I will show you some pictures.
Allow me to introduce myself
Hello. My name is Aiden. I am an ftm transgender. I make music, write, and love meeting new people. I'm 18 years young. I am a senior in high school. I have 3 cats that I love very much. I have a great mother.
I am making this blog to write and get my ideas out about a lot of things. I hope to help other ftm's by giving tips and ideas to make things easier for them. I don't know everything about the subject, but I am learning from experience.
I am pre-op, but I am quite knowledgable in that area. I want to answer any questions people may have to the best of my ability.
I plan on writing about things besides ftm things. I think what I write will just depend on what's on my mind that day.
I hope I can be of help and maybe enlighten a few people. I hope you will like my posts.
I am making this blog to write and get my ideas out about a lot of things. I hope to help other ftm's by giving tips and ideas to make things easier for them. I don't know everything about the subject, but I am learning from experience.
I am pre-op, but I am quite knowledgable in that area. I want to answer any questions people may have to the best of my ability.
I plan on writing about things besides ftm things. I think what I write will just depend on what's on my mind that day.
I hope I can be of help and maybe enlighten a few people. I hope you will like my posts.
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