What Does Transmasc Mean? Trans Masc vs. FTM, and What We Say
What does transmasc mean?
Transmasc (also written trans masc, short for transmasculine) describes someone who was assigned female at birth and whose gender leans masculine. It's an umbrella word. Trans men use it, and so do non-binary, gender expansive, and gnc people who feel more masc than femme. In short, if your gender pulls toward the masculine side, transmasc can fit, whether or not you call yourself a man.
Trans masc vs. trans man
A trans man is a man. Transmasc, on the other hand, is a wider word. Many trans men also call themselves transmasc, but not every transmasc person is a man. For example, someone who is non-binary, uses they/them, and binds or packs might say they're transmasc but not a trans man. Either way, neither word depends on hormones, surgery, or how you look.
Can you be non-binary and transmasc?
Yes. In fact, it's one of the most common ways people use the word. Transmasc non-binary (or transmasculine non-binary) means you're non-binary and your gender leans masculine. Some people also say masc-leaning non-binary or masc enby. Also, there's no test you have to pass. If it feels right, it's yours.
You searched "FTM." You found us. Let's talk about that word.
A lot of people find Transguy Supply by typing "FTM packer" or "FTM binder" into a search bar. That's completely fine, and we're glad you're here. You'll notice we don't use FTM much on our site anymore, though. Here's the short version of what changed and why.
What does FTM mean?
FTM is short for "female to male." It's been around a long time, and for many people it was the first word they ever had for themselves. So it still shows up everywhere: in old forum posts, in product listings, and in a lot of search results.
Transmasc vs. FTM: what's the difference?
FTM describes a direction, from one box to another, starting with the sex you were assigned at birth. Transmasc, by contrast, describes where your gender leans, with no starting point or finish line. As a result, transmasc fits a lot of people that FTM leaves out.
Why a lot of our community has moved away from FTM
For many people, FTM doesn't fit. Not everyone who shops with us is transitioning "to male." Plenty of us are non-binary, gender expansive, or gnc, and some of us aren't on any particular path at all. Besides, a lot of folks just don't like being described by where they started.
That said, some people still use FTM for themselves, and that's valid. Your words are yours.
What we say instead
On our site, you'll mostly see trans masc, trans men, and trans guys. More often, though, we skip the labels and call things what they are: packers, binders, STPs, and packing underwear. After all, a packer doesn't need a pronoun.
So why does "FTM" still show up sometimes?
Search. Lots of people still type "FTM" when they're looking for gear, especially when they're new and don't know other words yet. So a few of our pages still mention FTM in their Google listings, so those folks can find us. Once you land here, however, we'd rather talk to you the way the community talks to each other.
Trans masc essentials: where to start
If you're new to all of this, here's where most people begin:
- Chest binders and binding tape: from lighter cotton styles for everyday wear and workouts to maximum compression binders.
- Packers: soft packers for everyday, plus STP and pack and play options.
- Stand to pee devices (STPs): for using the urinal or peeing outdoors.
- Packing underwear: built-in pouches that keep your packer in place.
- Clothing and swimwear: made for us by us.
For a longer list, see our 13 Trans Masc Essentials.
FAQ
Both are correct. Transmasc as one word is the more common spelling in searches, while trans masc as two words is just as widely used. Transmasculine is the full version.
No. Being transmasc is about your gender, not about hormones, surgery, or what gear you use.
Transmasc falls under the transgender umbrella. Some people use both words for themselves, while others only use one.
Yes. Many trans men use both words. Others prefer just "man" or "trans man." It's your call.
Use whatever words fit you
Trans masc, trans guy, man, non-binary, or something else entirely: you're welcome here. We're trans-owned, and everything we carry is made or picked for our community. Made for us by us.