F2M is an abbreviation for Female to Male. F2M is a term for a transgender person born with female anatomy but identifies as male. F2M may also refer to a transgender person who undertakes measures to transition into a male physically. F2M is synonymous with FTM.
More About F2M
There are a number of reasons why people may identify as F2M. Individuals may be transsexual and looking to change their bodies to reflect their gender identity. F2M people may also be intersex and raised as female, despite feeling very masculine. F2Ms can also be gender variants, which means that they feel inspired to live in a way that defies society’s gender conventions. Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses F2Ms with all these motivations.
There are a number of measures that F2M individuals may undertake to transform their bodies. Temporary measures include the use of male hormones, such as testosterone, binding of the breasts, the packing of an artificial penis, and dressing in a more masculine manner. F2Ms may also opt for more permanent surgical procedures including chest reconstruction and procedures to transform the genitalia including phalloplasty, vaginectomy, and scrotoplasty. Many of these surgical measures lead to infertility.
Not all of the steps that F2M people take to present themselves as female are physical. It’s quite common for F2Ms to alter their birth certificate and other identification to better reflect their gender.
F2Ms are at greater risk of mental health problems than the general population. Many F2Ms struggle to fit in, which can lead to shame, loneliness, and depression. These problems can lead to self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Because of these risks, it’s crucial that F2Ms get the support they need, whether from family members, friends, support groups, or counseling services.
