Transmasculine

Transmasculine
A proposed transmasculine pride flag by an unknown creator
Basics
Alternative name	Transmasc
Classification	Gender identity and/or gender expression
Specifics
Genders	Transgender men Masculine people of other genders, such as demiboys or people who are non-binary, genderfluid, or multigender
Related and unrelated terms
Different from	Transgender

Transmasculine, often abbreviated to transmasc, refers to transgender people who have a gender identity, gender expression, or both that is predominantly masculine. Some definitions specify that transmasculine people must have been assigned female at birth. Transmasculine people may or may not identify as male. Transmasculine may be used as a standalone identity term or an umbrella term that may include, but is not limited to, the following identities:

• Trans men
• Multigender or non-binary people who feel their gender is more masculine than anything else
• Genderfluid people whose gender is predominantly masculine, masculine all of the time, or masculine some of the time
• Demiboys, defined as someone who partially identities as a boy, man, or masculine

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Etymology

The word transmasculine is composed of the prefix "trans-" (as in transgender) and the word masculine. One of the first known uses of transmasculine was in 1999, when the DC Area Transmasculine Society was founded. However, it is also believed that the term was in use before the group's establishment.

Community

Flag

An alternative transmasculine flag design

As early as July 4, 2015, the flag design shown at the top of this page has been used as the transmasculine pride flag. It has pink stripes at the top and bottom, and stripes of various shades of blue in between. The flag's exact symbolism and creator are both currently unknown. There are also other transmasculine flag designs available online. One example is shown here, being a design composed of only blue stripes.

Distinction

Not all people who are transmasculine identify as a man, whether in part or whole. Such individuals may feel a connection to masculinity without identifying as a man nor male.

Perceptions and discrimination

Transmasculine individuals may face issues with access to proper healthcare, especially in relation to reproductive health. In some cases, individuals may avoid searching for proper care due to fear of certain procedures like pelvic exams, or dissatisfaction with other procedures like pap smears. In other cases, they may have to deal with gatekeeping and inaccuracies concerning their own identities while trying to get medical care.

Transmasculine individuals may face other forms of discrimination outside of healthcare. For example, Ralph Kerwineo was arrested and harassed by police once his "true sex" was revealed by his ex-wife. Unfortunately, after that point he was forced to live as a woman.

Resources

• Transitioning: Trips, Stories, and Information--A community sourced master essay covering all aspects of transmasculine identity, transition, dating, coming out, and more.
• What to Expect When He’s Expecting: A Complete Guide to Transmasculine Reproduction—Educational site for information about transmasculine reproductive health, including topics such as fertility and pregnancy.