Trans man - meaning and definition
AlsoFTMtransgender mantrans guytransmentransgender men
Definition
A man who was assigned female at birth.
At a glance
- A trans man is a man who was assigned female at birth.
- Trans is a descriptive adjective about his history, not a separate category.
- Transition paths vary: social, medical, or changing over time.
- FTM is an older abbreviation that many now avoid because it centres assigned sex.
In detail
A trans man is a man. The word trans describes his history, in the same way other adjectives describe other parts of a person's life. Some trans men transition medically, some socially only, and some in ways that change over time.
The abbreviation FTM, short for female to male, is still used on some dating apps and forums, but many people now prefer trans man or simply man, because FTM frames identity around the assigned sex.
In a sentence
- He is a trans man and has been out to his colleagues for years.
- The support group welcomes trans men and transmasculine people.
Common questions
What is the difference between a trans man and FTM?
They refer to the same people. FTM means female to male and still appears on some apps, but many men prefer trans man or simply man, because FTM puts the assigned sex at the front of the description.
Should I call a trans man a man?
Yes. A trans man is a man. Use the name and pronouns he uses, usually he/him, and only mention that he is trans if it is relevant and he is comfortable with it.