Transmasculine

Transmasculine, often shortened to Transmasc, is a gender modality under the transgender umbrella, and is an umbrella term in of itself. It typically refers to those who identify with masculine transgender identities, or sometimes used to refer to the medical transition to a more masculine sex. Most commonly, this term is used to refer to individuals who were assigned female at birth but whose gender identity leans more masculine. While some argue that transmasculine should only be used by those who were assigned female at birth, anyone who is transgender can be transmasculine as well, including non-binary and intersex individuals, it is not exclusive to individuals who were assigned female at birth.

While this is used as an umbrella term, it's important to note that not all trans men or individuals medically transitioning to a male appearance identify with masculinity.

The transition experience often involves testosterone, often called T. Someone who is transmasculine may also bind, which is the practice of flattening or minimizing the appearance of one's chest. This can be done with sports bra, however there are also special garments called binders that are used as well. There are a few safety precautions to help prevent injury while wearing a binder:

While the term female to male (FtM) is what most think of when they hear of transmasculinity, that is not accurate to every transmasculine individual.
 * Do not use sticky tape, as it can strip oils from one's skin and cause rashes, infection and pain
 * Do not use fabric bandages, they tighten as one wears them and can make it hard to breathe
 * Do not bind too tightly
 * Take breaks

History
The exact origin of the term "transmasculine" is unknown. One of the earliest known transmasculine-specific organizations is the DC Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS), which was established in 2000. However, DCATS doesn't take credit for coining the term, suggesting the term is older than the organization.

Flags & Symbols
The most common transmasculine flag was created by an unknown individual. It uses the same shades of pink and blue as the transgender flag, but the flag has no known meaning. An alternative transmasculine flag was created by Tumblr user queerautism on July 18th, 2020. The sun is meant to represent warmth, hope and life. The creator made the stripes vertical to be a more unique and recognizable design among other pride flags and the colors were kept neutral to not be "too much of an eyestrain." The flag is radically inclusive and anyone who identifies with transmasculinity in any way can use it, including trans men, transmasc non-binary individuals, transmasc lesbians, genderfluid individuals, and agender individuals, among others. It's meant to represent solidarity and a shared communnity, being "a call to discover and build a better version of masculinity together."

Tumblr user lavendroused created another alternative flag sometime in 2020. The dark magenta represents solidarity and a shared community with all trans individuals. The pink represents gender non-conforming femininity and reclaimation. Orange represents masculinity and empowerment. White represents wholeness, self-love, self-acceptance, having inherent worth and sacredness, and being transgender. Green represents non-binary transmasculine individuals and expansiveness. Turquoise represents the complexity, diversity and authenticity of all kinds of transmasculine individuals, including intersex transmascs, AMAB transmascs, transmasc lesbians, transmasc system members, multigender transmascs, and transmascs with a complex and contradictory identity. The blue represents trans men and healing. The rose and lion represent centering transmascs of color and strength, visibility and deserving better. The lion is also a reference to transmasc lions. The lavender was chosen to represent solidarity between all marginalized individuals.

Statistics
Trans men are estimated at 1 in every 100,000 individuals. However, these numbers are not likely to be accurate as they only account for trans individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria and/or are receiving services at gender clinics.

Perceptions and Discrimination
While transmasculine is a term used within the transgender community, transmasc individuals are often overlooked and excluded in discussions of transgender experiences.