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Dating?


KieranD

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With the amount of invisibility there is out there about trans males it seems hard to find a date. For those of you with partners and successful relationships, how did you find the people you're with?

For myself, I've been single for about 2 years. I went on 3 first dates with people who seemed pretty cool at first, all of whom turned out to be chasers. I'm on a few dating sites which haven't been too great either. Any suggestions on how to navigate the whole dating scene?

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Guest TylerJayden

I don't really know how I got my Girlfriend.. :huh:

I guess I just got lucky (This time around)

Don't worry I know it sounds really "fakey" of me to say, but thier is someone out there for all of us.. Even if it takes some time to meet them.. And I mean that when I say it. ;)

Stay positive and keep looking.

-Tyler B)

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My current partner is someone I knew for three years beforehand (we've been going about 7 months now). One of the things that I've found is that as you grow more confident in yourself, it's easier to go with a girl, and then it's pretty much just like normal. It's a little more complicated, of course, because you have to consider when to tell them that you're trans, but I think if you look for nice, open-minded people, it's not as hard as you might think.

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I never dated very much in my first 59 years and two of those times ended in disasters, I proposed to one girl and she turned me down, thirty years later I proposed to another and she did not!

Probably through with dating, I am old enough to not really care about dating as such, I would love to have life partner but I am not clinging to that slender thread anymore.

Love ya,

Sally

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My last girlfriend I had been friends with for many years, and we had always had feelings for each other. She was and still remains a very important part of my life and has always been supportive of my situation, and there still may or may not be a future for us together.

Anyway, I've found that most people find partners in pre-existing relationships. I'm not sure on how to go about finding new people. Being a nerd kind of surrounds me with a pretty open and accepting bunch, so dating is slightly easier for me in that respect.

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Guest some ftm guy

i wish i knew as well, I've been trying in that field for a while now and all 4 sites I'm on now there's still no one contacting me.

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Guest PaintedWingss

I've been good friends with my girlfriend for almost seven years, so we already knew each other, even before we realized we were both bisexual and I realized I was bigender. Two years ago on June 6, we decided to try dating after my then boyfriend and I broke up. We've been together ever since.

- Taylor

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Guest HoWeVeRmine

Hmm... well, seeing as I'm only a wittle teenager, I met my erm... "girlfriend" (we're not an official thing, yet seeing as she just came out to her parents as bisexual and I am seeing no ability to transition under my parents guidelines any time soon) through high school.

Well, technically I met her through a friend because she doesn't go to my same school, but yeah that's pretty much how I found her.

Sorry I don't have any tangible advice for someone who's not a teen D:

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Guest CrimsonEdge

Isn't it possible to date a girl as a bio-guy and then come out only when things start to get excessively physical? I mean, once the girl gets to know you well, she'll be more willing to stick around even after finding out that you're trans...

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Isn't it possible to date a girl as a bio-guy and then come out only when things start to get excessively physical? I mean, once the girl gets to know you well, she'll be more willing to stick around even after finding out that you're trans...

Not a fan of the term "bio-guy" but I would assume that a person would have to have some level of being stealth or at least seen as male 99% of the time in order to do that. Many people don't have that option.

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Guest CariadsCarrot

I was friends with my partner before we both came to terms with being gay and before I started thinking about my gender issues. She became my house mate. We both tried to deny our feelings for each other while it gradually became more and more difficult to be around each other and hide our feelings. She was the one who eventually gathered up the courage to talk to me about it and then we agreed to try being together so long as her kids didn't mind. They were actually overjoyed to our surprise (seriously how many kids go 'that's cool!' when they find out their mum is gay and is getting into a new relationship?)

When I told her how I've been feeling about gender stuff (not that I could tell her much coz I'm still so confused myself) she took it in her stride. The only thing she worried about what if I would still want to be with her (and unsure how she would feel about the intimate side of the relationship if I got bottom surgery). I reassured her about both of those things, but she's totally supportive and wants me to be able to be me.

I've never liked the dating scene as such. I'd definitely say you have more chance of a good relationship developing from a friendship with someone who is already open to who you are...but working out how to get that to happen is more difficult coz if you befriend someone in the hope that it will develop into a relationship then I'm not sure if that would work.

Problem with actively looking for a relationship is that you don't know anything about the views and attitudes of the person so it's so hit and miss when you have to think about coming out to that person and you don't know the motives or what's going on in the mind of someone who starts a relationship already knowing you're trans (are they only interested BECAUSE of that...do they think they can change your mind from continuing to transition etc.)

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Guest Neviah

Isn't it possible to date a girl as a bio-guy and then come out only when things start to get excessively physical? I mean, once the girl gets to know you well, she'll be more willing to stick around even after finding out that you're trans...

I've been debating whether or not to respond to the above quote, but I think it's necessary. I understand that you are talking about waiting an extended amount of time before coming out to a partner in theory and not in practice, but as the S/O of an FTM, this concerns me. You don't need to out yourself to a girl you're interested in from the start, but waiting an extended amount of time before telling her that you're trans could be very problematic.

For starters, relationships should be built on trust. My partner told me that he was trans a week after we started dating. I had known him for a few years prior, and we traveled in the same social circles and had become friends. I had shared some very personal information with him, and this made him feel comfortable coming out to me. Had he waited, I would have been extremely hurt and embarrassed...especially if things had gotten very physical.

I know that the above quote is speculation, but I wanted to provide an S/O's perspective, since none have commented on this thread.

As far as meeting someone, try getting involved in groups for hobbies that you have. Do you play a sport or instrument, or do some type of craft? (Or you could try something completely new!) This will allow you to meet a bunch of people with shared interests--give you something to talk about. This is how my partner and I met. As an example: A friend and I just started taking an art class for fun, and the class is almost entirely female. If a guy were to join, he would immediately get attention...just saying! ;)

Without seeing your dating profile, I can't offer any specific suggestions...I would just say that meeting people online is very different from meeting them in person--the way we portray ourselves in these situations can be very different. Just be yourself and be confident. Good luck!

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As far as meeting someone, try getting involved in groups for hobbies that you have. Do you play a sport or instrument, or do some type of craft? (Or you could try something completely new!) This will allow you to meet a bunch of people with shared interests--give you something to talk about. This is how my partner and I met. As an example: A friend and I just started taking an art class for fun, and the class is almost entirely female. If a guy were to join, he would immediately get attention...just saying! ;)

Without seeing your dating profile, I can't offer any specific suggestions...I would just say that meeting people online is very different from meeting them in person--the way we portray ourselves in these situations can be very different. Just be yourself and be confident. Good luck!

I've been working on my hobbies but it's a bit of a problem. I enjoy doing my activism/lobbying and photography. The problem with these activities and most activities is that I'm read as female, typically a masculine female. I wouldn't want to have somebody become attracted to me because they see me as a masculine female then tell them "I'm really a trans man." I get the idea but it's a bit of a problem to go about things that way. Although, I will point out that I've given that a good shot and found a large handful of chasers.

I feel a bit safer online. I have that distance between myself and another person where rejection doesn't sting as much. There's also the information on my being trans already out there. I don't have to worry about somebody being really not cool with it.

As for the SO perspective, I think coming out to a partner is a bit of a double edge sword. They could react horribly and skip getting to know you because of it if you say it too soon. They could react horribly and get peed if it's withheld for too long because the partner thinks you're keeping a great big secret and don't trust them.

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I've never liked the dating scene as such. I'd definitely say you have more chance of a good relationship developing from a friendship with someone who is already open to who you are.

That was my experience, too. I joined an LGBTQIA organization several years ago after moving to a new city, hoping to find a comfortable social scene (and maybe starting a relationship). I found an awesome group of friends, and began what turned out to be a remarkably unhealthy relationship. One of my friends in particular was increasingly supportive during that time--the only straight and cisgender guy of the group, who happened to also be in a bad relationship. We broke up with our girlfriends around the same time, and later tentatively agreed to try dating. Last month I proposed, and he said yes. =D

The fact that it was an LGBTQIA organization really helped. I was comfortable being out as transgender, so there wasn't a threat of any Untimely Gender Identity Surprises further down the line.

Being friends with my fiance first was also ideal, because he had never been attracted to and had never considered dating someone who wasn't a cisgender woman. We were friends for a year before we started dating, so he'd had plenty of time to get used to the gender stuff--and discover that my identity suited him perfectly, actually. He's definitely not the only person like that in the world!

Telling someone too soon or too late does sound really risky, even though there are people who would take it all in stride. Perhaps you could find a group or organization where you can be safely out, and take it from there?

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  • 2 months later...

It's been awhile since there were responses to this thread. I just wanted to see if anybody else could answer.

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Guest ranse

Dating is never easy for anyone. I haven't been in a relationship since my divorce and don't know that I will be any time soon because of my own hangups--mainly that I see myself as a straight male and don't want to be seen as a lesbian. I'd have a hard time approaching a woman until I feel more like my exterior matches my interior.

Then, you have the question of disclosure. When to tell someone you're interested in that you're trans? Do you go on a few dates and let them get to know you a bit and then say something? Do you tell them right away? Do you wait until the relationship moves into physical intimacy?

I'm supposing I would meet people the same way I always have ... through things that draw us together by common interest. I'm not sure I'm really interested in a relationship as much as having a companion to enjoy some time with.

Finally, some sad part of me thinks I will never have a relationship, especially if I transition because it would be too difficult to explain myself and take rejection over and over until I find the right person.

Soon one of the optimists will come along and remind me to "never say never." (If anyone sings Justin Bieber, it'll get ugly in here. I'll come out swingin'.)

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Then, you have the question of disclosure. When to tell someone you're interested in that you're trans? Do you go on a few dates and let them get to know you a bit and then say something? Do you tell them right away? Do you wait until the relationship moves into physical intimacy?

I've been transitioning for many years, on T for a little over 7 months. I'm read as female. I always come out before any sort of date or intimacy because being misgendered by somebody who is interested me is probably the worst feeling.

I don't have the option to not tell.

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Guest Captain Troy

I'm personally of the opinion that I'll always be upfront about my gender with dates. With my current boyfriend, it came up on the day we first met (we were at a GLBT rights protest lololo), and it was fine, because he is trans too :3

But if I ever end up looking for another partner (if something happens between the two of us or we decide to bring another person into the relationship), I will probably tell them within a date or two even if they can't tell to begin with.

I've only passed to a romantic interest once. It was dark and at prom, and we had a great time dancing. We had just met, and I got her facebook name and tried to add her. I'm assuming the reason she never responded to my request or anything was because she hadn't realised I was trans until she saw my old facebook photos. Oops, I guess that might appear as deceptive. I honestly didn't think I passed.

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Guest Adios

I met my current boyfriend online through an internet dating site. I'm listed as a gay male and have no indications in my profile regarding my medical history. We talked for about two months before I told him. It was only after I knew he was genuinely interested in me that I decided to come out to him.

In the past, I told a potential SO earlier on (within a week or even the first time talking to them). None of those situations worked out. Could have been a case of incompatibility in other areas or solely based on my trans status. I don't know. But I learned that perhaps it is better to wait, at least for a little while.

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    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Literally the word means "hatred of women" and so I don't think that's quite the right description for what you encountered.  Possibly chauvinism?  Or maybe just not wanting to bother somebody he figured wasn't interested or capable of doing the job?  Who knows.   But on the other hand...be glad you're passing
    • VickySGV
      Finally found a site that gives the definition of defemination as a process of loss of feminine characteristics or continued loss of them.  Not a word I would use every day, although I can see where it would be a problem for some who value those feminine characteristics.  Yes I have seen it happen and now get the idea, and yes, not in so many words, but yes I have been up against others who do put down my femininity as being a pseudo female at the most polite and I cannot use the words hear for what it is at the worst.   Online, there is little to do about it except leave and block the people who do it and the places it happens, since it affects you much more heavily and negatively than it does the person doing it, and you need freedom from the stress.  The rules here which our "powers that be", namely the staff say we do not put up with members denying the authentic identity of other members. 
    • VickySGV
      I still maintain my "male" skills and almost have to laugh when that sort of thing happens to me with Cis males, and it does happen.  On the other side there, I have activities with the Trans community  here where I live including Trans Men who love to show off their new lives.  I have had a couple come over to my house and I have done some shop teaching that is always fun.  When they offer to help me by doing "male stuff" in a group, I do not take it as misogyny .
    • Thea
      This guy asked me to help with his tire.  So when I turned around and he saw that I'm a woman he's like,  oh nevermind
    • Betty K
      I think that’s an important point. In my case, I’ve found transitioning to be such a relief and a joy that I have no difficulty focussing on the positives. Maybe in your case you could make a practice of noting when you are gendered correctly? Do you keep a journal? I find doing so is major help.   After saying I rarely get misgendered, it actually happened to me yesterday in a local store. After recovering from my shock (the salesman called me “brother”, which to me is about as bad as it gets) I wrote my first complaint letter to a business w/r/t misgendering. That felt good. I also reflected that, to a degree, for those of us who don’t pass, I think gendering is correctly can take a conscious effort. Some Folks seem to automatically see me as feminine, others have to work at it. So if you’re often surrounded by people who have no desire to work at it, that may exacerbate your problem.      
    • Betty K
      I don’t know why anyone would go to the effort of advocating for trans folks only to charge people to read their articles. It seems so counterproductive, and I seriously doubt they’re making more than pocket money out of it. 
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      Oh, how I wish we were over-reacting!  But I don't think we are.  The danger is under-reacting. 
    • Ivy
      I understand your feelings. I have the same fears.  NC has made a swing to the right as well, and I'm not optimistic.  I want to tell myself I'm over reacting.  But seeing what these people are  saying, and doing when they do get into power can't be dismissed.  It's proof of what they will do if they take over the federal government. I'm getting kinda old now anyway.  It took me over 60 years to get here, and I'm not going back.  I suppose they can revert my gender markers, but I will still be legally Ivy.  And I have every intention of dying as Ivy Anna.  If I can't find my hormones somehow, I'll do without.  The physical changes I do have are permanent.   Trans people have always existed.
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    • Nonexistent
      I have the same problem as you, my face is the main reason why I get misgendered I'm pretty sure. I think it's mostly up to genetics how your face will look (T can help, but still genetics will determine how you end up). You can't change your facial structure really, you can get facial masculinization surgery but it's expensive so not an option for most unless you're rich lol.    Experimentally (I haven't done it but want to), you could see if any plastic surgeons around you will give you Kybella in your cheeks. It is an injection that removes fat, and is usually used underneath the chin/on the neck below the jawline, but some may use it off-label on the face. The only potential problem with this is that if your face would naturally thin out at an older age, it could thin out extra and make you look older (though I'm not certain on this). Another option is to get filler in your jaw/chin, which would make your jawline look more square and your face more masculine. I want jaw filler but I'm poor lol, it only lasts one year up to a few years depending on what kind you get, so it would have to be done every so often and can get expensive. I did get chin filler once, only 2 small vials so it didn't make that big of a difference. I would recommend going for the jaw if you can only choose 1, I wish I had done that.   Those are the only options I know of that will bring legitimate noticeable changes.
    • April Marie
      Welcome to the forums, Blake!! We are happy that you found us!!
    • Mmindy
      Good evening Blake.   Welcome to Transgender Pulse Forums.   Best wishes, stay positive and motivated.   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Nonexistent
      Thank you.    Trans men and trans women each have their own struggles for sure, but I agree, it can be a hard time to be a non-passing trans guy. There is no specific "man clothes" that only men wear. People could just think I'm butch (which sucks to think about, if people think I'm a lesbian when I'm a dude!!). I mean I would feel better if I got gendered correctly even if I don't fully pass, it would maybe raise my confidence to think maybe I do pass well lol! Instead I'm just reminded I don't.   Though I may just focus on the times I don't pass and ignore the times that I do. Because I rarely remember getting gendered correctly, but I hone in on the times that I don't. 
    • Nonexistent
      Thank you, I'm glad to be here. :)   I have been in therapy for 9 years but still can't seem to accept myself. I think it has to do with growing up trans in a world that hates us, especially in the south. I mean I was discriminated against by adults and ostracized as a kid/teen due to being trans. My family is accepting, but the rest of the world is not. I realize now a lot of people are accepting (even unexpectedly, like my partner's conservative republican Trump-loving parents lol), but it feels like my brain is still in survival mode every time I exit the door. I am a very fearful person.   My body still may change over time, but it feels like I haven't met the same 'quota' (don't know the right word) that a majority of other trans guys have on far less time on T. Most trans guys pass easily 1-3yrs on T, I'm double that and still don't pass well except my voice.
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