FTM and MTF are abbreviations for female-to-male and male-to-female, respectively. They are terms used to describe transgender people who are transitioning from one gender to another.
FTM refers to a transgender person who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. MTF refers to a transgender person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female.
The terms FTM and MTF are often used to describe the physical transition that transgender people go through. For example, an FTM person might take testosterone or have top surgery (surgery to remove breast tissue). An MTF person might take estrogen or have bottom surgery (surgery to create a vagina).
However, the terms FTM and MTF can also be used to describe the social transition that transgender people go through. For example, an FTM person might change their name and pronouns, or they might start living as a man in all aspects of their life. An MTF person might do the same, but in the opposite direction.
The terms FTM and MTF are not always interchangeable. For example, some transgender people might identify as non-binary, which means that they do not identify as either male or female. These people might use terms like “transmasculine” or “transfeminine” to describe their gender identity.
Ultimately, the terms FTM and MTF are just tools that can be used to describe the transition that transgender people go through. There is no right or wrong way to use these terms, and the best way to use them is to ask the transgender person how they would like to be referred to.
“FTM” and “MTF” are acronyms commonly used in the transgender community to refer to individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) but identify as male (FTM) or assigned male at birth (AMAB) but identify as female (MTF), respectively. These terms are used to describe the direction of a person’s gender transition.
If someone identifies as FTM, it means they are assigned female at birth but identify as male and may undergo various steps in their transition to live as their identified gender. This can include social transition, hormone therapy (such as testosterone), and potentially gender confirmation surgeries, including chest masculinization and genital reconstruction surgery (metoidioplasty or phalloplasty).
On the other hand, if someone identifies as MTF, it means they are assigned male at birth but identify as female and may pursue a transition to live as their identified gender. This can involve social transition, hormone therapy (such as estrogen and anti-androgens), and potentially gender confirmation surgeries, including breast augmentation and genital reconstruction surgery (vaginoplasty).
It’s important to note that transgender individuals have a diverse range of experiences, and not all individuals pursue medical interventions as part of their transition. The specific steps taken in a gender transition vary from person to person, and each individual’s journey is unique.
It’s crucial to respect and affirm individuals’ self-identified gender and use the appropriate pronouns and terminology that align with their gender identity.