Are you talking to someone that identifies as masculine but was born a female? You could call them a ‘trans masc’ to pin down their sexual identity. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The sexual identity, ‘trans masc’ is an abbreviation of ‘transgender masculine.’ It’s an umbrella term describing women that choose to transition to a masculine form. They identify as male or may not identify as male, but they have a strong connection to masculine identities.
Trans masc people can include the following sexual identities and more.
- Trans men.
- Demiboys.
- Multigender people.
- Genderfluid people.
- Non-binary people who identify as masculine.
Transfeminine is the opposite sexual identity of trans masc. The most common flag used to represent transmasculine people has pink stripes on the bottom and top and blue stripes in the flag's center positioned at a slight gradient sloping to the sides.
Example Usage
“How many trans masc people do you know? I keep hearing about them on the news, but I’ve never met one in person. Do they really exist?”
“It’s tragic how young kids are taking hormones to transition to another sex. How can they know what they want at that stage in their life? Trans masc and trans feminine, or just confused kids?”
“Trans masc people are so brave for coming out and telling people their sexual identity. We need to include them in society, not shun them.”
Origin
The sexual identity, 'trans masc,' originates from the 'DC Area Transmasculine Society' (DCATS). This nonprofit, managed by trans people, was founded in 2000 as a support group for people that identify as trans. The organization offers a range of services for trans people, including a binder exchange program.
However, the organization doesn't take credit for coining the term, claiming it was used for many years before popularizing the identity in mainstream media. S. Leigh Thompson, the chairperson of the TransMasculine Community Network, wrote an essay in 2010 titled, 'What's in a Word?: Crafting Transmasculine.
The essay presents his work on crafting the definition of transmasculine. The suggested definition is the following.
"Any person who was assigned female at birth but feels that is an incomplete or incorrect description of their gender."
The author mentions that he published a previous version of the essay in 2006. The Urban dictionary first defined 'trans masc' in September 2013. "Transmasculine" was added as an identity in the gender selection of Facebook in 2014.
Phrases Similar to Trans Masc
- Trans.
- Transgender.
Phrases Opposite to Trans Masc
- Trans feminine.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Trans masc.
Ways People May Say Trans Masc Incorrectly
Some people may confuse trans masc and trans feminine people. However, trans feminine people usually are born male and identify as females or have a strong connection to femininity in their characteristics and personality.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Trans Masc
You can use the phrase ‘trans masc’ when referring to a transgender person, usually born female. A trans masc person identifies as male, or they may be transitioning. The person may not identify as a man but may feel a strong connection to masculinity. You can use this term in professional and social communications.
You can use it at the office when addressing other staff members by their correct sexual identities and pronouns. You can use it at home when talking about women that identify as male or have masculine tendencies in their personality.