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FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 8th, 2026. Last updated: February 8th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 8th, 2026. Last updated: February 8th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 7th, 2026. Last updated: February 7th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 7th, 2026. Last updated: February 7th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 7th, 2026. Last updated: February 7th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 7th, 2026. Last updated: February 7th, 2026.

FTM was a quarterly newsletter started by activist and author Lou Sullivan in 1987. Sullivan, who had founded the organization FTM International, hoped to promote an understanding of transmasculine people and wanted to provide services and community to their lives. The FTM newsletter contained everything, like articles on topical FTM issues, local events, advertisements selling the latest stand-to-pee protheses, and a "classifieds" section for those looking for social connection. The FTM newsletter would run for sixty-seven issues over twenty-one years, from 1987 to 2008. After Sullivan's untimely death from AIDS-related illness, the responsibility passed on to author Jamison "James" Green. Some of the names and information in the newsletter below have been redacted for personal safety. FTM Newsletter (and redactions) are courtesy of the University of Victoria's Transgender Archives. The Trans Guy Archive shares this content for the purposes of education and historical empowerment. Language: English Resource type: newsletter Format: PDF Uploaded: February 7th, 2026. Last updated: February 7th, 2026.

Abstract The figure of the monster has long been used by trans and intersex scholars, artists and activists to articulate their sense of being in a world dominated by binary, cisgender norms. Yet what does it mean to embrace ‘the monstrous’ and how might that embrace inform the construction of transgender history? This article examines the specificities of ‘the monstrous’ in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain and empire by focusing on two figures at the boundary of the human: ‘the mermaid’ and ‘the hermaphrodite’. In doing so, it asks what the histories of these two marginal figures might tell us about the construction of ‘the human’ and argues that an alignment with the monster might enable trans historians to ally themselves with a vision of the future that goes beyond anthropocentrism. Ethics disclaimer (from our comrades at TransReads): We are faced with the common ethical question about hurting the sales of trans authors. However, the largest ever study on piracy  actually found that the piracy of copyrighted books, music, video games, and movies has no effect on sales. In the case of video games, piracy actually helped sales. As far back as 2002 , we can see piracy boosting sales of media. The Trans Guy Archive strongly encourages you to purchase the books that you enjoy here or find other ways to support the author. Academic authors rarely – if ever – see income from sales of their books, articles, or chapters. Most want to remove the paywalls withholding their content. The Trans Guy Archive is open to collaborating with authors, publishers, and journals on making this a possibility through our website.

Ever seen a phrase or term online but had no way to search for what it meant? Have you just come out and are feeling a little overwhelmed by all the new words that you 'have' to learn? This page acts as a glossary/dictionary for all words and phrases related to trans guys and our shared experiences. Some of the terms on this page are  not  trans guy-specific, but serve as a good reference anyway.   Please note; you may see a term and think "I don't fit 100% of the term. Am I still allowed to call myself [X]?" Yes, yes you can. These are simply the straightforward definitions, you may interpret your relationship with these words however you like. Have words and phrases to suggest? Head to the Contact page. A(G/S)AB (adj.) - Assigned (Gender/Sex) at Birth Used as shorthand. Coined initially by intersex activists to describe how an individual was assigned at birth, usually in reference to their genitalia. For many intersex individuals, their "ASAB" was assigned to them by doctors through Intersex Genital Mutilation during infancy. EX: "Tommy? Yeah, I have no idea what their AGAB is, but I know for sure they're hot!" AFAB (adj.) - Assigned Female at Birth Used as shorthand. Some trans people use it as a noun (i.e. "I'm AFAB"), though many people use it as a way to describe what genitalia they have -- totally negating those who have sought sex reassignment surgery. As its core, the term "AFAB" describes an individual's past state; present and future may vary. EX: "He was AFAB, but is now transitioning to male." AMAB (adj.) - Assigned Male at Birth Used as shorthand. Same definition as "AFAB", but used to identify those who were assigned male at birth but may be pursuing transitioning. EX: "She was AMAB, but is now transitioning to female." Aranu'tiq (adj./n.) Originating from the Chugach in the Americas, Aranu'tiq individuals were considered "male on one side, female on another". EX: "He is Aranu'tiq in his expression." Binary (Man/Male) (adj./n.) Anyone with the male gender. Can apply to trans* men and cis men as well. EX: "I told everyone I'm a binary man because I just identify as a dude." Boi (adj./n.) Broadly means an individual who is masculine, but not in a cisheteronormative way. EX: "He's a man, I'm a Boi." Bottom Growth (n.) Medical term describing the growth of the clitoris during testosterone hormone replacement therapy. Size is determined by dosage and genetics. Most people average 1-3 inches. EX: "Dude! My bottom growth itches so bad... but at least it's getting bigger!" Boyflux (adj.) Generally describes an individual whose masculine gender fluctuates in intensity. EX: "Sometimes I feel like a guy, other times I don't. I think I may be Boyflux." Brotherboy (adj./n.) Originating from Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Brotherboys were individuals who were AFAB but who have a masculine spirit. Can be considered binary or non-binary. EX: "My friend is a Brotherboy, he's really cool." Burrnesha (n.) Also referred to as "Balkan sworn virgins", Burrnesha generally defines someone who was AFAB but lives as a celibate man to do the roles in society only given to men. The tradition goes back to the 1400s, but is still sparsely practiced today. EX: "I went to Albania and met a Burrnesha. He seemed pretty cool." Bussy (n.) Affectionate nickname to describe (A) the vulva/vaginal opening of a trans guy, (B) the anus of anyone. EX: "His bussy is exceptionally tight." Butch (adj./n.) Historically Butch has been used simply to describe the expression of an individual that was extremely masculine - oftentimes bordering on parody. Nowadays, it generally defines one's gender expression and can be applied to any gender identity, though it's most commonly in use within the Lesbian community. At it's core, Butch can be both a descriptor and an identity. EX: "Did you see? Mary has a new partner and he's totally butch. I saw him wearing all leather!" Chest Binder (n.) Binders are compression vests used to compress and conceal the breasts. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, though typically look like half or full tank tops. EX: "Dude, I think my (chest) binder is too tight. I knew I should've gotten the large!" Cisgender (adj.) Describes any individual who identifies with the sex/gender they were assigned at birth. EX: "Yeah, my dad is cis(gender). He's such a man's man." Demiboy (adj./n.) Describes an individual whose gender may be partially but not completely male. EX: "My friend told me he's a demiboy the other day." FTM - Female-to-Male (n.) FTM is an acronym to describe an individual's transition from Female to Male. Some FTM people medically transition, others do not. EX: "Max is FTM, so he's thinking about getting top surgery some day." Fa'atama/Faʻatane/Fafatama (adj./n.) Originating from Samoa, Fa'atama describes a second gender for those who were AFAB but has a masculine spirit. EX: "There aren't many Fa'atamas left in the world." Front Hole (n.) Semi-affectionate nickname to describe the vulva/vaginal opening. Used sometimes to avoid the medical term, as it may bring discomfort to some individuals. EX: "My front hole is not open for use." Gender Dysphoria (n.) Typically described as a sense of unease, anxiety, and/or depression about the misalignment between an individual's assigned sex/gender at birth and their current gender. Gender dysphoria takes on many different forms (typically regarding physical traits) and is never the same for everyone. Many trans* individuals experience gender dysphoria, others do not. Many who have gender dysphoria pursue medical transitioning to alleviate their dysphoria, other do not. All are equally valid. EX: "My gender dysphoria is so bad that sometimes I can't shower without crying. Have you felt the same?" Intersex (adj.) An individual who do not have the physical sex characteristics that would be considered "normal" for Males and Females. This comes in a wide variety of forms. Being intersex is not the same as being trans*, though some identify as such. EX: "The doctor told me I was intersex, which I guess explains a lot." Malgendering (n./v.) Malgendering occurs when a trans* individual is gendered correctly for the purpose of maliciously mischaracterizing them. One example could be a cisgender man telling a trans* man that he will physically assault him because the transgender man is "no longer a woman". Another example includes trans* men being excluded from mandatory military conscription while trans* women are not. EX: "The doctor told me I was intersex, which I guess explains a lot." Metoidioplasty (n.) One option for bottom surgery. The mons pubis may be pulled back so the enlarged clitoris may be used as a short phallus. May include optional scrotum implants, urethral lengthening, and vaginectomy. Ex: "I wanted a metoidioplasty because I don't care that much about penetration." Mutarajjulat/Mustarjil (adj./n.) Literally translated as "women who wish to resemble men". Originating from Islamic cultures between the 9th - 11th cent. CE, Mutarajjulat/Mustarjil individuals were AFAB but dress and live as men. They may have fought in battles as soldiers. EX: "He was born female but is now a Mustarjil living as a man." Non-Binary (adj.) Descriptor of any individual(s) who doesn't identify with Male or Female. May be used as an umbrella term to include genderqueer, bi-gender, etc. EX: "Arson told me they're Non-Binary the other day. Should we celebrate?" Passing (adj/v.) At its core, passing describes the extent to which an individual is viewed by society as their desired gender/sex. Passing is extremely subjective and culture-based. There isn't one true way to pass as a man/woman, even for cisgender people. To pass as their desired gender presentation, some (cis and trans) guys may take testosterone HRT, get hair transplants, go to the gym, and so on to build a masculine appearance. EX: "He passes super well as a man." Phalloplasty (n.) One option for bottom surgery. The phallus (penis) is typically constructed from skin either on the forearm or inner thigh. There can be optional urethral lengthening and/or scrotum insertion and/or a vaginectomy. EX: "When I went in for phallo(plasty), my doctor asked me how big I wanted my new penis." Stud (adj/n.) A descriptor for masculine Black lesbians, though recent scholarship has questioned the term's connection between Blackness and a "stud" as a breeding animal. EX: "My girlfriend is such a stud." T-Dick (n.) Affectionate nickname describing the growth of the clitoris while taking testosterone hormone replacement therapy. Can also be known as T-penis, T-cock, etc. EX: "My T-dick is bigger than yours!" Testosterone/T (n.) Synthetic testosterone many trans guys take to alter their body to a more masculine state. Can come in shots, gel, and pellets. EX: "I take my T shots every other week." Top Surgery (n.) Nickname for a double mastectomy, aka the total removal of the breast tissue and reconstruction of the chest. There are multiple different kinds of top surgery, depending on body type and breast size. EX: "I got top surgery a few years ago and my scars have healed really well!" Trans-androphobia (n.) "Andro", meaning "male"; trans-androphobia refers to the discrimination trans men and trans-masculine individuals face on account of their gender. Also referred to as " anti-transmasculinity", "transandromisia", and "transmisandry". Many examples of trans-androphobia overlap with the misogyny cisgender women face, such as ignorance in the medical field and sexual and domestic violence. For more information specifically on violence against trans* men/mascs, see this Wiki article. EX: "The transandrophobia that I experience from my former friends is crazy." Trans Man/Male (n.) Typically describes an individual who is trans* and identifies as a binary man. Gender expression may vary. EX: "Aidrian identifies as a trans man. He's very macho." Trans Masc(uline) (adj./n.) Individuals whose identity is along the masculine spectrum, but may not necessarily identify as Male. EX: "Yeah man, I'm transmasc. Sometimes I kinda feel like a guy but other days I dunno." Transgender (adj.) Used as an umbrella term and encompasses other terms (i.e. Non-Binary, Transsexual, etc.). An individual whose gender does not align with their A(G/S)AB. They may choose to pursue social and/or medical transition. Transgender individuals generally prioritize the non-medical aspects of their transition, but mileage varies. EX: "Transgender people use the bathroom just like everyone else does." Transsexual (adj.) Generally defines a trans* person who prioritizes their medical transition as opposed to some non-transsexuals. Transsexual predates Transgender as an umbrella term; used primarily when it was believed the only way a trans* person could be "legit" was to medically transition. In some contexts, transsexual is a slur; in other contexts, trans* people have reclaimed it for themselves. EX: "Jack is transsexual. I heard he's getting bottom surgery next week." Transvestite (adj.) Comes from the Latin trans - "to cross, across" and vestitus  "dressed". Coined in 1910 by Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, transvestite was the main applicable term for any crossdresser regardless if they displayed symptoms of gender dysphoria. There was also sometimes a crossover with " transvestic fetishism", where an individual would receive sexual arousal from wearing clothing of the opposite sex. Sometimes synonymous with "crossdresser" or "CD". EX: "Transvestites were often persecuted by the Nazis during World War Two." This term is considered outdated and offensive by most trans* people. Bibliography Abelson, Miriam J. “Dangerous Privilege: Trans Men, Masculinities, and Changing Perceptions of Safety.” Sociological Forum  29, no. 3 (2014): 549–70. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43653950 . Ajam Media Collective. “Recovering Arab Trans History: Masoud El Amaratly, the Folk Music Icon from Iraq’s Marshes.” Ajam Media Collective, June 26, 2023. https://ajammc.com/2023/06/26/iraq-trans-history-masoud-amaratly/. ​ genderkoolaid. “Oh Yeah.” Tumblr, August 8, 2023. https://genderkoolaid.tumblr.com/post/725139055619276800/recovering-arab-trans-history-masoud-el-amaratly. ​ Fandom.com . “Gender Wiki,” 2023. https://gender.fandom.com/wiki/Gender_Wiki. ​ McLean, Tui. “The Last of Albania’s ‘Sworn Virgins.’” BBC.com . BBC News, December 10, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63904744 ‌ Nonbinary.wiki . “Gender-Variant Identities Worldwide - Nonbinary Wiki,” 2022. https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Gender-variant_identities_worldwide Nonbinary.wiki. “Man - Nonbinary Wiki,” 2019. https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Man. “Statement on Intersex Genital Mutilation.” Hamilton Trans Health Coalition. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://hamiltontranshealth.ca/igm/ . ‌ Trans Male Resources. “Terminology | Trans Male Resources,” 2016. https://www.transmaleresources.com/terminology . Last updated: February 5th, 2026.

(from the publisher) At the turn of the twentieth century, trans men were not necessarily urban rebels seeking to overturn stifling gender roles. In fact, they often sought to pass as conventional men, choosing to live in small towns where they led ordinary lives, aligning themselves with the expectations of their communities. They were, in a word, unexceptional. In True Sex, Emily Skidmore uncovers the stories of eighteen trans men who lived in the United States between 1876 and 1936. Despite their "unexceptional" quality, their lives are surprising and moving, challenging much of what we think we know about queer history. By tracing the narratives surrounding the moments of 'discovery' in these communities -- from reports in local newspapers to medical journals and beyond -- this book challenges the assumption that the full story of modern American sexuality is told by cosmopolitan radicals. Rather, True Sex reveals complex narratives concerning rural geography and community, persecution and tolerance, and how these factors intersect with the history of race, identity and sexuality in America. Ethics disclaimer (from our comrades at TransReads): We are faced with the common ethical question about hurting the sales of trans authors. However, the largest ever study on piracy  actually found that the piracy of copyrighted books, music, video games, and movies has no effect on sales. In the case of video games, piracy actually helped sales. As far back as 2002 , we can see piracy boosting sales of media. The Trans Guy Archive strongly encourages you to purchase the books that you enjoy here or find other ways to support the author. Academic authors rarely – if ever – see income from sales of their books, articles, or chapters. Most want to remove the paywalls withholding their content. The Trans Guy Archive is open to collaborating with authors, publishers, and journals on making this a possibility through our website. Other reading & purchasing options: Available for users with print disabilities on the Internet Archive Available on Academia.edu Available for purchase on: Amazon City Lights Bookstore Burning Books Or wherever else books on Social Sciences are sold

Welcome back to the Trans Guy Archive's monthly zine! As the month of January comes to a close, this month's zine provides a series of updates about new additions to the archive's stacks, reading recommendations, and some thoughts about future publications. As with many zines, the entire thing is available to you for free. But if you'd like to support the Trans Guy Archive's work and throw us a dollar or two, we wouldn't say no! If Venmo asks you for the last 4 digits of a phone number, it's 2134. You are free to share this zine and its contents with the appropriate credit provided. You are free to "remix" the zine and its contents in a matter such as collage. You are NOT  permitted to feed this zine or any of its contents into AI or other LLM software. If you would like to download the zine as a PDF, click the "download" icon above or click on the file below.

The Trans Guy Archive's first monthly zine, with contributions from our lovely community members on Tumblr and Discord. We're so happy that people are engaging with transmasculine history! We would love your feedback on how to make this even better! As with many zines, the entire thing is available to you for free. But if you'd like to support the Trans Guy Archive's work and throw us a dollar or two, we wouldn't say no! If Venmo asks you for the last 4 digits of a phone number, it's 2134. You are free to share this zine and its contents with the appropriate credit provided. You are free to "remix" the zine and its contents in a matter such as collage. You are NOT permitted to feed this zine or any of its contents into AI or other LLM software.