BACKGROUND: Some gray and white matter regions of the brain are sexually dimorphic. The best MRI technique for identifying subtle differences in white matter is diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether white matter patterns in female to male (FtM) transsexuals before commencing cross-sex hormone treatment are more similar to that of their biological sex or to that of their gender identity.

METHOD: DTI was performed in 18 FtM transsexuals and 24 male and 19 female heterosexual controls scanned with a 3 T Trio Tim Magneton. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was performed on white matter fibers of the whole brain, which was spatially analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics.

RESULTS: In controls, males have significantly higher FA values than females in the medial and posterior parts of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), the forceps minor, and the corticospinal tract. Compared to control females, FtM showed higher FA values in posterior part of the right SLF, the forceps minor and corticospinal tract. Compared to control males, FtM showed only lower FA values in the corticospinal tract.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the white matter microstructure pattern in untreated FtM transsexuals is closer to the pattern of subjects who share their gender identity (males) than those who share their biological sex (females). Our results provide evidence for an inherent difference in the brain structure of FtM transsexuals.

Abstract reprinted from: Rametti G, et al., White matter microstructure in female to male transsexuals before cross-sex hormonal treatment. A diffusion tensor imaging study. J Psychiatr Res. 2010 Jun 8.

Read the original abstract here.

This 2009 research paper covers basic herbal and nutritional support for transgender and gendervariant folks specifically on the transmasculine spectrum. Historically, transpeoples’ access to health care is limited for multiple reasons and information regarding the long term side effects of hormone therapy is miniscule, so it is profound to be able to support the health and well being of transgender folks with herbs and nutrition, which tends to be more accessible and affordable.

OUTLINE:

• Overview: definitions & medical treatment
• Holistic support for Surgery
• Endocrinology Basics
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: herbs for support (male spectrum)
• Emotional/Spiritual Support
• Resources & bibliography

Read the complete research paper here from the Ohlone Herbal Center in Berkeley, California.

Also see: Chinese Herbs for Transgender Men

Any views expressed in this article are the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of TransGuys.com’s publisher or contributors. See full Disclaimer.

Stacked up against Twitter and forums and social networks, mailing lists seem pretty old school. However, the appeal of the simple text format and direct delivery of mailing lists remains strong. If you’re looking to connect with other trans-positive folks and get support around transition-related issues, there’s surely a trans mailing list for you. Part 3 of TransGuys’ Finding Community Online series highlights a selection of mailing lists for trans men and their supporters.

While this list is extensive it’s by no means complete. If you know of other helpful trans-positive mailing lists for the guys, please share by leaving a comment below.

Also see:

• Finding Community Online Part 1: Twitter
• Finding Community Online Part 2: Forums and Social Networks

Article Contents:

1. Mailing Lists for Transgender Men (Guys Only)

a) General FTM Mailing Lists
b) Local Mailing Lists (North America / International)
c)  Surgery and Health Mailing Lists

2. Mailing Lists for Transgender Men and SOFFAs

a) General FTM Mailing Lists
b) Faith-based Mailing Lists

3. Transgender (FTM, MTF) and SOFFAs Mailing Lists
4. SOFFAs Mailing Lists
5. Currently Inactive Mailing Lists
6. Mailing List Etiquette

1. Mailing Lists for Transgender Men (Guys Only)

a) General FTM Mailing Lists

Trans Guys
This is a place for Trans Guys (FTM, FTX, MTM, genderqueer, etc.) to come together and talk about Trans issues, meet other Trans guys, and discuss life in general. Note: This list is not affiliated with TransGuys.com.

FTM Early Transitioning
This group is for persons who are in the female-to-male transitioning process, particularly the early stages when much is happening and much is still unresolved. Men who are farther along in transition are welcome, also, so that we may have the benefit of your experience.

Greenboys
This is a list for those born female-bodied or intersexed at birth, who embody some sort of masculine gender expression which may include but is not limited to: ftm’s, butches, tomboys, genderqueers, tg, daddies, etc.

TMaleB2B – The T-Male Brother to BBS Transmen Group
A group associated with The Transitional Male website (T-Male) who have been part of the T-Male Brother to Brother Support Bulletin Board.

POC Transition
This group caters to the special needs of members of the POC-FTM community. This group is dedicated to sustaining discussions needed as one moves forward with plans for T, Top surgery, meta, phallo, and post-op outcomes.

b) Local Mailing Lists

View Local Mailing Lists for Transgender Men in a larger map

North America

Vancouver Guys
Vanguys is a local British Columbia list for FTMs and FTM-questioning.

VanIslandudes
Vanislandudes is a listserve for male-identified transmen on Vancouver Island, BC, with occasional meetups in Victoria.

Fairfield County Transmasculine Society
For people who were born or assigned female at birth and feel that this is an inaccurate and/or incomplete gender identity. Connecticut Transmen, FtMs, genderqueer, butch, stud, gender neutral, third-gendered, AG, intersexed, gender questioning, gender variant, boy dykes–this group is for you.

FTMinKY
Discussion and information list for FTMs and guys born intersexed, living or working in and around the state of Kentucky.

SeaBoyz
Discussion and announcement list for the Seattle area FTM community.

Tarheel Transmen
Social support organization for the FTM community in North Carolina.

The New Boyz Club
Olympia-Based group for FtM (Transgender/Transsexual), pre/post-op, pre/post-hormones, gender queer with emphasis on becoming male, or questioning transitioning Female-to-Male.

Diego Boyz
Resource for the San Diego County FTM communitity (i.e. transitioned and transitioning transsexual men, transmen, transmales). Includes announcements for local events and news relevant to the San Diego County transmale and broader trans communities, as well as a discussion forum for local community issues.

Alamo Boyz
FTM, Female to Male transsexual, transgendered in Texas. An online and real life peer support group. We welcome FTMs from all over Texas to join and contribute to the growing network of information from FTMs for FTMs.

St. Louis MO FTMs
A space for FtM’s, Transmen, and those questioning to talk about anything and everything, in the St. Louis, MO region. This is a place for support, and friendship.

East Coast FTMs

SDFTM-SO
The San Diego Chapter of FTM (Female-to-Male) International welcomes FTMs or gender questioning individuals assigned female at birth, who feel that gender assignment is no longer complete or accurate. The group has monthly support meetings and monthly social gatherings for allies and significant others.

ABQ FTM Group
This group is a online communications board for the real life transmen support group in Albuquerque, NM.

DCATS – [Washington] DC Area Transmasculine Society
Listserve and monthly meetings, general support, local medical care references.

International

FTM UK
The UK FTM network is an informal list, open to all UK based female to male (FTM)transgender and transsexual people, or those exploring this aspect of their gender.

Transmen Scotland
Support group for all female to male transmen, transgender and transsexual people. The group is based in Scotland and meets monthly in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Membership is open to all female to male trans people in Scotland.

FTM Sveriges öppna grupp
Sweden’s FTM transgender group.

New Zealand Transguys
Discussion and contact group for people born or living in Aotearoa/New Zealand, assigned “female” or “intersex” at birth, but who identify outside of that, including but not limited to: transgender, transsexual, ftm, f2m, tangata ira tane, mtm, male, taane, genderqueer, trannyboy, transman, 3rd gender, bi-gendered etc.

FTM Brasil
An informal discussion group open to all Brazilians who identify themselves as trans men (FTM transsexuals) or are exploring this aspect of their identity.

c) Surgery and Health Mailing Lists

FTM Surgery Info
An extensive resource for info, photos, research regarding surgery options for Female-to-Male transgendered persons. (Note: Surgeons are also on this list.)

FTM Surgery Support
FTM Surgery Support is a companion group to the FTM Surgery Info group. FTM Surgery Support offers open discussion of emotional, physical, psychological and financial issues facing FtM (Female to Male) transgendered / transsexual / transman / ftm / masculine identified / questioning individuals who are considering, undergoing, or have completed any FTM surgery.

FTM Metoidioplasty
This is a peer to peer discussion group on metoidioplasty procedures for FTMs.

FTM Phalloplasty Info
This is a peer to peer discussion group on phalloplasty procedures for FTMs. Welcome to all FTMs who are seriously considering phalloplasty surgery, as well as those who have completed a phalloplasty.

The Deciding Line
This group is a safe space for guys of trans experience to discuss choosing between a metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, meta then phallo and or other procedures.

Meltzer Support
This is a support group for patients of Toby Meltzer, MD. If you are interested in having surgery with Dr. Meltzer, this is the group for you.

FTM Fit
This is a place for FTMs, transmen, and anyone on the transmasculine spectrum to discuss fitness and nutrition. Working out and eating right can go a long way in making your transition a successful and healthy one!

2. Mailing Lists for Transgender Men and SOFFAs

a) General FTM Mailing Lists

FTM-trans (Yahoo!)
Founded in March 1999, FtM-trans is the oldest general-topic FtM peer support forum online. FtM-trans is now run by a team representing FTMInternational and FTMAustralia. Offering assistance, fellowship and info to FtM/MtM male-spectrum, transgendered, transsexual, intersexed, genderqueer and questioning individuals in a safe and supportive environment. Teen and untransitioned FtMs welcome; trans-identified Butches and Drag Kings welcome; questioning or genderless persons on the FtM-spectrum welcome; SOFFAS (family and friends of listmembers) welcome.

FTM Trans (Google)
This group is for all people who may fit under the umbrella term of FTM (female to male), or anyone assigned female at birth and does not identify that way, Any FTM, ally, or questioning person may join. The purpose of this community is for support/questions/etc.

Transmen
This is a support group for transmen, including FtM, female to male identified folks and the SOs that love them. Friends, family members, those allied with the transgender/transsexual community, professionals, are all welcome.

FTM Boi’s
A place for FTM’s and SOFFA’S (significant others, friends, family, and allies) to talk about transition and the effects it has on the body, and relationships with others.

FTM Personals II
This group is created by and for FTMs and admirers. Anyone on the FTM spectrum (Boi, FTM, F2M, M2M, Transman, Genderqueer, TG Butch, etc) those who would like to date them can post a personal ad of any length. Non-FTMs are especially welcome!

FTM and SOFFA
This is a new list as of May 2010 providing online support for FTMs and their SOFFAs.

Florida Transguys
Regional contact list for transmen (FTMs) and SOFFAs in Florida and surrounding area, regardless of transition or questioning status.

MN Boyz
Support and networking for female-to-male transexuals, male-IDed or alternatively gendered female bodied, intersex, and SOFFAs in the Minneapolis-St Paul and Greater Minnesota area.

Bay Area Boyz
The BABOYZ mailing list serves the FTM/SOFFA communities of the San Francisco Bay Area in California by providing an announcement board for local events and for legal news relevant to trans* communities, as well as a discussion forum for local community issues.

Transmen Asia
Support group for Asians Transmen (FtM) their Significant Other (SOs).

FTMI Ohio
FTMI chapter providing outreach and advocacy for FTMs, SOFFAs and all female to male’s on the gender variant spectrum in Ohio. This Yahoo! Group exists as a discussion forum for the business of the FTM-I_Ohio chapter.

b) Faith-based Mailing Lists

Jewish FTM
Jewish awareness, Jewish identity, Judaism and Jewish spirituality for transmen, transgender male, transitioning, ts, f-to-m, ftm, f2m, mtm, tg, third gender and intersex individuals, partners and family members. A moderated, safe and respectful community for spiritual support and growth.

TransJews
Transgendered(TG)/Transsexual(TS)/Genderqueer Jews and SOFFAs list. Discussing how Judaism affects our gender experiences and vice-versa. All levels of observance, backgrounds and viewpoints welcome.

emergence – For Christian Transsexuals
This is a discussion list for Christians who happen to be transsexual to discuss the challenges that face us as we try to serve God.

TranSpirituality
Spirituality for transmen, transgender male, transitioning, ts, f-to-m, ftm, f2m, mtm, tg, third gender and intersex individuals, partners and family members. A moderated, safe and respectful community for spiritual support and growth. Your faith and your journey are honored here.

3. Transgender (FTM, MTF) and SOFFAs Mailing Lists

Greater Boston Transgender Community
Serving the CD/FTM/GQ/GV/MTF/TG/TS/TV community of greater Boston, Northeastern Massachusetts (MA), and southern New Hampshire (NH). This list is for announcements, chat, and coordination of area events with a transgendered focus. Membership is open to all trans-supportive persons.

Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) Chat
SAGA organizes educational, social, and support programs for transgender, transsexual, and gender-variant people and their allies in Southern Arizona.

Southern Comfort Conference Lounge
The Southern Comfort Conference, held each year in Atlanta, is the largest convention for transgendered people in the world. For a week each September, hundreds of kindred spirits attend-to meet, share, experience and enjoy the company of others. This list is dedicated to anyone who has attended a SCC, or who is thinking about going (you should!) It’s a place to keep in touch, to make plans, to share pictures and experiences, etc. Ride sharing, room shares, general questions or requests are welcome. It’s open to any adult who identifies themselves as gender different-TG, TS, TV, CD, MtF, FtM-or significant others.

TG POC
Discussion-oriented listserv for Trans People of Color as well as our significant others and allies.

EthnicFTM
EthnicFtM offers a space where members are free to discuss general FtM concerns, as well as all concerns specific to the Ethnic and Religious minorities that we belong to. Respectful SOFFAs, friends and health care providers are welcome.

Genderqueer Revolution
Online discussion group for a national organization dedicated to empowering people of all genders, helping people to embrace the gift of gender, supporting and cultivating genderqueer, gender-gifted individuals and communities.

Trans Natural
Community resource for information about herbs, nutrition, and holistic health for trans/genderqueer folks and those who love them.

TGV Advocacy
Discussion group for political, social and cultural advocacy and issues affecting transgender, transsexual, intersex and all other gender variant people. It’s also a forum for discussion about articles that have appeared in the “transgendernews” Yahoo! Group.

Canadian Transexuals Fight For Rights (CTFFR)
This list is a source for transgender-related news stories.

Trans Action Canada
A group dedicated to the health, welfare and legal/justice issues of the Canadian trans community. Note: Lots of forwards and cross posts with the CTFFR list.

Transgender Michigan
Founded in 1997, TransGender Michigan is dedicated to improving the lives of transgender individuals in Michigan. Our goal is “To strive for social justice and equality for transgender individuals and significant others, family, friends, and allies (SOFFAs) through education, support and advocacy.”

Trans Inclusiveness GA & FL
Trans Inclusiveness FL & GA is a discussion and social group established to provide a safe location for transsexuals (FTM & MTF), gender benders and allies to receive support and incouragement as each one makes the journey along this path who live in Florida and GA.

Trans* & GenderQueer Parenting
This is a community for parents and prospective parents who are transgender, transsexual, gender variant or genderqueer. We pass no judgment on peoples’ gender identities. If you are FTM, MTF, genderqueer, butch, a cross-dresser, etc., or the partner of someone who is trans, you are welcome to join this group.

TransFamily Couples
Offers support, discussions, and news for transgendered individuals and/or their spouses and committed partners.

4. SOFFAs Mailing Lists

FTMSOs
This list is for SO’s of transgendered persons on the masculine end of the gender spectrum. This generally means SO’s of FTM’s/Transmen or those considering transition. Here, SO’s can talk about our own issues and get support from others. This list is open to SOs with *ANY* gender or sexual orientation or background.

SOs, Friends, Family and Allies of FTMs
Group for SOFFAs or Significant Others, Friends, Family of FTMs. FtMs and other trans folk welcome.

The Womens Circle – Peaceful Sisterly Support and Rapport
This list is a safe and flame-free space for past, present and future women partners/lovers/girlfriends of FtMs (female-to-male TG or TS spectrum or questioning persons) to exchange advice, offer support and discuss the intricacies of life with an FtM in an atmosphere of privacy and security.

Women Partners of FTMs
This list is a safe space for women who are in relationships with FTMs and female-bodied people who are questioning their gender identity and expression.

AFLOAT
For ”Allies, Friends, Loved Ones, and Tribe,” the partners, parents, children, families, and friends of FTMs. Find support and discussion unique to your experiences and needs.

TransFamily Spouses
Offers support, discussions, and news for spouses and partners of transgendered individuals.

Parents of FTM Transsexuals
This group is designed to give space and a forum to parents of FTM Transsexuals. If your daughter has come to you and disclosed that she is wanting to become a man, this is your place. No matter what stage of transition your child may be in, you’re welcome to join in. Hopefully, this will be a safe haven for you to vent and console, connect and find relief that you are not alone.

5. Currently Inactive Mailing Lists

• F2M Support Online
• FtMSurvivors – FtM Survivors of Sexual Abuse
• FtM Crossdressing – FTM Transmen Crossdressing
• Not100M – FTMs who aren’t 100% male inside
• Keystone Transmen
• The Centurion FTM Surgery Site
• Jewish FTM Family Support Group
• IS-IG-IT-TG-TS-interfaith
• South Sound Gender Variant Healthcare Project (GVHP)
• TransFeminist
• tgcrossroads – Serving the Trans/SOFFA community
• The Boyz Club – For male lovers and partners of FtMs, and FtM partners themselves

6. Mailing List Etiquette

When participating in any mailing list, please remember to:

• Pay attention to the list guidelines: Each list has its own set of guidelines that are typically emailed to you when you join. Read and abide by these guidelines.
• Search the archives: Before posting a new question to the list, do a search of the archives to see if the topic has come up before. You might find just what you need!
• Be constructive: Before posting, consider the value you are adding to the list. Avoid getting personal. Always keep your cool and respond with respect.
• Trim your posts: This is even more important now because many people read mailing lists on mobile devices.

Do you know of other mailing lists that should be listed here? Please share the mailing list name and link with your comment below.

Last updated: July 26, 2010

Background: During testosterone (T) therapy, T is partly converted to 17β-estradiol (E₂) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Effects of age, testosterone dose, and body composition on total and free E₂ and DHT levels are unknown.

Objective: We evaluated age and dose-related differences in E₂ and DHT levels in response to graded doses of testosterone enanthate in young and older men.

Methods: Fifty-one young (aged 19–35 yr) and 52 older (aged 59–75 yr) men completed treatment with monthly injections of a GnRH agonist plus randomly assigned weekly doses of testosterone enanthate (25, 50, 125, 300, or 600 mg) for 5 months.

Results: During testosterone administration, total and free E₂ levels increased dose-dependently (dose effect, P < 0.001) in both young and older men. Total and free E₂levels and E₂:T ratios during T administration were higher in older than young men, but age-related differences in free E₂ and free E₂:T ratios were not significant after adjusting for testosterone levels, percentage fat mass, and SHBG. DHT levels and DHT:T ratios were dose-related but did not differ between young and older men. Mechanistic modeling of free hormone data revealed that the conversions of T to E₂ and DHT were both consistent with saturable Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The in vivoK_m values were estimated to be 1.83 nM for aromatase and 3.35 nM for 5α-reductase, independent of age. The V_max parameter for E₂ was 40% higher in older men than younger men, but V_max for DHT was not significantly different between age groups.

Conclusions: During im testosterone administration, E₂ and DHT levels exhibit saturable increases with dose. The rate of whole body aromatization is higher in older men, partly related to their higher percentage fat mass, SHBG, and testosterone levels.

Abstract reprinted from: Lakshman KM et. al., The Effects of Injected Testosterone Dose and Age on the Conversion of Testosterone to Estradiol and Dihydrotestosterone in Young and Older Men, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2010), doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0102

Read the original abstract here. Note that all articles published more than 12 months ago back to 1997 are free to all online. You can also request patient access to the full article.

Also see: DHT for Transgender Men

Any views expressed in this article are the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of TransGuys.com’s publisher or contributors. See full Disclaimer.

Objective: To describe the timing of changes in fundamental frequency of the female voice following androgen therapy during female to male gender reassignment.

Methods: A 33-year-old female semi-professional singer undergoing gender reassignment and intramuscular androgen injections was examined at monthly intervals to monitor the impact of therapy on the voice. Laryngostroboscopy and acoustic analysis were performed simultaneously to monitor for potential laryngeal pathology.

Results: Pretreatment mean fundamental frequency (MF0) was 228.45 Hz and ranged from 140.26 Hz to 430.64 Hz. Between month 3 and month 4 of treatment, MF0 declined to 116.52 Hz and ranged from 90.75 Hz to 201.07 Hz. Shimmer increased from 3.4% to 7.8%. Noise to harmonics ratio (NHR) also increased from 0.12 to 0.17. The patient has continued to sing semi-professionally despite these changes in laryngeal function.

Conclusion: Androgen therapy exerted a profound change on mean fundamental frequency between the third and fourth months of treatment. In addition, pitch range was reduced in a commensurate fashion. Patients undergoing androgen therapy may undergo a significant change in speaking voice between the third and fourth months of therapy. Moreover, though these changes may exert a profound impact on the singing voice, patients undergoing gender reassignment may still be able to achieve personal and professional success in their singing careers.

Abstract reprinted from: Damrose EJ, Quantifying the impact of androgen therapy on the female larynx, Auris Nasus Larynx (2008), doi:10.1016/j.anl.2008.03.002

Read the full journal article here.

Also see: Testosterone and the Trans Male Singing Voice

Special thanks to TransGuys.com reader picji for sharing this! (via Drik via Joshua Klipp)

Any views expressed in this article are the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of TransGuys.com’s publisher or contributors. See full Disclaimer.

Forums and social networks enable people to come together around shared interests and causes. For transgender people they can also be an invaluable source of community. Part 2 of TransGuys’ Finding Community Online series highlights a selection of forum and social networking sites for trans men.

Forums for Transgender Men

T-Vox
A large and active forum offering support and social connection for genderqueer, intersex and transsexual people as well as their friends and family.

TransDude
An online community for transmen, FTMs, genderqueers, and their allies, ages 13 and up, to discuss issues related to gender and sexuality.

What Is Gender?
A support forum for transgendered, non-binary, and significant others.

FTM UK
Support forum for trans men from around the world.

TransFriendly
A virtual meeting place where all kinds of conversation can take place in an environment that is trans friendly.

Laura’s Playground
This community has been around for several years, and the FTM sub-forums are very active.

Susan’s
Another older community, Susan’s FTM section is also quite active.

CrossDressers.com
The scope of this community is larger than the name suggests, and you’ll find a good dose of FTM discussion going on, including a number of private, invite-only sub-forums.

Social Networks for Transgender Men

The Men’s Room
This is a private social networking community exclusively for transgender men. You’ll find a fast growing International membership offering support, advice and friendship.

TransQueer Nation – A popular private network for Transgender, Gender Queer, FTM, MTF, Androgynous, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary / Non-Gender Identifying, Transsexual, Pan sexual, Questioning, Queer, Spouses, Partners, Allies, Friends and GLBTQ Supporters. (75% of the citizens of TQ Nation are Trans Guys).

TQ Nation is built on the Ning social network platform. Others include:

• Frat Bois (new in 2010)
• Beef Heads (new in 2010) – Fitness, weight lifting, nutrition for trans guys.
• Transmen and Friends – A social network for transgender and transsexual men (FTMs), and people interested in dating trans men. (Thx Ian)
• FTM Social – An open social group for FTMs.
• The Definition – A network for masculine identified women and trans men.
• gender blender – A network for Trans + Gender Variant Persons,  Friends and Allies to share ideas, art, events and culture.

GenderVoice
A central location for the transgendered community and supporters to come together in a safe environment, free from discrimination, to network and foster friendships.

TransPassions
A free online dating and social networking community for the transgendered community, MTF and FTM transsexuals, transvestites/ cross-dressers, drag queens, drag kings, female impersonators, male impersonators and everyone else who loves the trans community.

FTM Mentors
This is a unique community where members can search for a local FtM friend to either mentor or to find an FtM to turn to for support.

YouTube
There’s a very active community of FTM vloggers on YouTube. Sadly, YouTube’s Group features have been poorly implemented and aren’t used by very many people. Smaller FTM communities are also developing on other video sharing sites such as Vimeo.

Facebook
Like YouTube, Facebook’s Group features are lacking and the result is a dense mass of transgender related Facebook Groups with little or no activity. While you may need to sift through a large number of defunct Groups, you’ll also find Groups for trans guys that have memberships of 1000+ and a high level of engagement. There are also numerous Fan Pages for transgender related websites and brands.

LiveJournal
LJ hosts a number of FTM communities such as FTM International’s FTM group, TransCanada, and TransToronto.

Do you know about other forums and social networks for trans men? Please leave your comments below. In particular, it would be great to see this list expanded with International, non-English speaking forums and social networks.

Also see: Finding Community Online Part 1: Twitter, Finding Community Online Part 3: Mailing Lists

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Institute, PA
12651 W. Sunrise Blvd., Suite 102
Sunrise, FL 33323
Phone: (954) P L A S T I C
Web: www.drgarramone.com

Procedures: FTM top surgery

Dr. Garramone is regarded as one of America’s top plastic surgeons and an expert in chest masculinization. His results with the double incision method are excellent. Furthermore, his office staff are trained in all aspects of FTM health care, and can help you find therapists, endocrinologists and other resources.

Please contact Dr. Garramone’s office for information about current costs, payment procedures, surgery requirements, and scheduling.

Top Surgery Show & Tell

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Patient Vlog: SEANnLANI

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Patient Vlog: BAlvord78

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Patient Vlog: AidenDanielLIVE

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Learn more about Dr. Garramone:

• Dr. Garramone’s YouTube Channel
• Dr. Garramone on Twitter
• Photos of Dr. Garramone’s patient results at TransBucket.com
• Dr. Garramone patient experience ratings @ Vitals

Have you had top surgery with Dr. Garramone?
Leave a comment below about your experience and upload a video.

Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery
12205-12207 Tullamore Rd.
Timonium, MD 21093
Phone: 410-308 4700
Fax: 410-308-4704
Web: www.beverlyfischer.com

Procedures: FTM top surgery

Dr. Fischer is one of the better known surgeons doing FTM top surgery in the United States, and it’s public knowledge that this is one of her favorite surgeries to perform.

Dr. Fischer uses one of two approaches for trans male mastectomy:

1. Peri-areolar: Suitable for B-cup and smaller chests;
2. Double incision: Popular, results in excellent contour.

Request information about current costs, payment procedures, surgery requirements, and scheduling.

Top Surgery Show & Tell: Dr. Fischer

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Patient vlog: charlesasher

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Patient vlog: kade512

Click here to view the embedded video.

Learn more about Dr. Fischer

• Article by Dr. Fischer describing chest surgery procedures, results and challenges.
• Photos of Dr. Fischer’s patient results at TransBucket.com
• Patient blog: Luke
• Older photo gallery at The Transitional Male
• Discussions on LiveJournal tagged Dr. Fischer
• Dr. Fischer patient experience ratings @ HealthGrades
• Dr. Fischer patient experience ratings @ RateMDs

Have you had top surgery with Dr. Fischer?
Leave a comment below about your experience and upload a video.

Discussion about transgender people in India usually centers around women, often referred to as hijra, kinnar, and aravanis (in Tamil Nadu). There are numerous support and advocacy organizations throughout India that assist women, but less obvious are the resources that are available to trans men.

While certainly not exhaustive, this guide to resources for transgender men in India includes information about helplines and support groups, mailing lists, and doctors and surgeons.

Special thanks to @questioncurl and @FireboltX for contributing to this article.

Have you added yourself to the Transman Mapping Project?

Help Lines and Support Groups

Bangalore

Sangama
A sexuality minorities human rights organization for individuals oppressed due to their sexual preference, including Female-to-male/male-to-female transsexuals and other transgenders. We aim to help live their lives with self acceptance, self respect and dignity.
Helpline: see website
Web: www.sangama.org

Gujarat

Lakshya Trust
Support group for LGBT communities, AIDS awareness programs for MSM in Baroda, Surat and Rajkot.
Contact: Sylvester Merchant
Email: lakshya121@rediffmail.com

Parma Vadodara
Helpline, support group for lesbians, bisexual, transgender.
Contact: Indira Pathak/Maya Sharma
Email: parma@hotmail.com
Phone: 0265-5535610, Monday to Friday, 10 – 4p

Karnataka

Alternative Law Forum
Bisexual women, lesbians, MSM in general, transgender people.
Email: alforum@vsnl.net

Jagruthi
Sexual health agency for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people.
Contact: Renu Appachu
Email: jagru@vsnl.net, jaagru@yahoo.com

Kerala

Sahayatrika
Provides support for queer women, lesbian, bisexual women and F2M transgender people.
Helpline: 9744955866
Email: sahayatrika@gmail.com

Maharashtra

Transpal Foundation
A volunteer-run, non-profit community support organization for transgender people, providing assistance to anyone troubled by gender dysphoria, plus support for SOFFA’s (significant others, families, friends and allies.)
Contact: Kiran
Email: transpals@yahoo.com, transpals@hotmail.com

Mumbai

Bombay Dost
Bi-monthly ‘Sunday High’ events related to LGBT rights and health issues and other regular events (picnics, outings, etc.)
Contact: Nitin Karani, Vivek Raj Anand, Girish Kumar P
Email: bombaydost2009@gmail.com
Web: bombay-dost.pbworks.com, www.bombaydost.co.in (magazine)

Sampoorna
A Trans network of Indians across the globe. [Trans: Transgender, Transsexual, Intersexual and Gender Variant]. The Group meets monthly in Mumbai. Membership can be requested by writing to: sampoornaindia@yahoo.com. The network also keeps connected through a mailing list (see below.)

New Delhi

Anjuman – Jnu Students’ Queer Collective
Anjuman seeks to initiate discussion on queer issues on campus.
Email: anjuman_jnu@yahoo.co.in

Sangini (India) Trust
Counseling and Community Support Program for women attracted to women and women dealing with issues around gender and/or sexual orientation.
Email: sangini97@hotmail.com, info@sanginii.org
Web: www.sanginii.org

Tamil Nadu

Saathii – Chennai
Support/empowerment of all non-heterosexual and transgender people regardless of self-identification; awareness-raising of alternate sexualities and gender issues.
Contact: Dr. L. Ramakrishnan, Country Director (Programs and Research)
Email: saathii@yahoo.com, ramakrishnan@saathii.org
Web: www.saathii.org

Manasu
A helpline for members of the transgender community, their families and the public.
Phone: 044-25990505

Mailing lists

Sampoorna
A Trans network of Indians across the globe. [Trans: Transgender, Transsexual, Intersexual and Gender Variant]. The network keeps connected through a mailing list. The group also meets monthly in Mumbai (see above.)
Web: groups.yahoo.com/group/sampoorna

LGBT-India Yahoo! Mailing List
Web: groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbt-india

Doctors and Surgeons

Calcutta

Dr. Manoj Khanna
Top surgery
Web: www.cosmeticsurgery-india.com

Madras

Dr. Sudhakar Krishnamurti
Top surgery
Email: sudhakarkrishnamurti@rediffmail.com
Web: www.sudhakarkrishnamurti.com

New Delhi

Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research
Gender Dysphoria and its Management
Dr. Kavita Arora (therapy)
Dr. Kotwal (top surgery)
Web: gender.dysphoria.googlepages.com/home

Dr. Sadhna Vohra
Top surgery
Phone: 011 – 26021324

Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma
Top surgery
Web: www.aestheticsurgeon.org

Dr. P.K. Talwar
Top surgery
Phone: 011-91-11-6312

Dr. Suresh Gupta
Top Surgery
Phone: 91-11-618077

Dr. S.S. Sethi
Top Surgery
Phone: 011-91-11-5894

Dr. Selja Sen
Top Surgery

Sources:

1. FTM International
2. Sangama
3. Sanginii India Trust

Last updated: 11/28/09

The table below shows contact information for more than 9000 Endocrinologists in the United States. It’s unclear how many of these doctors have experience with transgender people (none of them list trans health under areas of focus) but nevertheless the database serves as a useful starting point for a US endo search.

Note that you can search, resort and filter the data right from this page. Data can also be edited. For example, if you don’t see your endocrinologist listed you can add them to the database. Or, if there’s an endo listed who sees transgender people in their practice, you can update the listing to include trans health in their areas of focus.

There are all kinds of ways that open databases like this one could be leveraged by transgender people: databases of doctors, research and journal articles, legal information, support groups and other resources. What kinds of databases would you find helpful?

For more information about working with open databases, see Factual.com.