Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Topic started by: insideontheoutside on February 10, 2013, 08:13:46 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 10, 2013, 08:13:46 PM
Thought I'd just start this thread over here so more guys who either have been in intimate relationships or currently are may see it ...

Basically I'd like to hear how any of you approach being intimate with a female. And also how that partner reacts/has reacted to you. I have trouble trying to comprehend a statement like, "I only see you as male" when the parts don't match. Mostly I think it's because of my own insecurities and body issues that if I can't even imagine looking past certain things (and I have a great imagination!) how can other people? Also, just logistics of the whole thing. Obviously it's not the same as when a regular guy gets with a girl.

Sharing of any tips or tricks on being with someone in that capacity, yet also enjoying yourself would be good too.

Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 10, 2013, 08:28:01 PM
maybe triggers..

Well, for me its been much, much easier since i started testosterone, and then easier still now that I've started pumping, it helps because when i fly solo, i can use the same actions as a bioboy, as in jerking and such, anyways! back to the main question, it really for me took a LOT of trust in my partner, she has known about my 'transliness' since we first met, but thats not to say she knew what to expect, I'm still her first transguy and we've had to learn together, i find that i get phantom limb a lot, so that makes using strapons easier for me mentally, I've tried the feeldo only so far, and after getting it through my head that its OKAY and normal to utilise what i have already got, thats been easier getting through the insertion thing, i find the thing that helps me the best is that she calls my junk, male names, we have a little trouble with naming a CERTAIN part of it, and i had a bit of trouble hearing "youre so wet" for the first time, i nearly died the first time i let 'i want you inside of me' slip out of my mouth but really its a trust thing, and it'll be enjoyable as long as you don't over think it, theres a myriad of tools available for you to use available for you if you're more interested in the more 'normal' styles of sex, but use your imagination, trust your partner, and just go with it, turn your brain off, and just relax, she/he isn't going to be judging you if you've been honest with your trans* status

im not sure i even answered one question lol :3 sorry but i tried
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Kreuzfidel on February 10, 2013, 10:04:26 PM
I struggle with intimacy still and have been in a sexual relationship with my wife for 3 years now.  I still have never allowed her to see me naked (I wear my binder and jocks during sex) and I will not allow her to touch me "down there" nor touch my chest.  I know she only sees me as a man, but I can't stand the thought of my body being seen or tpuched by anyone, especially her.  We use a strapon for intercourse and most times I fail to orgasm because I'm trying too hard to please her and because I am self-conscious.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Josh on February 11, 2013, 12:22:04 AM
Quote from: Geek on February 10, 2013, 08:28:01 PM
maybe triggers..

Well, for me its been much, much easier since i started testosterone, and then easier still now that I've started pumping, it helps because when i fly solo, i can use the same actions as a bioboy, as in jerking and such, anyways! back to the main question, it really for me took a LOT of trust in my partner, she has known about my 'transliness' since we first met, but thats not to say she knew what to expect, I'm still her first transguy and we've had to learn together, i find that i get phantom limb a lot, so that makes using strapons easier for me mentally, I've tried the feeldo only so far, and after getting it through my head that its OKAY and normal to utilise what i have already got, thats been easier getting through the insertion thing, i find the thing that helps me the best is that she calls my junk, male names, we have a little trouble with naming a CERTAIN part of it, and i had a bit of trouble hearing "youre so wet" for the first time, i nearly died the first time i let 'i want you inside of me' slip out of my mouth but really its a trust thing, and it'll be enjoyable as long as you don't over think it, theres a myriad of tools available for you to use available for you if you're more interested in the more 'normal' styles of sex, but use your imagination, trust your partner, and just go with it, turn your brain off, and just relax, she/he isn't going to be judging you if you've been honest with your trans* status

im not sure i even answered one question lol :3 sorry but i tried
this is exact for me. Every word no lie
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: supremecatoverlord on February 11, 2013, 12:25:26 AM
Why would post a thread about body dysphoria when you're so against getting the surgeries that might correct it? A lot of people have this intimacy issues and can't get over them otherwise.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: AdamMLP on February 11, 2013, 05:48:53 AM
Jason, surgeries never came into the question, so I'm not sure why you thought it necessary to bring it up...

Anyway, when I met my girlfriend she didn't know I was anything but lesbian, and I thought that things wouldn't last long enough for it to be a real issue. Then I got too scared of losing her so didn't dare come out and then she found out, and things have even got better since then. Sex-wise its normally her pleasuring me up until recently because she has some body image issues, and while I quite enjoy getting my shirt off because I view that as a manly act, and dont mind trousers off if I can't see, she has never gotten fully naked in front of anyone until recently.

Penetration doesn't bother me because there are parts there that feel awesome and might as well be utilised. I don't like wastage of anything, hehe. I get a little dysphoric when touching her because I don't have a penis to use, but I'm hoping to be able to one day convince her to let me use a strap on. The only time I really get dysphoric with this sort of stuff is when I'm not getting "distracted" enough, ie if she wants to go again and my brain is more on sleep by then.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: spacerace on February 11, 2013, 06:24:35 AM
When someone says "I only see you as male" it doesn't mean necessarily that they think you match up 1:1 to a cisguy, or that they're just playing along to make you feel better. It probably just means, "you're you, and I am attracted to you, so stop squabbling over details and get over here"
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: FTMDiaries on February 11, 2013, 06:50:01 AM
Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 10, 2013, 08:13:46 PM
Basically I'd like to hear how any of you approach being intimate with a female.

Erm... yah. Intimate with a female? No thanks. I've never been intimate with a female in my entire life (unless you count Mrs Palm and her five daughters) and I never plan to be intimate with a female.

My problem is somewhat different: I'm married to a heterosexual cismale who enjoys the traditional forms of intimacy. I've tried dealing with my dysphoria over this for many years now but it got to the point last year where I just couldn't cope with taking the female role during intimacy. I have to have the lights off & everything but that isn't enough any more. I cried my eyes out the last few times we did it.

He tries to be as understanding as possible so we use other positions, but one of my big problems is that I can't do to him what he can do to me. So my future will have to involve divorce and moving on to a gay/bi partner. Then I'll have to deal with the problem of gay guys generally liking a decent set of equipment... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: supremecatoverlord on February 11, 2013, 08:38:53 AM
Quote from: AlexanderC on February 11, 2013, 05:48:53 AM
Jason, surgeries never came into the question, so I'm not sure why you thought it necessary bring up...
P
Because surgery is a common solution for those who suffer with body dysphoria? That's actually more than implied in my initial post, and being this thread is about body dysphoria (and more than likely, fixing it), I think it's more than relevant and necessary.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: AdamMLP on February 11, 2013, 09:35:42 AM
Quote from: JasonRX on February 11, 2013, 08:38:53 AM
Because surgery is a common solution for those who suffer with body dysphoria? That's actually more than implied in my initial post, and being this thread is about body dysphoria (and more than likely, fixing it), I think it's more than relevant and necessary.

Yeah I get that, but I saw the question as more asking how people go about dealing with intimacy and their parts and looking for solutions other than surgery as we call know that's not on insideontheoutside's cards.  It's probably not your intention but your phrasing sounded like it's not okay to ask the question if you're not willing to have surgery, and surgery isn't something to be taken lightly.  I don't like second guessing people, but a lot of your posts seem a little too harsh on those who don't want to go all out with everything that's medically available for us, and it would be nice to see some more sensitivity towards those who've weighed up the risks and decided that they personally outweigh the benefits.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 11, 2013, 11:12:39 AM
Quote from: AlexanderC on February 11, 2013, 09:35:42 AM
Yeah I get that, but I saw the question as more asking how people go about dealing with intimacy and their parts and looking for solutions other than surgery as we call know that's not on insideontheoutside's cards.  It's probably not your intention but your phrasing sounded like it's not okay to ask the question if you're not willing to have surgery, and surgery isn't something to be taken lightly.  I don't like second guessing people, but a lot of your posts seem a little too harsh on those who don't want to go all out with everything that's medically available for us, and it would be nice to see some more sensitivity towards those who've weighed up the risks and decided that they personally outweigh the benefits.

I agree with this entirely, I've just been to coward to say so.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: sneakersjay on February 11, 2013, 12:46:35 PM
When I was still seen as F, sex bored me to tears and I was jealous of my husband's anatomy. However, being horny, I eventually just let him do his thing and focused on how things felt, not that my body was wrong. 

Sex as a man with a man is much better for me, even though my cis-male partner has issues that prevent sex in its traditional form from occurring.

Sometimes you just have to employ your imaginoscope to get into the moment.

Jay
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Zerro on February 11, 2013, 01:36:43 PM
The few times I've been intimate, I've just sort of taken control and done all the touching/giving(with her consent, of course) and finished myself off later. It's a little more bearable if I'm the one getting myself off. I feel ashamed and suicidal if someone else touches me below the belt. :/
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Nero on February 11, 2013, 01:42:55 PM
Well, I'm not currently with a female. And honestly, I'm not as sexually 'free' with females as I am males so, probably no help on that front. I haven't really had too many intimacy issues since I was a teen. Back then, I had penetration issues and once I overcame that was a lot more free. As far as my chest, I just wore a shirt during.

As far as how the partner reacts, I can't recall ever getting 'I only see you as male'. Instead, straight men would make references to how I was making them feel like a woman. And no, they didn't say it in a way that they minded. I think you should just take what she says at face value. Does it really matter whether she sees you as 100% male as long as you're clearly taking the male role? I mean, it's sex.

I think for guys like you and me who aren't having bottom surgery, it's best to try to make peace with your parts. If you can. Just get comfortable being a guy who happens to have a certain body.

As far as logistics, I don't know what you're willing to do and not do. Plastic penetration doesn't do a lot for me. I mean, I can sometimes just pleasure a partner and be done if I care enough about them. But normally, I got to get mine too. I want their face down there (and more if they've got a penis). I need flesh to flesh contact. Unlike a lot of guys, I haven't had any issues with PIV since I started engaging it. Though I had a lot of penetration dysphoria before I ever had it. I have control issues though. I've got to drive the whole thing from start to finish. It doesn't seem as bad with females. But it sometimes makes it difficult to let go and orgasm in front of someone.

I don't have much advice on being with females. I'm still not very comfortable with them. But with guys before transition, I just didn't pay much mind to whether my parts were right or not. I was the man in the interaction, no matter what we were doing. I knew it, they knew it. As long as they submitted to me like a woman, why would I care? And you're the man with this girl, so just relax and be the man. If you fear she's just placating you by saying 'I think of you as a man', show her you're the man. Make her forget the name of every cis guy she's ever had. Then she won't just 'think' of you as a man, she'll KNOW.

Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 11, 2013, 03:23:25 PM
Quote from: JasonRX on February 11, 2013, 12:25:26 AM
Why would post a thread about body dysphoria when you're so against getting the surgeries that might correct it? A lot of people have this intimacy issues and can't get over them otherwise.
It's pretty clear you and I don't see eye to eye but why do you have to come in and post a response like this? It's super you found a way to "fix" your issues, but not everyone is you and no matter what, at the end of the day, you're never going to have a fully functioning penis either so maybe some other people's input here might actually help you out in the future?

Quote from: Geek on February 10, 2013, 08:28:01 PM
.... after getting it through my head that its OKAY and normal to utilise what i have already got, thats been easier getting through the insertion thing, i find the thing that helps me the best is that she calls my junk, male names, we have a little trouble with naming a CERTAIN part of it, and i had a bit of trouble hearing "youre so wet" for the first time, i nearly died the first time i let 'i want you inside of me' slip out of my mouth but really its a trust thing, and it'll be enjoyable as long as you don't over think it....

I'm glad to see a response like this because it means that people can get over stuff. I honestly can't ever see myself wanting the insertion thing (that's just me) or using any phrases that kind of scream female to me (again, just me personally).

Quote from: Not-so Fat Admin on February 11, 2013, 01:42:55 PM
I think for guys like you and me who aren't having bottom surgery, it's best to try to make peace with your parts. If you can. Just get comfortable being a guy who happens to have a certain body.

Yeah ... that's pretty much what I'm after is just finding ways to be comfortable with what I do have. I never had any experience with guys that went beyond making out (so I've never been the penetratee, if you will) and I've never really had a good sexual experience, so I have some other issues to get over besides just the body thing. But hearing other people's viewpoints and how they've dealt with certain things is definitely helpful.

Quote from: Zerro on February 11, 2013, 01:36:43 PM
The few times I've been intimate, I've just sort of taken control and done all the touching/giving(with her consent, of course) and finished myself off later. It's a little more bearable if I'm the one getting myself off. I feel ashamed and suicidal if someone else touches me below the belt. :/
I know exactly how this is, unfortunately!
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: DriftingCrow on February 11, 2013, 04:05:37 PM
I think I am like some of the other guys who've posted on here; I rather please my partner then have them do anything to me. I enjoy pleasing others, and it usually just has always felt awkward having anyone do anything to me. I've never tried strap-ons, but I always imagined that I would like that.

Quote from: JasonRX on February 11, 2013, 08:38:53 AM
Because surgery is a common solution for those who suffer with body dysphoria? That's actually more than implied in my initial post, and being this thread is about body dysphoria (and more than likely, fixing it), I think it's more than relevant and necessary.

I've talked to some transguys who've had surgery and they still suffer from body dysphoria. Surgery can help, but it isn't always a 100% fix for everyone.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Another vote here for "attracted to women, but finds it very difficult to be intimate with women".  However, this is getting easier for me.  As I come to be more comfortable with who/what I am, my sexuality definitely slides more towards heterosexual.  For me the problem is largely a kind of paranoia because

1)  I don't feel comfortable with women
2)  I don't like touching or looking at my own entertainment system, and I'm scared I'll freak out if I get up close and personal with a woman's.  It's really rude and offensive to freak out on your lover's equipment.

As to number 1, that's just because I suck at being a woman and don't fit in with women.  Knowing that I'm not supposed to fit in is gradually eroding that one, and that is the biggest problem for me.  To address problem number 2 I basically rely on getting horny enough to shut down the part of my brain that handles dysphoria.  To put it crudely but accurately, the need to shoot my load is usually strong enough to override the dysphoria, and that takes care of physical intimacy.  I also find porn really helpful in terms of getting comfortable with the fact that women's genitalia looks a lot like mine.

My two cents on surgery: even if the cock fairy magically sorted out my trouser problem right now, that wouldn't make it much easier for me to be intimate with women.  It's not really about the equipment.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 11, 2013, 07:03:47 PM
Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 05:21:58 PM


My two cents on surgery: even if the cock fairy magically sorted out my trouser problem right now

thats like.. my dream ^_^"
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 07:13:09 PM
Quotethats like.. my dream ^_^"

Mine too, even though it wouldn't really help me have relationships with women.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 11, 2013, 07:16:42 PM
Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 07:13:09 PM
Mine too, even though it wouldn't really help me have relationships with women.

yeah.. but you'd be able to pee out windows and do crazy things without having to worry about your STP falling out  and play helicopters.. or wearing glow in the dark condoms so you could pretend it was a lightsaber so.. its still worth it ;)
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Devlyn on February 11, 2013, 07:20:26 PM
You forgot "write your name in a snowbank" didn't you?
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 11, 2013, 07:21:31 PM
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 11, 2013, 07:20:26 PM
You forgot "write your name in a snowbank" didn't you?

maybe >.>

ok so i have some stupid things i'd do if i could ;D that just makes me cheeky! dont judge me Devlyn!  :'( ;)
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Nero on February 11, 2013, 07:21:51 PM
Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Another vote here for "attracted to women, but finds it very difficult to be intimate with women".  However, this is getting easier for me.  As I come to be more comfortable with who/what I am, my sexuality definitely slides more towards heterosexual.  For me the problem is largely a kind of paranoia because

1)  I don't feel comfortable with women
2)  I don't like touching or looking at my own entertainment system, and I'm scared I'll freak out if I get up close and personal with a woman's.  It's really rude and offensive to freak out on your lover's equipment.

As to number 1, that's just because I suck at being a woman and don't fit in with women.  Knowing that I'm not supposed to fit in is gradually eroding that one, and that is the biggest problem for me.  To address problem number 2 I basically rely on getting horny enough to shut down the part of my brain that handles dysphoria.  To put it crudely but accurately, the need to shoot my load is usually strong enough to override the dysphoria, and that takes care of physical intimacy.  I also find porn really helpful in terms of getting comfortable with the fact that women's genitalia looks a lot like mine.

My two cents on surgery: even if the cock fairy magically sorted out my trouser problem right now, that wouldn't make it much easier for me to be intimate with women.  It's not really about the equipment.

Love the 'entertainment system' analogy.  :laugh:
Yeah, a lot of my issues with women stem from not being able to relate to or understand them. And since I've had strong connections with guys, I do notice the 'understanding' gap probably more than straight guys would. You know, if I'm with a dude, we bond through stuff we do together.

We go through intense, daring type situations together that I just can't see happening with a woman. Or equally intense emotional stuff that simply wouldn't be the same if they were female. Mostly because while I sympathize with women, I can never empathize with them. Except in regular human situations, like of course I can empathize with losing a loved one or something. But I don't get how their mind works. I don't know if exclusively straight guys can or what.

But I'm also uncomfortable with females due to experiences like them sitting around laughing at me every day in school.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Devlyn on February 11, 2013, 07:46:23 PM
Quote from: Geek on February 11, 2013, 07:21:31 PM
maybe >.>

ok so i have some stupid things i'd do if i could ;D that just makes me cheeky! dont judge me Devlyn!  :'( ;)

I won't judge you, hon. Not until after I see your penmanship!
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: geek on February 11, 2013, 07:50:35 PM
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 11, 2013, 07:46:23 PM
I won't judge you, hon. Not until after I see your penmanship!

note to self, buy a water pistol and learn to activate it hands free so you can marvel at my skills!
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 11, 2013, 09:46:36 PM
Quote from: spacerace on February 11, 2013, 06:24:35 AM
When someone says "I only see you as male" it doesn't mean necessarily that they think you match up 1:1 to a cisguy, or that they're just playing along to make you feel better. It probably just means, "you're you, and I am attracted to you, so stop squabbling over details and get over here"

Ha I've pretty much heard that exact line. I know other people don't have a problem with my body, it's me who does. Consciously I know what has to happen ... I have to accept what is, is what is, that sort of thing. Problem is I can say that all day long but totally resist it in my mind. I'm overly stubborn, I know, so I'm trying to find different approaches that might placate my brain and actually help me over this ... help me to accept what I can't change and help me to relax and trust in/give in to another person.

Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 11, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Another vote here for "attracted to women, but finds it very difficult to be intimate with women".  However, this is getting easier for me.  As I come to be more comfortable with who/what I am, my sexuality definitely slides more towards heterosexual.  For me the problem is largely a kind of paranoia because

1)  I don't feel comfortable with women
2)  I don't like touching or looking at my own entertainment system, and I'm scared I'll freak out if I get up close and personal with a woman's.  It's really rude and offensive to freak out on your lover's equipment.

As to number 1, that's just because I suck at being a woman and don't fit in with women.  Knowing that I'm not supposed to fit in is gradually eroding that one, and that is the biggest problem for me.  To address problem number 2 I basically rely on getting horny enough to shut down the part of my brain that handles dysphoria.  To put it crudely but accurately, the need to shoot my load is usually strong enough to override the dysphoria, and that takes care of physical intimacy.  I also find porn really helpful in terms of getting comfortable with the fact that women's genitalia looks a lot like mine.

My two cents on surgery: even if the cock fairy magically sorted out my trouser problem right now, that wouldn't make it much easier for me to be intimate with women.  It's not really about the equipment.


I don't think I'm really "comfortable" with anyone, but for opposite reasons. I'm okay with what everyone else has got and I know what to do with it. But here's the thing I've learned about women ... most of them feel really put off if they're not allowed to reciprocate. They also feel really put off if they sense you're not, "in the moment" with them. That is, you're just closing off your brain and trying to focus on either just getting through the ordeal or just getting off. It seems a lot of women get this huge "bonding" thing out of it and are really keen on the whole intimacy thing. And if you're not, they feel like you don't really love them/want them, etc. I imagine also that most people (male or female) do like to be able to bring their partner some satisfaction. So if you remove that from the equation (the "you can't touch me" thing) then that also leads to that party feeling bad.

You're the first one that's mentioned porn as well (at least I think). Porn has its purpose I think. Hasn't really helped me much watching it unfortunately. The only stuff I enjoy watching is stuff with either girls I find attractive (but only doing certain things) or with guys who look remotely similar to me in some way (so basically andro looking smaller dudes ... and that's tough to find them in straight porn lol).

I am in agreement that the cock fairy would be a magical thing.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Nero on February 12, 2013, 02:42:45 AM
Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 11, 2013, 09:46:36 PM
I know other people don't have a problem with my body, it's me who does. Consciously I know what has to happen ... I have to accept what is, is what is, that sort of thing. Problem is I can say that all day long but totally resist it in my mind. I'm overly stubborn, I know, so I'm trying to find different approaches that might placate my brain and actually help me over this ... help me to accept what I can't change and help me to relax and trust in/give in to another person.


Hmm we could probably give better advice with more info.

First I'd ask what's specifically bothering you during sex? Physically and mentally?
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 12, 2013, 01:25:24 PM
Quote from: Not-so Fat Admin on February 12, 2013, 02:42:45 AM
Hmm we could probably give better advice with more info.

First I'd ask what's specifically bothering you during sex? Physically and mentally?

Well it's been awhile, and I'd pretty much resigned myself to a life of abstinence because previously I had what I'd imagine are the typical trans issues of just not feeling "right" when in any sexual situation. I used to have to be at least somewhat intoxicated just to do anything, and then I still had this whole set of rules I'd impose on the other person (can't touch me in certain places/ways, can't have the lights on, can't remove all my clothes, blah blah blah). The few times I'd tried completely sober engagements with people I'd nearly have a panic attack. So there's a lot of fear involved. I'd like to be one of those guys that's just cool with what I got and use what I got, but my mind goes into overdrive thinking that if I do that I'm basically having "lesbian sex" (screwed up, I know). So yeah ... lots of fun issues to try to sort though!
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Mosaic dude on February 12, 2013, 02:12:03 PM
QuoteIt seems a lot of women get this huge "bonding" thing out of it and are really keen on the whole intimacy thing. And if you're not, they feel like you don't really love them/want them, etc.

Yes, I've noticed that women (warning: here comes a sweeping, ignorant generalisation) like to use sex as a means of emotional bonding.  I don't - I do my emotional bonding in other ways and sex is just an itch to be scratched for me, so I have a problem there too.  I would think this would be something that you would need to discuss in a lot of depth with the right girl, and I could see where this might be really hard for someone to deal with.  I also think if she cares about you she should make an effort.

QuoteWell it's been awhile, and I'd pretty much resigned myself to a life of abstinence because previously I had what I'd imagine are the typical trans issues of just not feeling "right" when in any sexual situation. I used to have to be at least somewhat intoxicated just to do anything, and then I still had this whole set of rules I'd impose on the other person (can't touch me in certain places/ways, can't have the lights on, can't remove all my clothes, blah blah blah). The few times I'd tried completely sober engagements with people I'd nearly have a panic attack. So there's a lot of fear involved. I'd like to be one of those guys that's just cool with what I got and use what I got, but my mind goes into overdrive thinking that if I do that I'm basically having "lesbian sex" (screwed up, I know). So yeah ... lots of fun issues to try to sort though!

Fear is a terrible thing.  This, to me, kind of sounds like a phobic reaction.  When you have an autonomic reaction like a panic attack it ain't garden variety fear anymore, it's something a bit more than that.  Obviously I don't know too much about your situation, but would you be able to talk to a therapist about this stuff?
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 12, 2013, 06:05:32 PM
Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 12, 2013, 02:12:03 PM
Fear is a terrible thing.  This, to me, kind of sounds like a phobic reaction.  When you have an autonomic reaction like a panic attack it ain't garden variety fear anymore, it's something a bit more than that.  Obviously I don't know too much about your situation, but would you be able to talk to a therapist about this stuff?

What's sad is I've been to both regular therapists and a gender therapist. The regular therapists were early on in life and I feel damaged me pretty badly by basically saying I was crazy and that I was female and should just accept that role/life/body/etc. The gender therapist wasn't much better. Because I'm not interested in transition, they basically said I'm really not trans and certainly not male so I should again just accept it and move on. Pretty crappy advice if you ask me. Granted this was like 10 years ago so I'd really hope gender therapists would have evolved past that kind of thinking by this point. There's one therapist in my town now that deals with gender issues and she actually knows me (through business, not from me having seen her in a therapy capacity). I've considered trying it again but I just feel like it will be a waste of time and money. And once you start talking about sex with a therapist it gets even more complicated. For me it's really cut and dry in my mind – I want to have sex a certain way and do certain things and I can't quite pull it off with this body (and certain things are never going to be like it would be if I had all the proper equipment from word go). I don't have enough experience in the sex department to know anything else and how I've reacted to certain things in the past. I know that if my body matched my mind (we're talking perfect male body here ...) I would not have a problem getting with someone intimately. But as it is, with the body I have, I've pretty much been like, "f**k that" (no pun intended) because it was too much frustration, I wasn't getting any pleasure out of it at all, in fact it was making me more anxious and just magnifying what wasn't "right" in my mind. So this whole thing is kind of a last ditch effort to attempt to get something out of the experience other than frustration and disgust.

I think most of us have determined that the magical cock fairy isn't going to show up for us, so now it's just down to trying to figure out things like; what CAN we be okay with/accept, what things are uncomfortable but we can learn to get around, and yes for some people, what surgeries or therapies can you have to try to make this better. I know for a fact that if I wasn't opposed to surgery and had it, it wouldn't make it better for me. In fact the more I thought about it the more I thought it would actually make it worse for me because then I'd be stuck with something else I didn't like.
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: Mosaic dude on February 12, 2013, 07:02:39 PM
QuoteWhat's sad is I've been to both regular therapists and a gender therapist. The regular therapists were early on in life and I feel damaged me pretty badly by basically saying I was crazy and that I was female and should just accept that role/life/body/etc. The gender therapist wasn't much better. Because I'm not interested in transition, they basically said I'm really not trans and certainly not male so I should again just accept it and move on. Pretty crappy advice if you ask me.

That's disgusting.  This is why I have reservations about therapy as an industry.  Some therapists are excellent, but there are also some real cowboys out there!
Title: Re: Body dysphoria and intimacy
Post by: insideontheoutside on February 12, 2013, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: Mosaic dude on February 12, 2013, 07:02:39 PM


That's disgusting.  This is why I have reservations about therapy as an industry.  Some therapists are excellent, but there are also some real cowboys out there!

Yeah I know. And it's such a costly crap shoot. I've never had insurance that covered therapy so it was always like $50 - $90+ a session. If you have the misfortune of having been to a crap therapist you can at least tell pretty quickly if someone else is going to go down that road, but it's hard to judge by just a phone call to set an appointment so you usually have to commit to an appointment to tell.

I still may consider this local lady only because what I've seen of her, she's a bit of a gender bender herself so there might be a little more understanding there.