Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Okay, I had to ask this! It's been itching at me, and I don't want to ask a cis-guy or something about it, because they may not even have put any thought on the matter before! As someone who is transitioning though, tend to put more thought into what you do! So therefore I ask, how do you walk? Does walking like a big tough guy come naturally, or for those MtF gazing in on this topic, does walking like a smexy lady come naturally? Do you have to fight to walk a certain way, until it becomes habit?

I myself, have to fight to not walk like a girl, though I still do sometimes, and people probably think I am a gigantic flamer, for that very reason. No, I am pretty sure I've been called similar things before, BECAUSE of that.. I've never had the big tough guy walk, or really even a proud walk in general. When I tried to blend, I just sort of slinked behind everybody, kept my gaze down, and sort of shuffled around. Don't think that was masculine nor feminine, just sort of, shuffly..  :laugh:

Also, you guys may be able to answer, or girls too maybe, is there really that many signs in the walk? Once I let go, I noticed quite a bit with my own, but unless I want to stare holes through people, I can't observe people walking too much! That and I tend to gaze at girls, and seeing as I am in guy-mode (snazzily dressed, but still guyish .. mostly), I don't think guys appreciate me staring at their girlfriends.. Probably think I am stripping her with my eyes, when I am not!  :icon_sniff:


Also, is the walk really that important? Some girls may walk in a masculine fashion, and vice versa! Hrm!

I don't know exactly, but my trans girlfriend cracks me up walking like a man in high heels. I think the walk is looser and somewhat more wide stance, swinging your arms helps. Also be confident. I wouldn't bother wiht the "tough guy" stuff unless that's really who you are.

--Jay

Yes, I have to be aware of how I walk, but it's becoming more automatic now, to the point where I got an unexpected compliment yesterday "You got the walk, babe!"

I do the "walking like you're on a line", but only to a point (I don't cross my feet in front of me as I move). It's enough to make a sort of hip wiggle. Part of this is the simple fact of geometry--male hips/thighs aren't angled the same as female hips/thighs. Some can walk the way they're "supposed" to (matching gender with appearance), but others will have to practice it.

And there ain't no shame in either.

:)

I'm trying to get out of the habit of doing this, but I kind of walk like a caveman.  Slouchy, arms swinging freely at my sides, kind of a wide swagger.  The slouchy part is the only thing bad about it, I guess.  It comes pretty naturally to me, but when I first started my transition I would always make an effort to make it look even more masculine.  I probably looked ridiculous.  Like, remember that one part in Mulan?

That.

I've been very self-conscious about the way my physiology affects my walk ever since I was about 10 years old. I happen to have gynaecoid hips, which are the widest, most flaring type of hips that FAAB people can get. This gives my natural walk an exaggerated sway which has always really bothered me, so for the past 30 years I have been deliberately walking with my feet shoulder-width apart to cancel out the sway. It makes my walk look more naturally masculine without looking like a deliberate swagger.

Now that I'm transitioning, I've found that the biggest difference has been in my arm movements. I was trained to keep my arms close to my body, but now I feel free to use them in order to stake my claim to a bit more space. Women's arm movements tend to be self-defensive; men's tend to be more assertive.

Honestly, the way I walked changed after T. It's something so slight but I think maybe it has something to do with muscle development? Well, I used to walk with my palms facing towards my body and now I walk with my palms facing back. It's one of those tiny tiny changes that I wasn't aware of until long after I was doing it. Not completely sure if that's T related or if others had something similar happen.

I've always had stiff hip problems, so I've always walked more like a dude than a lady. I remember my friends making fun of me for standing like a state trooper in my prom pictures (wearing heels and a dress--I was secretly overjoyed that I was perceived as masculine). :P Now, I'll deliberately try to walk in a more "girly" way sometimes if I'm feeling draggy, but most of the time I naturally tend toward the more masculine walk that you guys and gals have been describing.

Quote from: Nygeel on July 17, 2013, 02:37:28 PM
Honestly, the way I walked changed after T. It's something so slight but I think maybe it has something to do with muscle development? Well, I used to walk with my palms facing towards my body and now I walk with my palms facing back. It's one of those tiny tiny changes that I wasn't aware of until long after I was doing it. Not completely sure if that's T related or if others had something similar happen.

Oh yeah, I remember when I first started T the way I walk changed.  I blame junk growth for that, it was so sensitive I had to move differently to avoid awkward boners.

A male friend of mine recently drove by as I was out walking one of the dogs and he asked Clark if I'd ever been a model. He says I have perfect posture and float across the ground. He later told me that I'm never going to pass if I'm not lumbering like an ape. I don't mind walking atypical of other men. There are plenty of beautiful men with perfect posture who've been classically trained for dance/theater who walk the exact same way. I was never trained. I come by it naturally. Why not enjoy it?

As a pre-everything MtF, it comes along pretty naturally to me.  Teachers have always "brought it to my attention" that I "take up little space" and the same applies to my posture.  My anxiety does stop me from doing it in public, though.  I imagine that will fade once I actually start to look like a girl (hopefully!!!).

This resource is a trans person's best friend: http://www.biomotionlab.ca/Demos/BMLwalker.html (http://www.biomotionlab.ca/Demos/BMLwalker.html)

Sometimes I walk from the crotch, sometimes from the hips. I dont really think about it, as I havent started presenting as a guy yet.

i was born with an asymmetrical body so i have one leg about a quarter of an inch longer than the other so i walk weird anyway

I try not to slouch but that seems to be my natural posture and is extremely hard to keep track of. But when I am super confidant I straighten out more and walk with my crotch. I pass really well when I do this. Just wish I could walk that way all the time. I've been trying for 4 years now.

Apparently I walk like a badass... According to the drunk lady who just stopped me and gave me a hug...

Quote from: Soren on July 17, 2013, 07:49:32 PM
Apparently I walk like a badass... According to the drunk lady who just stopped me and gave me a hug...

lol

Is the walk important...  I suppose that depends on the walk.   >:-)  The only person I can recall ever commenting on my walk was my Grandma when I was 13.  In front of our entire family she asked "Why do you always walk like you've got a corncob stuck in your butt?" 

I'm still not certain what that even means.   :o

My gf's grandma knew I was trans cause of the way I walk. She respects it totally. I have always had a very masculine walk. Even when I was 15 and walking around high school with long hair people addressed me as a dude until they saw the front of me. I overdo it a little when I feel dysphoric but it has always come naturally to me to walk like I'm a lot bigger than I am, heh.

I had a friend tell me that I walk like a ghost. She said I don't have any bounce in my step...I just kinda glide. I think it comes from subconsciously trying avoiding any and all chest movement.

I've tried to change the way I walk but I never know if I'm doing it right and I feel a little silly doing it, so most of the time I just walk the way I always have (I was never much of a hip-swinger anyway lol). If I look a bit feminine based on my walk, I guess at least I have the excuse that I'm gay.

I walk more like a guy when I'm feeling confident and it comes naturally. I find that I walk more like a female when I'm self conscious even though I try to stop it.

Quote from: Nygeel on July 17, 2013, 02:37:28 PM
Honestly, the way I walked changed after T. It's something so slight but I think maybe it has something to do with muscle development? Well, I used to walk with my palms facing towards my body and now I walk with my palms facing back. It's one of those tiny tiny changes that I wasn't aware of until long after I was doing it. Not completely sure if that's T related or if others had something similar happen.

That's an aspect of the walk I've not thought of. I noticed last night after reading this that I walk with my palms facing back. And I don't know if I started that when I started thinking more about how I walked, or if I've been doing it forever. Interesting observation!

Quote from: wanderingamoeba on July 18, 2013, 07:56:24 AM
That's an aspect of the walk I've not thought of. I noticed last night after reading this that I walk with my palms facing back. And I don't know if I started that when I started thinking more about how I walked, or if I've been doing it forever. Interesting observation!

I really hope this isn't a common thing.  Seeing people carry their hands that way is one of the few triggers I have left from the sexual assault that happened because the person who did it carried their hands that way.  It would be one of the biggest deal breakers for me with T actually.

Quote from: AlexanderC on July 18, 2013, 09:02:24 AM
I really hope this isn't a common thing.  Seeing people carry their hands that way is one of the few triggers I have left from the sexual assault that happened because the person who did it carried their hands that way.  It would be one of the biggest deal breakers for me with T actually.

I'm not actually on T at this point. I am, however, pretty barrel-chested and have bigger biceps. I'm thinking build probably has a lot to do with it, more than the effects of T in general?

Quote from: AlexanderC on July 18, 2013, 09:02:24 AM
I really hope this isn't a common thing.  Seeing people carry their hands that way is one of the few triggers I have left from the sexual assault that happened because the person who did it carried their hands that way.  It would be one of the biggest deal breakers for me with T actually.

I'm so sorry...but please try to remember that even if you do carry your hands like he did, you are not him.

*hugs* (if safe)

Quote from: AlexanderC on July 18, 2013, 09:02:24 AM
I really hope this isn't a common thing.  Seeing people carry their hands that way is one of the few triggers I have left from the sexual assault that happened because the person who did it carried their hands that way.  It would be one of the biggest deal breakers for me with T actually.

My palms face inwards when I walk. Palms facing backwards makes me think of cavemen dragging their knuckles, lol.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1117.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk599%2FSimonSez81%2Fcavemandragging_zps5b856638.jpg&hash=8d38b399164d38eb0bcd6dee128de11c96a027ee)

Maybe it's just a build thing rather than a T thing then.  Come to think of it there is a sort of body shape that generally goes along with backward facing palms.

And thanks Beth, it's just difficult seeing things on me that remind me because I can't run away from those.  But I can fix things like cutting the back of my hair very short.

Quote from: Soren on July 17, 2013, 07:49:32 PM
Apparently I walk like a badass... According to the drunk lady who just stopped me and gave me a hug...

Drunk people are fun. I swear I commented on this, but I must've forgotten.  :-\

Quote from: Edge on July 18, 2013, 07:46:38 AM
I walk more like a guy when I'm feeling confident and it comes naturally. I find that I walk more like a female when I'm self conscious even though I try to stop it.

That could be something to think on! Though I wouldn't say a confident woman walks like a man, but perhaps those FEELINGS tie into why the walk changes for transitioning people? I don't know..

Quote from: Beth Andrea on July 18, 2013, 09:10:35 AM
I'm so sorry...but please try to remember that even if you do carry your hands like he did, you are not him.

*hugs* (if safe)

What Beth said! Also it seems more likely it has to do with muscle and body shape than anything. I talked to my brother, and he told me he actually used to walk with palms facing back, but corrected them to face his legs to correct some of his posture. I really don't know now! I've always had palms facing my legs.  :eusa_think:

Quote from: Beth Andrea on July 17, 2013, 12:37:23 PM
I do the "walking like you're on a line", but only to a point (I don't cross my feet in front of me as I move). It's enough to make a sort of hip wiggle. Part of this is the simple fact of geometry--male hips/thighs aren't angled the same as female hips/thighs. Some can walk the way they're "supposed" to (matching gender with appearance), but others will have to practice it.

And there ain't no shame in either.

:)

Nah, it doesn't matter, but go ahead and rock the strut!  ;D As long as I can huddle beside you. You can be my big momma, and I can be your skinny b**** tag-along, who weighs about as much as a pile of paper.
Hey, hey Beth!  :icon_poke: *Becomes the annoying skinny retarded sidekick.* Narf!

Quote from: TheMultipleOne on July 18, 2013, 04:31:16 PM
I have a fast and stiff walk that looks like I have a broom handle up my butt. I tend to stagger around and even when I'm relaxed and not moving fast I still often walk very awkwardly.

Though since I've come out and started to transition I am beginning to walk a little more naturally and feminine.

I'd kind of like to see that.  :eusa_whistle: No, really, I am not quite sure I get the whole 'broom handle up the butt' thing.  :laugh: So I have a mental image now, of somebody sort of walking like the Basilisk Lizard / Jesus Lizard, or like a mobile piece of upright wood. Either way, 'tis fun visuals! I am sure you don't ACTUALLY walk like the Basilisk Lizard, or nothing, and walking is just walking, it doesn't really matter how you do it. In fact, if somebody found a method of walking that conserved energy, but made you look like you indeed had a broom handle up the butt, I wouldn't judge! ...a lot.

Though the question does arise, is your walk changing just because you are letting your feminine self flourish, or is it a conscious effort to be more feminine, to be more how you want? For some it's a conscious effort, but for me, I have to try and NOT walk in a really feminine fashion in guy-mode, because I feel it'll draw some staring, or negative reactions. Build likely does have a bit to do with it, but so many mixed answers! Thing is, being born a guy, having a build that promotes a feminine strut seems peculiar to me; yes, by the way, it feels natural to walk like that! It feels unnatural to walk in a masculine fashion.

I am not even sure why this question is of such importance, but it's itching at me a bit. I guess in the end, all that matters is if you attain the walk that you feel comfortable with having. Also, OMG, huge post!  :icon_blahblah:

I walk a bit like a lumbering bear, always have. According to the orthopedic, my left hip has an oddly tilted socket. But oh well, it's seen as a pretty manly walk. Maybe once the tear is fixed and they at least treat the cam impingement (not sure if they'll touch the pincer one) I can get rid of the limp. Though it carries its own connotations of being a BAMF  ;D

I know I wouldn't mess with somebody who walks like a lumbering bear.  ::)

I probably walk oddly. I don't move my arms a lot when I walk, this is something I've been doing all my life and I can't really help it. Maybe it's due to my Asperger's, apparantly some slight motorical oddness is quite common. Not moving my arms leads to swinging my hips, something I can't really help either considering I'm also knock-kneed and flat-footed. People used to comment on my weird walk, apparantly I tend to sort of march rather than walk casually, so much so that a friend mentally plays the Darth Vader theme music from Star Wars whenever she sees me walking.

Well Pixie Boy I know what you are talking about. I have Aspergers and I think I walk like a duck.
But I run much worse.


--Jay

I think the way I walk will change dramatically after getting top surgery - it will be easier to walk naturally inside of pulling my arms in subconsciously and hunching a bit. My posture is destroyed, and it has to impact my walk

I dont think walking is the most important thing. I heard I tend to walk rather femenine, but the worst who happent by that is people beliving im gay.

I tend to walk heavy, whether in girl or guy mode. I wear shoes out really fast, and they wear out mainly at the heals and the inner soles while the toe area usually looks brand new.

I used to walk like a cave-man, and sometimes still do, I think it's because I used to slouch a lot to subconsciously hide boobs. Now, I 've been standing and sitting a lot straighter, thanks to yoga.

I think I walk masculine while wearing sneakers or flat shoes though I am not sure exactly what I do.

I can easily though walk femme if I want to without thinking much about it, but it's usually only if I am in high heels or like a long dress/skirt that prevents me from taking a longer stride. My femme walk is like Beth Andrea described above, the "walk on the line" but without crossing the feet.

I think walking is usually dependent on physical structure. If you have female pelvis/hips then you tend to have more sway, for lack of a better word, in that area when walking. The male pelvis and hip area is more parallel and therefore less sway.

Beyond that, there's a lot of variance. I had a snowboarding injury that gave me a hairline fracture in my iliac crest ... that affected the hip on that side and ever since then that hip is always titled in a little bit and I work with a physical therapist on getting it back to the proper position. Plenty of other folks have other circumstances that effect their walk.

My personal opinion is that trying to change your walk can effect your whole structure, not always for the better. I understand why having a more feminine "sway" would not be desired if you're male, but it's not always easy to change and you might experience some unwanted effects such as pain.

I found an interesting article here that was more on balance and didn't touch on walking with regards to gender: http://walking.about.com/od/handsarmsandneck/a/walkyourselfwel.htm (http://walking.about.com/od/handsarmsandneck/a/walkyourselfwel.htm) It mentions the way we walk is also a learned behavior, and "improper" walking can be unlearned.

I also have a pretty permanent slouch that's a direct result of when moobs started to happen. Even when I try to straighten my shoulders as far back as they will go, there's still a slight curve there. I was actually happy to see in that article though that the ramrod straight posture is actually detrimental, so now I don't feel so bad about that!

I've always walked very masculine-like. When I tried to feminize, I had to think really hard about how I walked to try to walk more like a chick, but even then I don't think I really pulled it off. People always made fun of me when I wore heels. Not because I couldn't walk in them (I could actually run in them from the first time I ever tried to wear them), but just because I looked uncomfortable in them.