Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: ChrissyRyan on September 21, 2025, 06:02:10 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: ChrissyRyan on September 21, 2025, 06:02:10 PM
Post by: ChrissyRyan on September 21, 2025, 06:02:10 PM
Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
This assumes you have reached clarity about your gender.
There could be many reasons why this may be the case, such as existing relationships, fear for many reasons, economic reasons, and so on.
What are your thoughts on this?
This assumes you have reached clarity about your gender.
There could be many reasons why this may be the case, such as existing relationships, fear for many reasons, economic reasons, and so on.
What are your thoughts on this?
Title: Re: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: Susan on September 21, 2025, 06:39:14 PM
Post by: Susan on September 21, 2025, 06:39:14 PM
Absolutely. It's entirely possible—and more common than many realize—for a woman who knows she's MTF to never pursue a "full" transition. Being transgender doesn't come with deadlines or required milestones. Your gender is still valid whether or not you change your name, come out widely, start hormones, have surgeries, or choose to take none of those steps. I've known women who were clear about being MTF yet never transitioned before they passed; their identities were no less real.
People make different choices for many reasons: relationships and family, personal safety, finances, health conditions, career or community considerations, geography, the level or type of dysphoria they experience, or simply because certain steps don't feel necessary for their sense of authenticity. Some keep their identity private. Some transition socially but not medically. Others pursue select medical interventions and skip the rest. None of these paths is "less trans."
What matters most is agency and wellbeing—finding the mix that lets you feel at home in yourself while balancing the realities of your life. That mix can change over time; a "not now" isn't a "never," and a "never" can still be peaceful, complete, and true. The only person qualified to set your timeline—or to decide not to have one—is you.
You're not alone in considering this. The transgender community encompasses many ways of living our truth. If you're safe, supported, and living in a way that feels honest to you, that is a successful transition—whether it's visible to others or not.
People make different choices for many reasons: relationships and family, personal safety, finances, health conditions, career or community considerations, geography, the level or type of dysphoria they experience, or simply because certain steps don't feel necessary for their sense of authenticity. Some keep their identity private. Some transition socially but not medically. Others pursue select medical interventions and skip the rest. None of these paths is "less trans."
What matters most is agency and wellbeing—finding the mix that lets you feel at home in yourself while balancing the realities of your life. That mix can change over time; a "not now" isn't a "never," and a "never" can still be peaceful, complete, and true. The only person qualified to set your timeline—or to decide not to have one—is you.
You're not alone in considering this. The transgender community encompasses many ways of living our truth. If you're safe, supported, and living in a way that feels honest to you, that is a successful transition—whether it's visible to others or not.
Title: Re: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: Lori Dee on September 21, 2025, 06:42:19 PM
Post by: Lori Dee on September 21, 2025, 06:42:19 PM
The purpose of transition for MtF or FtM is to relieve the symptoms of dysphoria.
Each person experiences dysphotia differently. For some, it may not bother them much, and they have no need to do anything.
For some, they are aware of the dysphoria, but are not severely impacted by it. They might get by with underdressing or decide they want to go full transition, including surgery.
For some, the symptoms can be devastating and even start to impact both mental and physical health, and there may not be much choice. Transition is necessary.
We have members here in every category, plus all of the points in between. That does not make them more or less transgender. Being transgender is something that you are. It is part of your internal self. The rest is merely what you feel you want to do about it, or in some cases, what you need to do about it.
I should note that denial is also an option.
Each person experiences dysphotia differently. For some, it may not bother them much, and they have no need to do anything.
For some, they are aware of the dysphoria, but are not severely impacted by it. They might get by with underdressing or decide they want to go full transition, including surgery.
For some, the symptoms can be devastating and even start to impact both mental and physical health, and there may not be much choice. Transition is necessary.
We have members here in every category, plus all of the points in between. That does not make them more or less transgender. Being transgender is something that you are. It is part of your internal self. The rest is merely what you feel you want to do about it, or in some cases, what you need to do about it.
I should note that denial is also an option.
Title: Re: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: KathyLauren on September 21, 2025, 07:36:04 PM
Post by: KathyLauren on September 21, 2025, 07:36:04 PM
Yes, it is possible. I know people in that situation.
In my case, once I knew I was trans, I set about doing a social and physical transition with no delay. (I presume that physical transition is what you mean by "completely transition".) But not everyone needs to do that.
The terms "MTF" and "FTM" seem to imply physical transition, going from male to female or vice versa. But they are just shorthand for trans-female and trans-male respectively. A person is trans whether they transition physically, socially, or not at all.
In my case, once I knew I was trans, I set about doing a social and physical transition with no delay. (I presume that physical transition is what you mean by "completely transition".) But not everyone needs to do that.
The terms "MTF" and "FTM" seem to imply physical transition, going from male to female or vice versa. But they are just shorthand for trans-female and trans-male respectively. A person is trans whether they transition physically, socially, or not at all.
Title: Re: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: Maid Marion on September 21, 2025, 08:09:55 PM
Post by: Maid Marion on September 21, 2025, 08:09:55 PM
I used to "male fail" all the time before transitioning, even when I had a full beard.
Once by a TSA agent in an airport security screening shortly after 9/11.
I now have "passing privilege" as a short petite woman without the risks of HRT or surgery.
Once by a TSA agent in an airport security screening shortly after 9/11.
I now have "passing privilege" as a short petite woman without the risks of HRT or surgery.
Title: Re: Is it possible to be a MTF but never fully transition, but could, as a choice?
Post by: ChrissyRyan on September 21, 2025, 08:15:54 PM
Post by: ChrissyRyan on September 21, 2025, 08:15:54 PM
Yes, I agree, it is possible to be a MTF but never "fully" transition, but could, as a choice.
In some cases, this may result in a compromise of how much someone genuinely wishes to transition. Many may never work fully "in their gender." Many will remain (South Pole area) Non-op. Many will have no surgeries. Perscribed hormones is also a big step many may not take.
Lots of reasons have been stated by the posters above.
Transitioning is such a personal decision. What is right for some may not be right for others.
Plus, things change over time. What was not right before may become comfortable later.
Chrissy
In some cases, this may result in a compromise of how much someone genuinely wishes to transition. Many may never work fully "in their gender." Many will remain (South Pole area) Non-op. Many will have no surgeries. Perscribed hormones is also a big step many may not take.
Lots of reasons have been stated by the posters above.
Transitioning is such a personal decision. What is right for some may not be right for others.
Plus, things change over time. What was not right before may become comfortable later.
Chrissy