Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: Mermaid on April 16, 2014, 04:42:25 AM

Title: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Mermaid on April 16, 2014, 04:42:25 AM
Alright, so I was wondering about being attracted to transpeople, as a transperson.

Let's say a transperson (straight or bi) looks at another transperson of the opposite gender. Do you feel an instant connection or empathy? Perhaps a curiosity? Or is it irrelevant? You completely overlook the fact that they're trans and it's as if they were cis?

Yes, I know transpeople are like cispeople and not a subcategory of either gender, but in most cases (which is also likely to happen with cispeople), you cannot overlook certain features and traits that may allude towards masculinity/femininity.

I'm asking if it's a preference for anyone, basically. I know it shouldn't matter if someone's trans or cis, but it's surely an individual's trait. Some people like blondes, others like brunettes... some like black people, others have a crush on Asians. Please don't confuse this with racial bias or any sort of xenophobia, I'm speaking of aesthetics and attraction, it's not rational. I like chocolate and vanilla; I won't say chocolate is superior to vanilla, but I like the flavour better. My neighbour might like the taste vanilla better, however. It's human nature to have certain leanings and preferences, has little to do with treating anyone different because of who or what they are, but with your subconscious, the mystique of attraction and feelings.

Feel like I'm treading on eggshells and trying not to offend anyone's sensibilities but it's a genuine curiosity of mine.

Would you prefer a transperson as a romantic partner, or a cisperson? The politically correct answer is that it doesn't matter, I know. It doesn't to me either, but if I saw a transperson that's attractive and a cisperson that's also attractive, I'd probably feel more drawn to the transperson. Not to satisfy any sort of kink, mind you, I would treat them as I would any cisperson and would expect nothing more than I would from a cisperson, but the romantic bonding between two transpeople is somewhat too adorable and cute to just... not think about it.

What're your opinions?

I suppose it's a bit vague because every individual's unique and once you get to know them, the thought of whether they're trans or cis just fades away from your mind. But yeah...

These thoughts crossed my head a few times, specifically after running into FTMs inbetween my appointments, and also here in the forums when I see transmen interacting with transwomen just as cismen interact with ciswomen... a bit of a gap between them, two different genders, but with transpeople there's the twist of sharing a similar story and having to battle for an identity that satisfies them.

Not to be lewd, but is it a turn-on? For the transmen out there, for example, do you ever fantasize about yourself with a pretty transwoman that just happens to have a few androgynous traits? Such as tall, skinny, small hips... Of course there's multiple sexualities at play, so a transwoman could envision herself with another transwoman, or a transman with another transman (yaoi, yay!)...

Not expecting a consensus with this thread, but I'd sure like to hear about people's sexualities and attractions, how being trans might or might not affect them, or even how their sexuality helped them accept themselves as trans...
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: kelly_aus on April 16, 2014, 04:54:25 AM
I like women.. And see no point of further labels or qualifications.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: alabamagirl on April 16, 2014, 05:08:13 AM
I've been in four relationships (however brief some may have been) over the course of my life so far. All have been with transwomen. I did not actively seek to be in relationships with other transwomen, it just happened that way. We immediately had something in common that we wouldn't have had with a cis person. We understood each others struggles. We bonded over them. I really couldn't care less when it comes to someone's body. I'm attracted to personality, period. How sexually attracted to someone I am is directly derived from how attractive I find their personality and how much chemistry we have together.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Ms Grace on April 16, 2014, 05:12:17 AM
I've seen a couple of trans women that I've felt very attracted towards. The first time it happened I was like "whoa!", it kind of surprised me and I had to work out how I felt about that... then came to the realisation that they're women, so what would it matter?
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Mermaid on April 16, 2014, 05:29:32 AM
I see. I've been in about 8 or so relationships with ciswomen, one with a cisman. The numbers seem high but that's solely to do with the fact that I wasn't aware of my gender identity disorder and mostly thought of myself as a straight male for a good chunk of my life. I still took care of my eyebrows, waxed my legs, loved shopping and had feminine interests, which made other people ridicule me, but I was mostly "happy".

I recall the first time I saw a transsexual online; it was on YouTube, I still regarded myself as a heteronormative male with feminine leanings but today it tranquilizes me to know that I didn't look at her any different from a ciswoman. I thought she was pretty and interesting, clicked through her videos to learn about the subject and back then I would've never imagined that I'd be coming to terms with myself for being trans. My childhood was when dysphoria affected me the most, then I grew out of it somewhat. Still was plenty picky about my body but people showed romantic interest in me, so I guess that made me blind.

Thing is that today I feel curious about other transpeople. I don't see it as a "label" or a "qualification" on them, I just think of it as a fact. "That person's experienced gender dysphoria".
I find myself wanting to know other transpeople; I don't know if this includes romance or not, but it's become a part of me. I don't know if things are new to me and I crave having someone close who understands me, or what it is. A sense of security, perhaps? Natural empathy.

If I were to be in a relationship right now, I think it wouldn't matter if it's a transperson or a cisperson, would mostly depend on my attraction. However, when I see an FTM or MTF I want to walk up and say "hi! I'm here for the same reason as you", and just get to know them. I don't get this feeling with cispeople... I'm at a point where I even avoid social interaction, but it's odd to me that just the sight of a transperson makes me want to chat. Perhaps I need better friends, I don't know. My friends are good and true, or at least that's how I perceive them, but I know it would be awkward if they knew who I am. Not just for them, but for me aswell... there's nothing I want more than to be accepted, and perhaps I'm too cynical to believe that anyone other than a transperson will be able to understand me and respect me.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: alabamagirl on April 16, 2014, 05:41:12 AM
I think it's a natural human desire to want to be around others who we feel truly understand us. Gender dysphoria is something that most people don't experience, and it's a big part of our lives and our pasts. It makes sense that you'd want to make friends with others who feel it, too. It makes it a little easier to deal with. It feels good to know you're not alone.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Kara Jayde on April 16, 2014, 05:59:25 AM
At the moment I am only attracted to women, cis or trans, it's irrelevant (which surprised me too when I first realized it, but makes perfect sense). I've heard HRT can change my orientation, so you may need to ask me again once I begin hormones.

That being said I've never actually dated a transwoman, and I've never dated anyone whilst presenting as my real gender (only dated ciswomen in the past whilst presenting as male).
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Ms Grace on April 16, 2014, 06:01:28 AM
Quote from: Mermaid on April 16, 2014, 05:29:32 AM
...when I see an FTM or MTF I want to walk up and say "hi! I'm here for the same reason as you", and just get to know them.

Fair enough, but just keep in mind some trans people might feel that they've been read/compromised if someone they don't know starts talking to them about being trans*, well intentioned or not. Some people might feel that someone being able to read they are trans*, even if that person is also trans*, would be rather mortifying because it might imply "you're not passing".
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: sad panda on April 16, 2014, 06:48:46 AM
This topic makes me a little uncomfortable. Because I know that ultimately, I want men. If I'm attracted to an unpassable MtF, it's cuz I see them as a man. That would cause a lot of dysphoria. i mean, I am MTF too, so it would be like, oh I'm the girl and you're the boy. I mean girl, wink wink.

Theoretically I could be attracted to an FTM too if they were masculine enough but that never happened for me and it just seems like a bad idea even if it did. 2 dysphoric people i. the same relationship? I don't get why some MTFs seem to want to date FTMs but not cis guys though. sometimes I wonder if trans people really manage to see each other as their target gender or just respects the labels and pronouns but can't change the mental image. Thinking about it kinda drives me crazy. I get that you can't help who you're attracted to but some relationships might just end up hurting both of yall.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: JamesG on April 16, 2014, 07:30:00 AM
That makes sense to me. I am on the opposite side of the same coin, for me to be attracted to a MTF (or anyone for that matter) I have to see them as female.  I've met with really bad CDs that... I just couldn't get into, and have crushed on cute ones who weren't even presenting as F.

I've always been sexually attracted to TS, (MTF because it was most visible, but I am fascinated by FTM dudes too), and I've always related and been attracted with "women" better.  I'm not sure if that makes me a "->-bleeped-<-", or it was the way my own GID manifested itself.

Sexual orientation and gender identity really are completely decoupled.  That is one reason having trans people lumped into LGBT kind of strikes me as not quite right, although I understand why from a sociopolitical perspective.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Ltl89 on April 16, 2014, 07:56:58 AM
Honestly, I'm in no way more attracted to trans people.  Sure there are attractive transmen, but it's not like I would purposefully seek one out or avoid one.  It's more about the individual person whether trans or cis.  However, I'll be honest here.  If I were to date a transguy some day down the road, there would be potential physical things that would have to be discussed.  I'd rather not go into detail with that, but we all have our preferences and our own comfort levels.  And I'd still have a similar conversation with a cis guy as I have major hang ups in the physical area and there are things that would need to be respected about my body and the process before I would even consider intimacy with someone.  The conversation would just be a bit different with a transguy and it would be a little more awkward for me.  Sorry if that's triggering to some, I honestly don't intend to be.  Just my feeling as of now. 
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Hikari on April 16, 2014, 08:37:03 AM
Quote from: kelly_aus on April 16, 2014, 04:54:25 AM
I like women.. And see no point of further labels or qualifications.

This is also basically how I feel. Sure, it could be nice to be with a woman who also understands the difficulty of being trans, but I don't really require understanding, just acceptance and empathy. There will always be things that my partner won't understand exactly, even if they were a transwoman; so I mean, that ship already sailed before Gender Identity ever factored in.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Danielle Emmalee on April 16, 2014, 09:36:02 AM
I don't know if this is offensive, if so, I apologize.  Almost everyone has physical attributes that they prefer, there's no denying it and I have an attraction towards a girl with a penis.  I wouldn't want to be the cause of someone's dysphoria, so I guess ideally it would be a non-op transwoman who is perfectly comfortable with having a penis and using it.  I could also go for a very feminine looking man.  Either way, I prefer my partner to be the dominant one in the relationship.  In the long run, personality is worth more, so these are just my personal preferences if given the choice.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: meganB on April 16, 2014, 02:38:47 PM
Being trans* has nothing to do to what i'm attracted to. I conside myself bi with a big lean towards men and masculinity.

I never have been in a relationship as I just could't do it as male (it just didn't work out).

I did fall for this transman who I was already friends with and knew for about a few years (I met him when we were both before HRT, but now we both are on HRT, but for me he always was a man). It was totally unplanned and I really didn't think of him as a possible partner at the start, but he made the feelings came anyway (he however fled when I started to get to close emotionally, mostly insecurities about himself).
If I'm honest I would have liked it if he has a penis, but as doesn't want the surgery, I will just have a boyfriend without it (I like his personality more than what part kind of sexual part he has). Though a head, torso, waist, arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes are really required!
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jill F on April 16, 2014, 02:50:00 PM
Anything goes for me.  I tried for years to insist to myself that I wasn't anything other than a straight guy, but when I got introspective and peeled the layers back, I could really be attracted to pretty much anyone as long as I felt an emotional connection.  I have yet to have sex with a guy or a transperson, but I probably will at some point after surgery. 
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Kimberley Beauregard on April 16, 2014, 02:56:30 PM
I could be attracted to a woman with or without a penis physically or through an emotional connection.  I've tried exploring my sexuality and I sometimes fantasise about getting with men romantically, but in practice I wouldn't want to be sexually involved with one.

I'm comfortable with myself, which is the main thing.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Natkat on April 22, 2014, 05:48:30 PM
I got my preference but they all have alot of exeptions ^-^

I identify as bisexual, but I feel I prefern a relationship with men, Women for me is just sexy but they make me quit anxious and I cant relate as much as with men =/

Personally I think transmen are most hot, theres both the emotional part about both being trans and could understand the whole queeness but I also think phycially many are pretty sexy.
Many transmen tend to have a sorta androgynous look which I like(I guess that also why I prefern asian guys and black women). Transwomen can also be hot but I have rarely been interesteed even when they got nice boobs.

Sure the fact a person alone is trans or cis dosent make them all attractive, there also alot of transpeople I dont find attractive and alot of cis which I find attractive. Somethimes I also switch and I go for someone I think is trans then turn out he is cis..


---

Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Lady_Oracle on April 22, 2014, 07:03:25 PM
I'm attracted to women. If shes trans its whatever honestly, as long as she is presenting full time as a woman. However there are exceptions of course, workplace environments and such. Since the legal aspect of transitioning is still pretty screwed up for those of us in certain parts of the united states.

I can't be with someone that isn't living as their true self. Same goes for sexuality, I can't be in a relationship with someone who is living in fear cause they're gay or bi and is ashamed of being seen in public with me.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Teela Renee on April 25, 2014, 04:07:07 PM
ill put it blunt, im a mtf pre op, who lives with and dating a mtf post op.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Carrie Liz on April 25, 2014, 04:26:26 PM
Totally.

Only time I've kissed someone post-transition, it was another trans woman. To me, there is so often just a real emotional attraction. That is what makes me attracted to someone, an emotional connection. And so many other trans-women my age, they are just total sweethearts. A bit quiet and reserved, just like me, from years of emotional peer abuse due to their femininity, and truly appreciative of every moment where they just get to relax and be nice, and they're always so appreciative of comments, so fun to make smile, they appreciate every bit of their femininity so much, and I really feel close to them in that way. We seem to share a lot emotionally.

The thing is, though, when you say "attraction," did you mean like physical attraction? In that regard, I don't know. I guess I don't really get physically attracted to people so much. When I'm in love with someone, it's because I can imagine snuggling up to them at the end of the night and just feeling peaceful and blissful and a true emotional connection.

With that said, though, trans guys are definitely freaking HOT! I've never dated a guy before, so I don't know whether that would actually work out or not, but yeah, so many of the pictures that trans-guys post are definitely "God, you're hot" kinds of pictures. There's something about the androgynous facial features combined with male muscles and swagger that is just so damned attractive.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Polo on April 28, 2014, 09:18:41 AM
Quote from: learningtolive on April 16, 2014, 07:56:58 AM
Honestly, I'm in no way more attracted to trans people.  Sure there are attractive transmen, but it's not like I would purposefully seek one out or avoid one.  It's more about the individual person whether trans or cis.  However, I'll be honest here.  If I were to date a transguy some day down the road, there would be potential physical things that would have to be discussed.  I'd rather not go into detail with that, but we all have our preferences and our own comfort levels.  And I'd still have a similar conversation with a cis guy as I have major hang ups in the physical area and there are things that would need to be respected about my body and the process before I would even consider intimacy with someone.  The conversation would just be a bit different with a transguy and it would be a little more awkward for me.  Sorry if that's triggering to some, I honestly don't intend to be.  Just my feeling as of now.

Wouldn't a trans man understand those hangups better than a cis man?

I'm sure that there are very understanding cis men and some less understanding trans men in the world, but generally speaking who better to understand gender dysphoria than someone who's gone through it themselves?

I'm attracted to women regardless of cis or trans, though I imagine there would be an additional layer of mutual understanding and respect with a trans woman, which I see as a bonus and does indeed add to the attraction.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Veronica M on April 28, 2014, 09:38:33 AM
This poses an interesting question for me, one I have never considered. Sexually I am bi but prefer men. But I wouldn't be opposed to a relationship with another MTF. Being a bottom, I suppose it would have to be a MTF non op, but who knows. Actually really something I never thought about, but would be willing to give it a go. Might be a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Androgynous_Machine on April 28, 2014, 11:13:42 AM
I am decidedly straight.

Women just don't do it for me.  With men, it rarely is about appearance but almost everything to do with their, I dunno how to explain it, attitude?

Scruffy guys with a "This is what I do and I don't give a damn what any one thinks" attitude is super-virile and incredibly sexy.

So long as a man has those qualities trans or cis doesn't matter.

-AM
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: King Malachite on April 28, 2014, 05:38:08 PM
I'm straight.  I wouldn't mind dating a transwoman, but there would be some reservations concerning my dysphoria that would have to be address.

A transwoman would understand me more because of the trans nature we share, but I can probably understand a ciswoman more and relate to he more as we both grew up female and deal with menstruals etc.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jess42 on April 28, 2014, 06:04:25 PM
Well, more deep thought, huh? I am Bi. Actually I find the guys, trans of course, as more attractive emotionally and physically. On an emotional level, way deeper than a cis guy. If I am crying, please grab me and tell me it is OK. If I am scared, hold me and protect me and make me feel safe. If I am feeling jealous, please reassure me that I have nothing to worry about. Most cisguys that I have had relationships with seemed like they do it but are unsure of themselves or just don't seem to give a crap. Two transguys that i have had relationships with genuinely seemed to care and were more sure of themselves. Actually they were more and better men than the cisguys. Ironic, huh?

As for the girls, again trans of course, I find way more attractive than cis girls. Emotionally and beauty wise. Cisgirls will let themselves go like skipping a day or two of shaving and then I have to sleep next to a cactus. Like me, makeup, smooth skin and hair looking good is a priority when most cisgirls I have had relations with just let themselves go au naturale on the weekends when there is nothing to do but relax at home. I am a lipstick lesbian, so baby please wear lipstick ;).

Actually, to be completely honest, I think I would rather be in a relationship with a transgendered person than a cisgendered person. It's just I haven't found that one true love yet.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Sephirah on April 28, 2014, 06:05:40 PM
I'm not exactly sure of the term to describe how I feel. There probably is one, though. I am not attracted to people physically. At all. Ever. And I don't much care about sex, gender, or anything else along those lines. Men, women, non-binary... doesn't matter to me what parts a person has, other than the beating one in their chest and the mushy grey one between their ears.

It's an interesting idea that I would be more inclined to be with a trans person because of a common bond but... I don't know that I would. If that was the only thing we had in common. I think I would need more than that. Sure we would share that empathy of what it's like to deal with the nature of our condition, but for me that isn't who a person is. I don't like to define myself as being transgendered. To have that as an indicator of the kind of person I am. I am a woman. And I wouldn't define my partner by being transgendered, either. They would be whichever gender, genders or lack of gender they are. I think a relationship for me would have to be based on something outside of that. Although, for me relationships don't happen outside of a long friendship, where we both grow to understand each other as human beings, discover what we have in common and discuss our differences. A meeting of souls. And I rather feel that souls are largely untouched by the complexities of being transgendered. They're the pure essence of a person.

The right soul is who I would find attractive. Nothing really more than that.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: JadeFla on April 30, 2014, 01:50:17 AM
I'm not fixated on what is between someones legs. What is important is what is between their ears. I date someone based on compatibility.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: @Diana on April 30, 2014, 01:58:18 AM

I'm only attracted to men .. but i find some ftm trans hot !  :-*
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: barbie on April 30, 2014, 03:34:34 AM
Quote from: Jess42 on April 28, 2014, 06:04:25 PM
Most cisguys that I have had relationships with seemed like they do it but are unsure of themselves or just don't seem to give a crap. Two transguys that i have had relationships with genuinely seemed to care and were more sure of themselves. Actually they were more and better men than the cisguys. Ironic, huh?

An interesting observation, but I think it is completely possible.

I am basically gynophilic. I like the femininity regardless of the thing between the two legs.
In retrospect, I fell in love with a pretty boy at my age, but his morality disappointed me, no longer keeping friendship.

barbie~~
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jess42 on April 30, 2014, 08:37:15 AM
Quote from: barbie on April 30, 2014, 03:34:34 AM
An interesting observation, but I think it is completely possible.

I am basically gynophilic. I like the femininity regardless of the thing between the two legs.
In retrospect, I fell in love with a pretty boy at my age, but his morality disappointed me, no longer keeping friendship.

barbie~~

That was definately just an observation relating to my own personal experiences and in no way can apply to everyone.

I don't really know what I can be classified as, I guess what attracts me is more emotional. I don't care what is between the legs, size, male or female, or looks even for that matter. But open up to me emotionally, let your guard down and genuinely care, I fall in a heart beat and then I can open up and that is what I am truly attracted to.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Ltl89 on April 30, 2014, 10:46:47 AM
Quote from: Polo on April 28, 2014, 09:18:41 AM
Wouldn't a trans man understand those hangups better than a cis man?

I'm sure that there are very understanding cis men and some less understanding trans men in the world, but generally speaking who better to understand gender dysphoria than someone who's gone through it themselves?

I'm attracted to women regardless of cis or trans, though I imagine there would be an additional layer of mutual understanding and respect with a trans woman, which I see as a bonus and does indeed add to the attraction.

It's hard to explain.  To be honest, physical things aren't the most important aspect of a relationship by far, but it would be more complex with two pre-op straight trans-people, ya know?  That's not to say I couldn't date a transman.  I just don't know how I feel about some things and they would need to respect my own feelings about my body and some of my own comfort levels with stuff.  I guess I wouldn't know if physical intimacy would be possible or how we could go about it.  I know TMI. But in terms of personal intimacy, I don't think it's impossible at all.  Even though gender is an important aspect to me, I'm more interested in who someone is rather than what they look like and physical stuff doesn't matter too much.  I care more about who they are, relationship roles, how I'm treated, etc.   So I leave it on the table as a possibility and something I'm open to, just unsure how it would play out without being in the situation.   
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jeatyn on April 30, 2014, 02:18:49 PM
Attraction is a tricky thing, I would like to say that the physical doesn't matter and blah blah but it really isn't a choice what exactly about a person floats another persons boat. For a long term relationship I think the situation completely changes but I think most people have preferences for various things even if they sound a little un-PC. I'm basically repeating what the OP said, but I'm trying to be careful not to offend. I'm gonna go ahead and give my opinion anyway like I always do, I already got crap for having this opinion from various people (IRL, not on this forum) but heyho.

For clarification: Everyone involved in the following story is trans

A few months ago I was having this exact discussion with a friend of mine, she's straight and I'm gay so we often compare notes on men we fancy.

She has a thing for a guy who's new to the group and they've been obviously flirting back and forth for months so I asked her if they had hooked up yet want details etc etc (normal for the realm of our friendship)

She said she wanted to and he wanted to, but whenever it came down to it, it was just awkward for both of them. She said seeing each other naked was weird because once all the carefully structured clothing came off she still has male anatomy, he has female anatomy. She said something along the lines of, all the right parts were there for what we wanted to do....but on the wrong people.

My answer was basically, well, I know how you normally go about it...sooo....prosthetic? Same deal?

She said they discussed that and although he was up for it, she felt it'd be unfair to him. She'd be willing to have a go at satisfying him, even though she's not familiar with how it all works, but he doesn't feel comfortable with that.

So they're both attracted to each other, but instead of just hooking up like she normally would do with any cis guy she set her sights on (a common occurrence) when it came to dating a trans guy who she genuinely liked on top of being attracted to, neither of them could compromise enough to make it work in the bedroom. Which has put a damper on things. The endless discussions about what they could do also puts a damper on things, talking about it brings dysphoria up and makes them both feel bad both about themselves.

We've spoke about this at various points but at one particular time at a bar I finally shared the opinion that I personally don't think I could ever date another trans guy. (women, trans or otherwise, I'm just not generally interested in) The reason being, is that I would feel like a lesbian. The second those words left my mouth a different guy from the group came storming over to go off at me for calling trans men lesbians. I tried to explain, to no avail, that that's obviously not what I meant. I'm a trans guy myself, a gay one at that, to be calling trans men lesbians would be pretty ridiculous of me.

The point is that I, me, myself, would feel like a lesbian because of the anatomy involved. I would not regard the other guy in the equation a lesbian, nor myself. But if you really had to put a label on it, the stuff we would be doing would be very similar to "lesbian sex" .... which ... doesn't interest me at all. In fact I feel a bit squicked out by it, not in like an "ewww lesbians" way, but just in regarding myself that way. If that at all makes any sense. I guess if you want to dig deeper you could say it's because I've mistaken for a lesbian for most of my life and it's the direct opposite of what I actually am, so I don't want to be reminded of it in any way. On the other hand I feel like a jackass because in having those feelings about myself, I've projecting them onto other trans men and inadvertently implying that trans men who hook up with other trans men are having lesbian sex...which they're clearly not...because they're men.

I feel like a huge hypocrite but that's just how it is for me. I can still be attracted to trans men but I wouldn't want to sleep with one. (post op I haven't even considered, it's confusing enough already)
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: sad panda on April 30, 2014, 03:07:55 PM
Quote from: Jeatyn on April 30, 2014, 02:18:49 PM
Attraction is a tricky thing, I would like to say that the physical doesn't matter and blah blah but it really isn't a choice what exactly about a person floats another persons boat. For a long term relationship I think the situation completely changes but I think most people have preferences for various things even if they sound a little un-PC. I'm basically repeating what the OP said, but I'm trying to be careful not to offend. I'm gonna go ahead and give my opinion anyway like I always do, I already got crap for having this opinion from various people (IRL, not on this forum) but heyho.

For clarification: Everyone involved in the following story is trans

A few months ago I was having this exact discussion with a friend of mine, she's straight and I'm gay so we often compare notes on men we fancy.

She has a thing for a guy who's new to the group and they've been obviously flirting back and forth for months so I asked her if they had hooked up yet want details etc etc (normal for the realm of our friendship)

She said she wanted to and he wanted to, but whenever it came down to it, it was just awkward for both of them. She said seeing each other naked was weird because once all the carefully structured clothing came off she still has male anatomy, he has female anatomy. She said something along the lines of, all the right parts were there for what we wanted to do....but on the wrong people.

My answer was basically, well, I know how you normally go about it...sooo....prosthetic? Same deal?

She said they discussed that and although he was up for it, she felt it'd be unfair to him. She'd be willing to have a go at satisfying him, even though she's not familiar with how it all works, but he doesn't feel comfortable with that.

So they're both attracted to each other, but instead of just hooking up like she normally would do with any cis guy she set her sights on (a common occurrence) when it came to dating a trans guy who she genuinely liked on top of being attracted to, neither of them could compromise enough to make it work in the bedroom. Which has put a damper on things. The endless discussions about what they could do also puts a damper on things, talking about it brings dysphoria up and makes them both feel bad both about themselves.

We've spoke about this at various points but at one particular time at a bar I finally shared the opinion that I personally don't think I could ever date another trans guy. (women, trans or otherwise, I'm just not generally interested in) The reason being, is that I would feel like a lesbian. The second those words left my mouth a different guy from the group came storming over to go off at me for calling trans men lesbians. I tried to explain, to no avail, that that's obviously not what I meant. I'm a trans guy myself, a gay one at that, to be calling trans men lesbians would be pretty ridiculous of me.

The point is that I, me, myself, would feel like a lesbian because of the anatomy involved. I would not regard the other guy in the equation a lesbian, nor myself. But if you really had to put a label on it, the stuff we would be doing would be very similar to "lesbian sex" .... which ... doesn't interest me at all. In fact I feel a bit squicked out by it, not in like an "ewww lesbians" way, but just in regarding myself that way. If that at all makes any sense. I guess if you want to dig deeper you could say it's because I've mistaken for a lesbian for most of my life and it's the direct opposite of what I actually am, so I don't want to be reminded of it in any way. On the other hand I feel like a jackass because in having those feelings about myself, I've projecting them onto other trans men and inadvertently implying that trans men who hook up with other trans men are having lesbian sex...which they're clearly not...because they're men.

I feel like a huge hypocrite but that's just how it is for me. I can still be attracted to trans men but I wouldn't want to sleep with one. (post op I haven't even considered, it's confusing enough already)

I'm not trying to be rude but, have you wondered why you would feel like a lesbian with an ftm if you didn't feel like a straight woman with a cis guy? I mean either way, you are a man so why feel less so depending on the partner. I guess I just found that a little odd, but sorry, I know feelings are just feelings, everyone deserves their feelings and there's really nothing you can do about it.

Hmm.. now since identifying as a cis boy, thinking of this topic is strange. I want to say I could be attracted to trans guys but I just don't know. The genitals would throw me off. I feel horrible, but in the end, I do want my partner to have a penis, from a purely sexual perspective. But (TMI...) I was active with other boys from pretty young, like early puberty, and at that age, it was before their body had even become that masculine, and it was all about the penis. I think that's just what I've always been used to and it's hard to change, even after growing up...
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Nero on April 30, 2014, 03:19:41 PM
Quote from: sad panda on April 30, 2014, 03:07:55 PM

I'm not trying to be rude but, have you wondered why you would feel like a lesbian with an ftm if you didn't feel like a straight woman with a cis guy? I mean either way, you are a man so why feel less so depending on the partner. I guess I just found that a little odd, but sorry, I know feelings are just feelings, everyone deserves their feelings and there's really nothing you can do about it.

Hmm.. now since identifying as a cis boy, thinking of this topic is strange. I want to say I could be attracted to trans guys but I just don't know. The genitals would throw me off. I feel horrible, but in the end, I do want my partner to have a penis, from a purely sexual perspective. But (TMI...) I was active with other boys from pretty young, like early puberty, and at that age, it was before their body had even become that masculine, and it was all about the penis. I think that's just what I've always been used to and it's hard to change, even after growing up...

Well, I think some people just have preference for certain genitals. As trans people, that can seem kind of 'wrong' to our ears. But I think it's how most people are. I mean, yeah sex is about the person. But in a dark club with someone whose name you didn't even bother to get... it is about the body. The moment.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: sad panda on April 30, 2014, 03:50:32 PM
Quote from: FA on April 30, 2014, 03:19:41 PM
Well, I think some people just have preference for certain genitals. As trans people, that can seem kind of 'wrong' to our ears. But I think it's how most people are. I mean, yeah sex is about the person. But in a dark club with someone whose name you didn't even bother to get... it is about the body. The moment.

Yeah, you are right. There's nothing you can do about what you are into. :)

Still, it's such a confusing issue lol. And then my own body... lordy, still trying to figure out who can be into that at this point. Luckily it seems like there are a lot of people out there who are flexible if you look hard enough.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Ltl89 on April 30, 2014, 03:58:55 PM
Quote from: sad panda on April 30, 2014, 03:07:55 PM

Hmm.. now since identifying as a cis boy, thinking of this topic is strange. I want to say I could be attracted to trans guys but I just don't know. The genitals would throw me off. I feel horrible, but in the end, I do want my partner to have a penis, from a purely sexual perspective. But (TMI...) I was active with other boys from pretty young, like early puberty, and at that age, it was before their body had even become that masculine, and it was all about the penis. I think that's just what I've always been used to and it's hard to change, even after growing up...

See, I feel like a total hypocrite, but that's my only potential issue with dating a transguy.  I didn't want to put it as bluntly because it makes me feel bad and I don't want to upset anyone here.  However, I want men to overlook my flaws, so shouldn't I do the same? At the end of the day, I'm more attracted to a guy for his personality and not his body, but I do care about his appearance to a degree which makes it complicated.   I guess I would do what I can to get passed and if I ever fell for a transguy  and will still consider dating one because there is much more to a relationship than that, but I don't know what our physical relationship would be like.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jeatyn on May 01, 2014, 04:49:43 AM
Well at least I'm not the only hypocrite here  :P

I can't say for sure whether or not it would be different if I fell in love with a trans guy, I'm in a long term relationship so it's a hypothetical I have trouble picturing. To be frank though, sex is a super important part of a relationship for me....hell in the past it was the only part of a relationship for me :D I really don't think I could ever be with somebody long term who didn't tick that box for me, like for example there's no chance on this earth I could date an asexual person. Even if their personality was "perfect" ... of course, said hypothetical asexual person wouldn't want to date me either and put up with my horn dog ways.

Also I honestly don't know why my internal radar doesn't scream "straight sex!" when I'm with a cis guy. I know it doesn't make any logical sense. I've never actually been with a trans guy, not out of me avoiding it but the opportunity has never presented itself. I'm also one to say don't knock it til you've tried it, so I wouldn't kick 'em out of bed so to speak xD I know I definitely notice a different dynamic between straight guys who've I've slept with as a woman, and bi/gay guys I've slept with after transitioning. So that vibe would probably carry over to trans men as well if I could use my imagination regarding his body the same way I do with mine.

What's ironic is that I've had this situation turned on me before, long story short I was with a transwoman once and she told me that the whole time she regarded it as "lesbian sex" and was picturing me as a woman. It really pi**ed me off.....and then I was mad at myself for being mad at her because the circle of hypocrisy was getting even more ridiculous  ::)
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Jess42 on May 01, 2014, 07:04:30 AM
Quote from: FA on April 30, 2014, 03:19:41 PM
Well, I think some people just have preference for certain genitals. As trans people, that can seem kind of 'wrong' to our ears. But I think it's how most people are. I mean, yeah sex is about the person. But in a dark club with someone whose name you didn't even bother to get... it is about the body. The moment.

I like that part about in a dark club with someone's name you didn't even get FA. But one thing to take into account in that situation is when it comes to the genitals aspect, the amount of alcohol intake is a big factor. Take Jerry Springer and some of his shows, yeah I do know some of the tiltles are a little insulting but really. You can't mean to tell me that when sex becomes involved that a person can be that clueless, drunk or sober. Unless it is just people looking for 10 minutes of fame on TV. In my opinion attraction is instinctual and what attracts us is uncontrollable and when you add alcohol into the equation, inhibition goes out the window.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: Christine167 on May 02, 2014, 07:54:43 AM
I am bi. But I prefer women.
That said transmen can be so hot. I just want to figure out the physical component of sex with a transman who is pre-op but in my head it's really difficult for me. When I am attracted to a masculine figure my physical attraction leans towards wanting to be penetrated. When I am attracted to a feminine figure I can go either way. I'm okay with the concept of a prosthetic but I want my partner to enjoy the experience as well. As for pre-op transwomen for whatever reason I'm good with it. No hang ups on my side of the fence as per say.
Title: Re: Attraction towards transpeople
Post by: ReubenIsTheName on May 02, 2014, 09:23:52 AM
Quote from: Christine167 on May 02, 2014, 07:54:43 AM
That said transmen can be so hot.

This issue is somewhat of a slippery slope for me. I love women (because boobs :laugh: ). But, seriously, before I came out, people always considered me lesbian. I don't like dick. But, I would make an exception for FTMs, in part because they would understand me more, and in part because most of them are gorgeous! ^.^ But, (not to sound shallow), I'd probably not go for one who'd had bottom surgery (phalloplasty and such, that is. I'll be getting a hysterectomy as far as bottom surgery goes, but nothing else. Because monies. :laugh:) As I said before, I don't like dick.