Am I Man Enough Yet? A Comparison of the Body Transition, Self-Labeling, and Sexual Orientation of Two Cohorts of Female-to-Male Transsexuals

This study compares 2 cohorts of female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals, one who transitioned between 1969 and 1987 and the other, between 2000 and 2006. Eight individuals from each group were interviewed. Results revealed that FtMs transitioning since 2000 less often seek bottom surgery, use a greater variety of terms to label their gender identity, and more often identify themselves as attracted to both men and women (and, for some, being attracted to transgender persons). Findings suggest that the experience of feeling “man enough” (achieving satisfaction with his sex and/or gender) has changed for FtMs.