Hello there. I am what they call a pre-op Female-to-male transsexual (if you aren't familiar with these or other terms I may use, feel free to consult this Glossary of Terms).

That all sounds very complicated, but basically it means I was born with a female body, but I self-identify as male.

How does this all work? Excellent question.
You caught me at an interesting time in my life, as I am just getting ready to start my "second puberty" of male hormone treatments (testosterone). I started T (testosterone injections) October 15, 2007. Continue reading for answers to frequently asked questions about FtM tranny men. I'd also encourage you to check out my video journal, blog, and also the photo gallery.

1. So.. Umm...
   Yes, I have female sex organs, all of them.
2. So then..?
   I am a man without the male sex organ.
3. No surgery, then?
   Actually, I plan on getting a double mastectomy (both breasts off) as soon as possible via the keyhole procedure. This makes the incision around the nipple rather than beneath the breasts and results in less scarring. It also costs $7,000 just for the procedure.
4. That isn't what I meant..
   Ah, well, as for genital surgery (phalloplasty, "centurion," etc.), I don't think that the technology is there yet. Also, it is a major surgical procedure, and there is nothing wrong with the part that I have, so I do not plan to ever have any surgery down there. And no, this does not make me any less of a man.
5. OK. When did you decide to become transsexual?
   This isn't something one "decides" to do. It is like a sneaking suspicion that has been there all along, until one day you finally find the name to pin on it. This is how I've always been. Don't believe me? I have the pictures to prove it. Plus, I don't need to prove it to anyone. I just came to the realization for myself and myself only. Not everyone's parents are as great and accepting as mine were, but I lucked out and mom would patiently spend hours finding my little unisex jumpers and such to wear to Mass. It wasn't until the peer pressure of middle school that I grew my hair out and dressed (slightly) more feminine.
6. Wait, did you say Mass? As in, the Roman Catholic Church? How does that work?
   Well, it's complicated. I am a full-fledged, practicing Catholic. So far the teachings I've been able to find have said that "[Members of the GLBT community] must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." (Catechism: CCC 2358-2359). Also, the dogma says I should live a chaste life, like everyone else. Interestingly enough, there is also an article from the Vatican that says

   "The key point is that the (transsexual) surgical operation is so superficial and external that it does not change the personality. If the person was male, he remains male. If she was female, she remains female,"
   - Vatican Document

   I actually agree with this, but would like to note that my personality has always been male, not female as mistakenly assumed at birth. I definately have never had the personality of a female, ever. My mom said that she realizes that I was never a little girl...it is true.
7. What bathroom do you use?
   Now that I am living full time as a male I only use the male restrooms. The only thing I miss about the female bathrooms is that they usually smell a little better and there is less pee on the seat.
8. Could I be trans?
   Sure, it's possible, but nobody knows better than yourself.
   Here are some signs of gender disphoria as defined by the DSM:
   • a strong and persistent cross-gender identification
   • persistent discomfort about one's assigned sex
   • marked preoccupation with activities and clothes usually used by the opposite sex
   I'd recommend finding a therapist or someone you trust to talk it over once you've seriously considered it.
9. How should I transition?
   There is no right or wrong answer. Do only what you are comfortable with and don't let anyone tell you how to be yourself. Guys used to always make dumb comments like, "Real men don't cook!" Even other FtM guys in my community would dog me for not being the stereotypical "macho" guy. You can still be sensitive, have varied interests, and be a great man. If you'd like resources on specific, technical transition advice (like how to tie a necktie, passing tips, or advice on getting your name changed) see the links section and also the "How-to Transition" tab of Trannyboi.com
10. Where can I get more specific information on transitioning?
    There are websites dedicated to helping people through their transition. This website is more of a documentation of a personal journey. Check out my links and also search FtM on google but beware of sites designed for adult entertainment. Also, for surgery pictures I would go to www.transster.com and sign up.