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There are a lot of social taboos attached to dating a transgender person. Most people, even if they are brave enough to take the plunge, get dissuaded by family and friends. But things are changing. With an exponential increasing in the number of dating sites for transgender people, the gap between the so-called cis world and trans world is closing day by day.

In this day and age, it’s not unusual to find cis men who are in a happy and stable relationship with a trans woman and vice versa. The so-called society still frowns upon the idea of dating a transgender person but the good thing is attitudes are changing and they are changing fast.

Dating a trans person is not about some instant gratification or even general curiosity. In fact, it can be a life-changing experience. Dating a trans person through a ts dating app can change your life for good. It can open up your mind to a whole new range of worldviews and perspectives. It gets you out of your little shell and makes you appreciate difference and diversity. Dating a transgender person gets one into a zone where they gradually become more accommodating, sensitive, broad-minded and empathetic. In fact, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that the whole experience makes you a better human being.

Whom you want to date is ultimately your choice and preference. But the whole point is you should not lose your eyes to an entire community of interesting people just because of some stupid social stigma. This article introduces you to a couple of points regarding how dating a transgender person can be a life-changing experience.

Trans Dating Introduces You to a Diverse Set of People

Not all dates end in relationships obviously. But the mere act of joining a trans dating site and communicating with a trans man or woman can enrich you mentally. You get to know about the issues faced by transgender community. And most importantly, you get to realize that trans people are very different from stereotypes of them portrayed by media and popular culture.

By dating a transgender man or woman, you get to appreciate them as an individual. When you chat with them online and talk about mutual likes, dislikes and interests, you realize that it’s like talking to any cis person. And that’s when you begin to get out of the societal prejudice complex against the transgender community.

Transsexual Dating Makes You a Stronger and Focussed Person

If you are a cis man dating a trans woman, you would slowly realize how much she has gone through in life. And she has still managed to pull herself together beautifully. Her charm and energy are infectious. She always motivates you to do better in life. Looking at her beautiful face and going by her magical laughter, you cannot even begin to imagine there is so much pain hidden underneath.

In comparison to her life trajectory, your own woes and worries will seem miniscule. And yet, you fret and fume and worry so much about things like a bad day at work, missing a job promotion or missing the deadline for applying for that dream job. On the contrary, she is an individual who has literally undergone hell in order to live out the life she wants to. And at every step, she has faced societal abuse and discrimination. Her own friends and family might have deserted her at some point in time. And still, she is not broken.  She has childlike enthusiasm about everything and lights up your life.

Being with a trans woman is certainly going to make you a stronger and more focused person. This relationship is no ordinary one. It will give an immense boost to your personal development and your ability to chase professional goals.

You Become More Empathetic and Sensitive

Transsexual dating can make you a more empathetic and sensitive individual. When you are in a relationship with a transgender person, you have to stand up for your partner. Your friends might not like them. You family might disapprove of them. At such times, it is possible that your partner breaks down. This is when they need your unconditional mental support.

Dating a trans person makes you question a lot of things about your general behaviour with people around. When you see your partner getting hurt by the barbs of society, you remember your own inconsiderate behaviour with someone. It leads you to a process of deep self-introspection. And this is a life-changing experience.

You Get to Date Incredibly Gorgeous People!

While this might sound like a shallow reason for dating someone, it does apply. To be honest, physical attraction is the first motivation that makes us want to go out with someone in the first place. Other things are obviously important and then they follow. But what starts it all is sparks of mutual attraction.

If you are a guy dating a transgender woman, you would instantly know what I mean. A trans woman is an incrediblywell groomed creature. She takes great care of herself physically and mentally. When you meet her, she is radiant, her skin is glowing and she is dressed just right for the occasion. And yet, her beauty is effortless. She is a natural diva. The look of a trans woman would be never over the top. But you would never see her turn up slovenly for a date or for an outing.

When you are with someone who gives importance to their physical appearance, it is natural that you start taking better care of yourself too. You start exercising; you dress up more stylishly and just generally pamper yourself more. And physical appearances are not so shallow after all. People who make effort to pull themselves together externally are also more at peace internally. They have good self-esteem. Such people are also more positive. If you are slovenly and careless about your appearance, it creates a certain negative energy web around. But if you are polished and well-groomed, you exude optimism.

It Can Make You Meet Your Soulmate

Most people go through many hit and trial experiences before they find their soulmate. And many a time, people are stuck in unhappy relationships simply because they closed themselves to other possibilities. If you date someone through your circle of friends or acquaintances, your options are limited. Thus, the likelihood of meeting someone like-minded is also very low. On the contrary, if you consider joining a dating site for transgender people, it opens up a whole new world.

Love is mysterious and unpredictable. It doesn’t follow a straightforward logic that if you are a cis guy, you would only fall in love with a cis woman. No, you can fall in love with anyone irrespective of whether they are straight or trans. And that is the beauty of love. You have more chances of finding your soulmate if you don’t restrict your dating preferences by a rigid criteria.

Dating a trans man or a woman doesn’t always have to be viewed through the lens of their gender identity. That is just an aspect of their life. They are unique, wonderful individuals like any other. So if you approach them with an open mind minus all that baggage, it will be a wonderful experience. And who knows, you might just end up meeting your soulmate!

Trans Dating Can Make You a Better Person

This is the best thing about dating a transgender person. The whole experience can make you a better person. In the long term, it increases your awareness of the issues surrounding the LGBT community in general.  As you connect with your partner and their worldview, you will notice that there is a whole new world out there that needs to be understood and embraced.

You might even get involved with the cause of rights and issues of the transgender community and communicate their viewpoint to the world at large. Or you might choose not to get involved in the issue at a larger political or social level. But with a trans partner by your side, you certainly cannot keep yourself insulated from the issues and things that affect your partner’s life.

We all strive to become better person throughout our life. But not all of us get the opportunity. As they say, in order to evolve as a human being, one needs to go through a lot of grinds. Here you are lucky to not go through the grind yourself but to learn from the experiences of a partner who has faced a lot. And you stand with him or her in their personal battle; it also increases your social awareness manifold. You are not the same person anymore. You begin to observe things around you more closely and general issues like inequality and marginalization have a way more profound effect on you than they used to. All this is certainly great news for your personal journey as an individual. 

Attracting a woman is no mean feat. It is literally an art form that requires patience, perseverance and dedication. No matter how good looking you are, a woman isn’t just going to fall head over heels in love with you on the first date. It doesn’t work like that! And when it comes to attracting a transgender woman, you need to work even harder.

A trans woman has often been at the receiving end of societal discrimination and hatred. So, it is but natural that she is extra cautious when it comes to evaluating men. When you begin chatting with her through a transgender dating site, make sure that you take it slow and steady. You have to win her confidence gradually.

In trans girl dating, it is important to follow a certain code of conduct. You need to keep a couple of things in mind while communicating with her and taking things forward. With the right attitude and approach, you can certainly attract a trans woman. This article lists a few tips that would help you impress your date and create the foundation of a beautiful and everlasting relationship.

Pay Her Genuine Compliments

All women love compliments. So, if you want to impress your trans woman, make sure you notice the minutest of things about her and pay her genuine compliments. Even while you chatting with her on a transgender dating site, comment on her positive attributes. Compliments about looks and physical beauty are the obvious ones but she will be even more impressed if you compliment her on her personality traits. It could be anything; her empathy, her communication skills, her confidence or even her general knowledge. If you notice little things about her personality and compliment her on those, she would appreciate that you are taking a genuine interest in her entire being. And that will definitely increase your appeal in her eyes manifold.

But you have to make sure that the compliments are genuine and heartfelt. If you literally bombard her with over the top, generic compliments, she would be able to see through your fakeness. So be attentive to her entire personality. If you are out on a date with her, notice how she is wearing her hair, what her dress is like, if she is wearing any jewellery. Women just love it when their men notice those little details. Compliment her on the way that particular lock of hair falls on her forehead and she would love it.

Be the Good, Old-Fashioned Gentleman

A trans woman is a super sensitive and well-groomed lady who truly values good social etiquette and behaviour. So, when you are out on a date with her, be a thorough gentleman. And it’s not just about how you behave with her. The greatest giveaway of a person’s character is the way he behaves with those socially inferior to him. So, make sure that you act courteous and polite with the staff if you are dating her in a café or a restaurant.

At the end of the day, good old chivalries never go out of fashion. Draw out that chair for her, hold open that door for her and just generally be courteous and make sure she is comfortable when the two of you are out on a date. In trans woman dating, it is these little gestures that matter.

Also, remember to be punctual. Punctuality might sound like an obvious thing but it can literally make or break a relationship. Just imagine meeting a trans woman for the first date and turning up half an hour later! No matter how far you had to travel or what kind of horrendous traffic jams you were stuck in, she is probably just going to walk off in anger. So, turn up 10 minutes before time but never later than the scheduled time.

Be Sensitive About Her Identity

Now, this is the most important factor in trans woman dating. Many trans women are scared of dating cis guys because these guys are only interested in her ‘trans’ identity. They are rude, insensitive and ask her uncomfortable questions about her transitioning. Please do not be that guy if you are looking for a serious, long-term relationship with a transgender woman.

There are some boundaries that you have to observe while dating her. Do not get obsessed with her ‘trans’ identity and make it the sole topic of conversation during your date. Just remember that she is a woman like any other, she is an individual with a unique aura and personality. So, try to connect with that individual. Build a conversation around her hobbies, interests, likes and all that. It’s just like you would talk to any other individual. Don’t exoticize her or put her in a special bracket just because she is a trans woman.

Even if you’ve been dating her for a while, it’s still not cool to ask her probing questions about transitioning or her body parts. If there is something she feels you should know, she would communicate on her own when the right time comes. But do not pester her with insensitive questions surrounding her identity.

A trans woman is super sensitive about her identity. And this is understandable considering the complex emotional and physical journey she has undergone to embrace that identity. She expects her partner to be with her in that journey and support her unconditionally. If you are sensitive about her identity, you would certainly find a solid place in her heart fairly soon.

Impress Her by Planning a Unique Date!

A transgender woman loves it when the guy takes a lead in planning out things. When you are well past the initial phase of communicating with her through a transgender dating site, it’s time to plan out an awesome first date.

Most guys don’t invest too much time or energy in planning out a date. They just seem to think that taking a woman out to any fancy restaurant, bar or café would do the trick. Well, this certainly won’t impress your trans woman. She is a creative individual whose head is buzzing with all sorts of ideas. It is therefore only natural that she expects her man to plan an ‘out of the box’ date.

So, take note of her hobbies and interests. Do some research on what all dates you can plan that incorporate those interests and then fix up something accordingly. If she is passionate about a certain kind of music, make sure you take her out somewhere where there is a live band playing that kind of stuff. That would certainly impress her. Or if she is into art, surprise her by taking her to one of the most happening art exhibitions of the town and then wrap up the date in style with a romantic meal at an artsy café.

Everybody loves a bit of surprise and unpredictability. That’s a natural human trait. And a trans woman has seen so much in life that she knows the importance of valuing somebody who makes a genuine effort to connect with her. So, if you spend time and energy creatively planning out your first date, you might just end up being her knight in shining armour.

Stand Up for Her

This is the most important factor to consider if you really want to win the love and respect of your trans woman. The most important criterion she looks for in a guy is that he should be able to stand up for her. You have to realize that it’s not easy to date a trans woman. When your dating gets serious, your own family might not approve of the relationship. Your friends and relatives might just disrespect her. You have to be prepared to stand firmly by her side in all those kinds of scenarios. You have to be mentally prepared to firmly tell your own family that they cannot disrespect your lady love.

When you are communicating with her on a transgender dating site, it’s just the beginning. Then you start going out on dates with her. When it starts getting intense and serious, that’s when she needs your unconditional mental support. And it’s not just about your friends and family disapproving of her. You have to take up her cause in front of the entire society if the need be.  When you are out with her in a public place and someone disrespects her because of her trans identity, you are not supposed to sit quietly. She expects you to stand up for her self-respect and identity and tell off that person.

Looks, charm, physical attractiveness, all these things are surface. What a trans woman is really looking for is a genuine man with a heart of gold. She is looking for a guy who will never let her down, no matter what. So, if you give her ample reason to believe you are that guy, you would certainly be able to attract her and win her love and respect.

Transitioning isn’t easy. A trans person spends an incredible amount of their physical and mental energies in dealing with transitions. What’s worse is that it doesn’t change the perception of society overnight. Trans people are still vulnerable and victims of abuse. Considering all this, finding love as a MTF transgender woman can be a tricky proposition. But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Love is a beautiful feeling and we all got to experience it. The journey might be challenging but it’s definitely worth it.

The paths of all lovers are strewn with more thorns than roses but in the end, it’s all worth it. As a MTF transgender woman, you got to be flexible and open-minded. Too rigid an approach doesn’t work with dating. While it is important to be cautious in order to keep all those creepy, transphobic people at bay, you shouldn’t be prejudiced against anyone from the outset.

This article offers a couple of valuable tips and suggestions that would help you in your quest for finding true love.

Ask Yourself, What Kind of a Person You Would Want to Date?

This is the first question you have to ask yourself when you are considering dating someone. What kind of a person you would like to date? Are you very particular about dating straight cis men? Or would you rather date a FTM transgender guy? It’s also about understanding your own sexual orientation and preferences. Would you be keen on taking things forward with a lesbian?

It is important to ask yourself these questions before you actually begin to date someone through friends or by joining a trans dating site. It’s good to be open to different kinds of people but you got to figure out where to start. It gets easier when you have some sort of an outline of your ideal partner. Otherwise, the process can get vague and baffling.

Some people are very specific about the physical characteristics of their ‘would be’ partners. It’’ like some women are obsessed with the idea of a tall partner while others have specific racial preferences. As a MTF transgender woman, it’s very important to draw out a basic mental sketch of the kind of person you would like to be seen out with.

Do Not Be Too Rigid in Your Criteria

While it’s important to have certain criteria for the kind of person you would like to date, it’s equally important to be open to new possibilities. Do not tick off anyone you are attracted to just because they don’t fit into those criteria. The attraction between two people is the most mysterious phenomenon of the universe. No one exactly knows what propels that attraction. It’s not about similar personalities or interests either. It’s just this instant connection and sparks which you either get with a person or you don’t.

So, while dating a MTF transgender woman has to give ample concession to those mysteries and surprises of nature! If you feel connected with someone, try and go with the flow. Of course, self-respect is one thing you should never compromise. If a person isn’t sensitive about ‘trans’ identity, you shouldn’t entertain them even for a minute.

Try Out Online Dating

If you still haven’t met that special person in your life, the reason could be you were looking in the wrong places. When we try to date people through friends or family or acquaintances, the chances of finding a like-minded partner are quite low. In this kind of dating, we have access to a fairly limited number of potential partners. So, either you compromise on some quality or stay single, it’s that kind of scenario. That is why a MTF trans woman should try out online dating.

Online dating can get you connected with so many interesting people from all across the world. It gives you a greater window of opportunities in terms of the kind of people you can date. And it’s not necessary that you meet each one of them. You just start online chatting with people who interest you and then further narrow it down to a couple of prospective partners. Online dating gives you the flexibility of buying time. If you like someone but are not sure yet about a relationship, there is no pressure to meet them in real life. You could take things at your own pace.

So, joining a transgender dating site is a good starting point. There are many such dating sites for trans people. It’s of course important that you do thorough research before zeroing in on a particular site. Read the reviews on the internet and also ask your friends from the trans community about the best dating sites for trans people. Always check the credentials of a site before getting registered.

Be Your Original Self

There is no point in trying to put up a façade to impress someone. It’s simply not worth it. A person who will fall in love with you would accept you with all your supposed inconsistencies and flaws. So never try to create an airbrushed image of yourself in front of someone.

As a MTF transgender woman, you are proud of your identity. You also have a unique personality and individuality. The way you express your femininity is totally your call. Do not feel compelled to adhere to stereotypical notions of femininity in order to prove yourself a woman. You already are a gorgeous woman. And if someone has to love you, they will do so just the way you are.

Confidence and self-esteem are very attractive traits in a woman. Your date would be drawn to you like a moth is to a flame if you stand your ground and create your own rules.

Be Honest with Your Partner

This is the most important aspect of any relationship. You have to be 100 percent honest with your partner.  They should have complete clarity regarding your gender identity. In fact, you should make it a point to tell your date everything about your ‘trans’ identity in the initial stages itself. As much as it is your right to have a partner who respects your identity, it is also your right to know your true identity.

If you hide such a crucial aspect of your life early on in the relationship, it would definitely create problems and conflict later on. Communicating your concerns to your partner and educating them about your identity would not only make your bond stronger but would also pave the way for greater acceptance of the transgender community within mainstream society. It’s possible that your partner knows little or nothing about the trans community. So, if you communicate with him on those lines, they will not just support you in your personal life but also highlight the cause of the LGBT community at a larger level.

Communicating your identity early on would also save you from a potentially ‘transphobic’ partner. So as soon as you start talking to someone through a transgender dating app and things begin to get serious, tell them clearly about your gender identity. While you certainly don’t want someone to get obsessed with you being a transgender woman and treat you like a fetish, you also don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t even accept your identity.

Have Realistic Expectations

A MTF transgender woman has seen a lot in life. During transitioning, she has literally been through a roller coaster ride. So, she obviously wants a partner who supports her in every possible way. But she also has to be realistic in her expectations.

If you are dating a cis straight guy who has never dated a trans woman before, you have to give him some time to get used to your identity. This is not to say that you should put up with a rude and insensitive guy. But if there is a cool and sensitive guy who is trying to understand you as a person, be patient with him. Do not expect him to champion the cause of the transgender community during the first couple of dates itself. That would be too much to expect. He is getting to know you as an individual so just go with that flow.

You have to also understand that you it can’t be always about you and your issues. A successful relationship is one that has a fine balance of priorities. Maybe, he has had a bad day at work or perhaps, he is just too tired. In such a scenario, if you start with your problems and woes the moment he drops in, he might not look interested. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he is rude or inconsiderate. He might be having his own issues. So, get involved in his life as well and have realistic expectations from the relationship. A great relationship is one that builds up gradually. So, take it slow, steady and be sensitive to the needs of your partner as well.

As a transgender man, it’s a beautiful feeling when you ask out the girl of your dreams and she says yes. No wonder you are on cloud nine. But there is a lot more groundwork to be done yet! How you plan out your first date is what matters most. As the adage goes, first impressions are the last impressions. So, you should leave no stone unturned in making your first date unique and special.

If she has a good time during the first date, she would certainly want to go out on a second date with you. It’s as simple as that. But for that magic to happen, you have to invest some time, energy and creativity in planning out the date.

Below are some tips that would help you plan out an awesome first date for the girl who makes you go weak in the knees!

Be Creative in Planning Out the Date

This is most important. You can’t just take her out anywhere. A trans man taking out his crush on a date for the first time needs to invest some thinking into where he can take her. Everyone goes out on dates to fancy and expensive restaurants and cafes. There is nothing new about that. If you want to impress your girl, plan out something that is new, exciting and matches her hobbies.

If she is a dancing queen, get to know what kind of music she likes dancing to and take her someplace they are playing a live band along those lines. If your date is into books and reading, try to search for a café that also has a library or a bookshop attached to it. And take her out for a daytime date to that place. If you know for sure she is the clubbing rockstar, take her out to the best club in town. Or else maybe, she is too much of a nature lover. In that case, take her out to a garden café, a restaurant that has a terrace with a stunning outdoor view or take her out to a quaint, little pub in the mountains where the two of you can take a refreshing walk after the meal.

If you are creative in planning out your first date, she is going to love it. Women appreciate these little surprises. Your date would certainly notice that you put in so much effort in planning out that date and figuring out her likes and preferences. If you ask her out for a second date, she is probably going to say yes!

Be a Good Planner!

This is very important. Now that you have figured out where to take her, the next step is to plan out everything really well. We might have the best of ideas but unless we execute them, it’s no use. As a transgender man, you got to make sure that you’ve got everything figured out well in advance, the venue, how to get there, the amount of time it would take in getting from one place to another if you have 2,3 places on your itinerary.

When you finally go out on a date with that gorgeous woman you met through a transgender dating site, you don’t want to be embarrassing yourself with last-minute glitches. The whole thing should be effortless and smooth. Everything has to be so perfect that she completely forgets about the practical aspects of that date. And those practical things need to be taken care of by you.

Be a Gentleman When it Comes to Expenses

As a trans man, it is important that you bear the expenses of the first date yourself. On subsequent dates, the two of you could split the bills or work out a mutual arrangement, if the need be. But as a gentleman, you shouldn’t let your lady spend any money on the first date.

Even if she insists, just explain to her gently that you asked her out and therefore, you are going to take care of all her expenses. It’s not about money but it is certainly about gentlemanly behaviour and these little courtesies that women appreciate.

Money is not a big deal but if you take care of all her expenses on the first date, it shows that you value the lady.

Be at Your Best Behaviour

Good manners cannot be faked. But when you are with a lady you fancy, you obviously make an effort to be at your best behaviour. As a trans man going out on a first date with someone, you ought to remember that your prospective lady love would be closely observing your behaviour during the date.

Make an effort to pay attention to whatever she is saying. Be courteous and polite. Also, be a bit restrained when it comes to flirtation. While she won’t mind subtle and tasteful flirtation, anything over the top might make her feel you are too desperate or creepy. So, keep it cool and balanced.

Your body language plays an important role in how others perceive you. Be confident and relaxed. Avoid fidgeting too much. Also, look directly into the eyes of the lady when you are speaking. When you have the courage to look into someone’s eyes while you are talking, it shows your intentions are good and honest. On the contrary, if you cannot look directly into a person’s eyes, that gives the impression of a somewhat shady character. Just remember that in trans girl dating, it's these little perceptions that matter. Also, when it’s a date, it’s also romantic to look into the eyes of the woman of your dreams. Maybe, you two get a bit carried away and keep looking into one another’s eyes all evening.

Finally, good behaviour is not just about how you behave with her. It’s also about how you behave with others around you. The way you speak to the staff at your date venue tells a lot about your character. If you are arrogant and impolite with them, she would obviously judge you. So, keep that in mind.

The Good Old Candlelight Dinner Never Goes Out of Fashion!

Women are creatures of romance. They love a fairy-tale setting when it comes to spending time with someone special. There is something eternal and otherworldly about the idea of love so it is a somewhat fantastic, magical setting that can indeed do wonders for your first date.

If you cannot figure out anything else for your first date, take her out for a candlelight dinner! That’s one clichéd idea that always works. Dim lights, beautiful and laid-back music, some champagne, chocolates and flowers, this is the stuff of every girl’s dream. It is the deepest desire of every woman to be treated like a princess. A woman is capable of such dreamlike delicacy and love but first, she wants you to prove that you are worthy of it.

So, take her to a nice restaurant and surprise her with a candlelight dinner. Surprises are always good. Maybe, do not inform her in advance that it will be a candlelight dinner. She would be even more impressed if you pre-order a cake with her name on it or maybe a nice, little quote about how you like her. And then make your princess cut the cake, while the two of you are out on the candlelight dinner date. Your lady would absolutely love this. Also, make it a point to give her some gift when you meet her. It could be flowers, perfume, anything. The cost of the gift doesn’t matter. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the feelings that are important.

Take Special Care of Her Safety

This is most important. You have to take special care of the safety of your woman during and after the date. If you are in a crowded place and some guy is making her, feel uncomfortable, you should be able to stand up for her. While she obviously doesn’t expect you to pick up a fight, she does expect you to tell off that guy politely but firmly.

Women these days are independent and capable of protecting themselves for sure. It is certainly not about patronizing her. But as a trans man, standing up for your woman shows that you care for her. A woman wants to be with someone who can take control of things when they get messy. Imagine being at a restaurant and your woman feeling uncomfortable due to something and you just sitting in a corner, watching quietly. What kind of impression it would create? She would probably never see you for a second date.

Taking care of your date’s safety also involves making sure she gets back home safely. We still live in a patriarchal society, unfortunately so women’s safety is a concern, especially during late night. If she is uncomfortable about the idea of you dropping her home, book her a cab but keep a tab of her journey. Talk to her over the phone till she gets back home safely.

You might impress a woman with flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinner but when she gets to know that you genuinely care about her wellbeing, that’s when her heart starts melting.

Hormone Replacement Therapy:

He Born to Dominican parents, New York local, Laith Ashley propelled his career with a monumental campaign for Barneys New York, shot by Bruce Weber. Making his introduction as one of the primary trans male models to ever show up in a national campaign, was just the start.

A graduate of Fairfield University, he studied psychology with a focus in research, religion, and law. Laith started his transition at the end of January 2014 and found that modeling constrained him to confront himself in ways he never envisioned. Laith was the main male model on Oxygen's TV show, 'STRUT' and has been highlighted on a few covers, including Attitude magazine. 

He has strolled in fashion shows for major designers and has been highlighted in Vogue Hommes.  A defender for social equity, Laith has done incalculable interviews, empowering social change and advocating for equitable rights for LGBT people, and additionally speaking on the significance of decent variety at universities in the US and abroad. 

There is a side to Laith Ashley that presently can't seem to be seen by the majority. A born entertainer, Laith is a vocalist, a songwriter, and dancer. His greatest dream was to impart these endowments to the world, and now he at long last will.

As a trans guy, you might feel that grooming is an overrated concept. In fact, it’s easy to be besotted and charmed by the idea of the rugged, hyper-masculine, beast-like male! While it’s all good to be rugged and masculine, personal grooming is a must. You don’t want to look like you just came out of a forest where you were living like for the past 100 years.

Though of course, in male grooming, minimalism is the key. But basic grooming is essential. When you come out in the open and start meeting people, it’s important to be presentable and well turned out. When you start dating someone, they are going to obviously judge you by your physical appearance. No matter how good-looking you are, if you have mouth odour or your socks are stinking, your date is certainly not going to be impressed.

Below are listed some personal grooming tips which every transgender man ought to follow.

Shower Every Day

To some people, this might seem like the most obvious thing to do. But there are others who have a habit of skipping shower every now and then. Especially if one lives in cold climatic conditions, they think they can get away with it. As a trans man, it is absolutely important to clean yourself every day. This is the basic etiquette of personal hygiene. An early morning shower is even better. It makes you look forward to the entire day. You feel fresh and rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

Then, showering regularly cleans all the dirt and impurities and also improves your skin. A lot of skin problems are simply an offshoot of bad personal hygiene. If you wash yourself thoroughly and regularly, the skin too is going to behave well.

And remember showering is not just about literally standing under a shower for 2 minutes and then running off! You need to invest time in cleaning your body and face properly. Always clean your feet using a pumice stone. Use a loofah for cleaning the body and pay special attention to private parts. One often neglects these while showering and this could lead to unwanted infections.

Choose a good quality body wash or a soap to motivate yourself to shower every day! There is such an awesome line up of personal grooming products both online and offline. You could even go for organic handmade soaps. These would ensure that you smell delicious after the shower.

Regular Shaving and Trimming is a Must

A clean-shaven look works very well for a trans man. But if you are after the rugged masculine bearded look, that’s cool too. But even then, make it a point to trim your beard and mustache regularly.

Pay extra attention to the hair inside your nostrils. It’s a common tendency to overlook this area. But when you are talking to someone face to face, it’s easy for them to spot that kind of thing. So if you want to save yourself from a potentially embarrassing situation, keep a tab on the hair overgrowth inside your nostrils. Trim these regularly.

Make it a point to trim your nails regularly. This includes nails of both hands and feet. Long nails would just attract dirt, gives your hands and feet an unsavory appearance unless of course, you apply nail polish and maintain them really well. But it’s best to just trim your nails and go for a basic, clean look.

You also got to pay attention to the eyebrows. Eyebrows define the entire face and give it a certain look. While as a guy, you certainly don’t need to get your eyebrows shaped at a parlour, it’s still a good idea to trim them regularly at home using tweezers if you have too much of growth. Also, white hairs peeping out of your otherwise perfect and luscious dark eyebrows can be a very embarrassing sight. So trim those regularly.

Good Dental Hygiene is a Must

You met a gorgeous woman through a transsexual dating app and the two of you are out on your first date. Things are going really good and there comes a moment when the two of you might just get to a sweet kiss. But then all of a sudden, she gives you an awkward expression and distances herself a bit. You wonder what happened? Well, in all probability, it could be your bad breath.

Bad breath is an embarrassment that many guys deal with. And it all boils down to dental hygiene. Make it a point to brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and another time before you go to bed. Tongue scraping is also very important. Before brushing the teeth, make it a point to use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue thoroughly. Bad breath occurs mostly because of the particles stuck on the surface of the tongue. Only brushing your teeth won’t solve the problem. Regular tongue cleaning is essential.

Flossing at least once a day is a very good practice. Any good quality mouthwash would suffice. Yet another trick for maintaining excellent dental hygiene is a practice called oil pulling. The practice basically involves taking a spoonful of edible oil like coconut or olive oil and then swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. When you begin to feel tired, just spit it out. This is an excellent practice that not only keeps bad breath at bay but also whitens teeth.

Pay Special Attention to Your Clothing

Clothing is the most important part of your physical appearance. Always dress in clothes that suit your body type and personality. A good rule of thumb is to go for clothes that fit just right – neither too tight nor too baggy. Also, dress according to the occasion. When you are going for an interview, avoid wearing flamboyant or colourful clothes. Stick to a proper suit or a pair of trousers in sober colours coupled with a collared shirt. Make sure you iron your clothes well! For casual wear, you can still get away but formal clothes look well shabby if not ironed.

Keep a tab on what other trans men are wearing. Check out a transgender blog and get to know about the latest trends in trans male fashion. Make it a habit to regularly subscribe to fashion magazines and keep a track of all the latest trends in male clothing. It’s about mix and match. Learn all about the latest fashion, observe all trends and then create your unique personal style statement.

Invest in Good Skincare Products

Good skincare products are a must for personal grooming. And contrary to the popular perception, these are meant not just for women. A trans man needs to invest in good skincare products for optimum personal grooming. To begin with, a good face wash is a must. He needs to wash his face twice a day with a good quality face wash. This keep oiliness at bay and the skin looks refreshed and rejuvenated at all times.

Then, a great moisturizer and sunscreen is a must-have. Post shower; start your morning routine by applying a moisturizer, followed by sunscreen. Many brands have sunscreens which also double up as moisturizers. So that is an alternative as well. Then you don’t need to go for two separate products.

You might dismiss these things as girly and feminine but these are the bare minimum basics of personal grooming. With time, the definition of masculinity has also undergone a sea change. Men are getting increasingly conscious of their looks and appearance. They are not longer embarrassed to apply creams and lotions and go for facials and pedicures. Many even go for waxing. As a trans man, how far you want to go with personal grooming is totally your call. But following a bare minimum routine is essential.

Select a Great Perfume or Cologne to Impress Her

In transsexual dating, grooming matters a lot. When you meet a beautiful woman on date, she expects you to look nice and smell nice. So it is important that you choose your perfume or cologne with great care. Just don’t pick up any expensive fragrance from the market. Try out different ones and then choose the one that complements your personality.

Also, make sure that the fragrance you choose is not too overpowering. A subtle fragrance with just the right balance of aroma will do the trick. You don’t want to smell like you just walked out of a store selling incense sticks or something.

Pay Attention to Your Shoes

Shoes are a much-neglected part of our overall appearance. We go to great lengths to select our dress for a particular occasion. The hairstyle, the watch, everything is just spot on. But often, shoes are the last thing people think about. And the funny thing is it is actually the first thing people notice about you when they see you.

As a trans man, always pay attention to the kind of shoes you are wearing and whether they go with your clothes. You should always invest in shoes that are stylish, yet uncomfortable. Shoes that are uncomfortable will hurt your feet and your walk will be awkward as well. Go for comfy shoes so that you can pull off that smooth swag.

Unfortunately, we still live in a society where trans phobia is more common than rare. Most families would have some kind of prejudice against a transgender person. So, the most important thing is not to freak out when your family tells you that they won’t accept your relationship under any circumstances. Stand your ground firmly but at the same time, do not mess up things with your family either.

This article gives you a couple of tips that would come in useful while dealing with a family that doesn’t accept your transgender partner.

Communicate With Your Family

This is the most important thing. You have to constantly communicate with your family in order to make them understand the importance of you dating that particular person. If you know for sure that your parents are heavily prejudiced against transgender people, don’t tell them everything in one go. Create the right ambience for revealing the truth. Try to build a conversation around general topics like how all individuals are unique and different and how it is important to not judge anyone by their identity tag. Take the conversation a bit further and then try talking about transgender people; explain to them how society has changed and that people can live the life of their choice without being judged.

Once you feel the conversation is getting somewhere, you can make the big announcement. They might be totally shocked and outright dismissive of the relationship.  Take it easy. Do not freak out. Prejudices don’t go away that fast. Give them some time for the reality to sink in. Always keep open the channels of communication.

After the initial task of communicating to them the gender identity of your partner, it’s important to focus more on their personality and attributes. Tell your parents about the great personality traits of your partner. Open up to them about your journey together that how your partner has changed your life for good. Talking about the positive aspects of your relationship is a good way to convince your parents. After a point, the conversation shouldn’t revolve around your partner’s trans identity. It should be simply about them as an individual.

Create Certain Boundaries

You love and respect your family and it should be always like that. But at the same time, you have to make it clear that they cannot disrespect your trans partner. When you meet someone through a transgender dating app and begin to date them, you both have to take a vow of safeguarding each other’s integrity and respect. That is the basic foundation of a good relationship.

So, if any of your family members begin to say rude and disrespectful things about your partner, ask them to stop the conversation right away. Don’t lose your calm. Tell them politely but firmly that you don’t think that’s a nice way to talk about your partner. If they still persist, just walk away saying you would see them perhaps some other time. There is no point in arguing and counterarguing. Just tell them firmly that you can’t continue the conversation if they talk about your partner like that. If they still don’t understand, just leave. This would have a powerful impact and set automatic boundaries.

It is important to find the right balance between your relationship with your parents and your partner. While your partner deserves all your love and respect, your parents too are important. They have their own perspective and even though it’s wrong, you just cannot shout at them or be rude because they are your family. That is where setting boundaries work. If you just lay down certain rules as to what you would and what you wouldn’t tolerate, you can still maintain a normal relationship with your family.

Do Not Compromise on Your Partner’s Self Respect

While it’s important to respect your family, it’s equally important that you take a stand when things get too much. If they have disrespected your partner in person and he/she is hurt, it’s about time you stop taking your partner to meet your family. It’s simply not worth it. While it’s good to keep trying that your family accepts the relationship, your partner cannot be a scapegoat in the sequence of things. If things have reached a critical point, it’s best to take a break. Start maintaining a certain distance. Communicate to them through your cold behaviour that you don’t approve of the way they treat your partner.

A transgender person has literally gone through a lot of hell in life. They need your unconditional love and support. So, if your family is constantly disrespecting them, just don’t get your partner involved in that drama. Keep a separate relationship with your family but keep your partner out of it.

Also, when you are alone with your partner, address any concerns that they have about your family. It is natural that they would be a bit scared and insecure thinking you might leave them because of your family. Comfort your partner and tell him/her that you would always be by their side, no matter what. Remember that family is a touchy subject with transgender people because they might be facing some issues from their own families.

When you’ve taken the plunge to date a transgender person through a trans dating site, it’s equally important that you stand up for their cause.

Accept the Reality

While it may be disheartening to know that your family will probably never accept your trans partner, it’s important to accept the reality. There is hope as long as we live but sometimes, we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Make it clear to your family members that irrespective of whatever they think of the relationship, they have to respect your partner. Give them the message that you would slowly start withdrawing from their world if they are hostile to your partner.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to do that balancing act between your family and partner. You are probably attached to your family a lot. And it can hurt like hell. But you have to be strong and face the truth, no matter what.

It’s also a good time to introspect your level of commitment to your partner. If you are willing to sacrifice your family for someone, you are really in love with them. If your relationship is meaningless and futile and you just miss your family all the time, it’s time to do a reality check.

Seek Counselling or Support

Despite the best of your efforts, things can get really messy. If it reaches that point where your mental health has begun to suffer, look for professional counselling. Having sessions with a professional counsellor would help you locate your priorities better. You would have a better grasp of your own thought process and be able to respond to the situation in a way more controlled manner.

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Communicating your concerns to friends who understand your viewpoint is also a great way to come out of this mess. If your family is really important to you and you can’t live without them either, these friends can become a bridge between you and them. They can try and take up your case.

It’s also important to communicate your concerns to your partner. Tell him/her that you love them from the core of your heart but you are also missing your family. A transgender person has seen so many challenges in life that they understand the importance of a loving and supportive family. Even if your family doesn’t accept them, they wouldn’t mind you being on normal terms with them as long as it doesn’t infringe on your relationship. From your end, you should try your best to keep a working relationship with your family. But you got to make it clear to them that they have to respect your partner.

Just Relax and Unwind

If all the thinking and reflection gets too much for you, just put everything aside and relax. Spend quality time with your partner. Love is no less than therapy. Indulge in activities that make you happy; singing, painting, dancing, running, whatever it is. Bond with your partner over fun activities.

Never underestimate the power of a good laugh! Laughter is the best medicine for all our woes. It heals us and fixes wounds automatically. So, exercise your sense of humour and have a good laugh with your partner and friends!

As far as your family goes, just keep up the hope that they will eventually come around. Transsexual dating is not easy. It is expected that one faces many challenges. But stay optimistic and upbeat. That can solve a lot of problems.

As a FTM transgender man, you make so many efforts to look masculine and incorporate male behavioural patterns in your body language and communication. You pay extra attention to your wardrobe and the way you carry your clothes. Most FTM trans guys also take the Hormone Replacement Therapy in order to develop the physical attributes of manliness. But there is one area which might not seem like a dead giveaway but nevertheless, it is something that makes you conscious as a trans man. This is the crotch area. Since as a FTM trans guy, you do not possess the private parts of the male gender, this can impact your self-image and make you question your masculinity.

In order to overcome this discomfort, many trans guys resort to packing. Simply put, packing is the process of artificially creating a male-like bulge in the crotch area. It is a technique that simulates the crotch area of a man using various devices and aids. Packing is especially beneficial for those FTM transgender guys who haven’t undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Packers are available in different varieties, sizes, and price ranges. From the simplest of packers that literally just help create that bulge in your crotch area to more advanced ones that simulate the male reproductive organs with absolute dexterity, there is a wide variety of those available.

Although one has to understand than not all FTM trans men feel the need to pack. Some don’t feel the need for it at all, as the supposed absence of manliness in their nether regions doesn’t bother them. It does not affect their identity. But there are others to whom this can be a source of acute discomfort and anxiety. It is a part of gender dysphoria, also known as bottom dysphoria.

Many Transgender guys also choose to pack because it increases their chances of passing off as a man in public places and saves them from potential harassment. You might think that nobody really stares hard at your crotch area in a public place but if you are wearing tight trousers or fitted exercise lowers, the absence of a bulge can be obvious. Some people might choose to ignore even if they notice. But if someone creates an issue out of it, it can be embarrassing and also become a safety concern. Society is very prejudiced against transgender people. And it looks for opportunities to bully and trouble them. For many trans men, packing saves them from that potential harassment and sometimes even violence and abuse.

There is such a mind-boggling variety of packers available in the market that it is difficult to figure out which one to buy and where to start. This article gives you a couple of tips on how to pack as a transgender man.

Start Packing with a Sock

This is useful for trans men who want to pack but are not quite sure if it’s the right thing for them. Before buying a packer, you can actually start packing using a sock. This is a fairly common method in the trans community. It is inexpensive, easy to implement and you don’t have to worry about any side effects or skin infection.

Packing with a sock simply involves folding the sock in a certain way and placing it strategically inside your underwear so that a male-like bulge can be created. There are many tutorials available on how to pack with a sock online. You can do some research and check out with a transgender blog that talks about packing with socks.

Although this won’t give you a realistic-looking bulge in terms of resemblance but it’s a great way to start. Moreover, nobody really notices these things that carefully. If you check out the nether regions of a cis guy who is wearing jeans or trousers, you can just make out that there is a little bit of bulge. You do not really see the outline of the male reproductive organs as such.

Once you start packing with a sock, you will soon find out if packing is for you at all. And then once you are comfortable, you can ready yourself for buying a commercial packer.

Figure out Your Needs and Budget before Buying a Packer

There are so many different kinds of packers available in the market. It is important to figure out your specific needs and preferences before investing in one. Budget too is an important factor. Silicone packers are considered the best if you want a hyper-realistic packer that simulates the male genitalia with perfection. Silicone packers are considered the safest for prolonged skin contact. But again, the flip side is that these are generally quite expensive.

Then, there are foam packers which might be great for FTM transgender men who just want a manly-looking bulge without the look of a penis. The foam packer is pretty lightweight. It is also a good option for those who might be allergic to silicone.

As a FTM transgender guy, you also need to figure out the exact purpose of buying a packer. Do you just need it in the public or is it something you need for sexual pleasure as well? The kind of packing that you generally do for outdoors like when you are in a gym or a public place is known as soft packing. However, if you need packing specifically from the point of view of physical pleasure during lovemaking, hard packing will be your thing. Hard packing would incorporate something like a dildo or another prosthetic device that would be upright and erect.

While a hard packer is great for your love life, it would be awkward to wear one for daily use. You would just attract unwanted stares and attention in a public place if you sport one. So the best is to just use a soft packer on a daily basis and keep the hard one reserved for your lovemaking sessions. Also, hard packing can cause irritation in your private parts, so keep all that into account before buying one.

Then, there are STP Packers which can be especially useful for a FTM transgender guy as these will help you urinate while standing like a man. However, you need some practice before using this kind of packer. It can be awkward at first but you will soon get used to it.

You can interact with other trans men through a transgender forum and figure out which packer works best for them. Packing is an important part of your masculine identity and you shouldn’t be shy or embarrassed to ask questions on this topic.

Buy a Packer that’s Just the Right Size

As a FTM transgender guy, you might be tempted to buy a large-sized packer, thinking it will be an asset to your masculinity. But the reality is that would just look odd and would draw unwanted attention. Always buy a packer that’s just the right size keeping in mind your body proportions, not too big and not too small.

Well, if you do want to go for an oversized packer, that’s totally your choice. But it’s certainly not going to help you with the goal of passing off as a regular guy. Just try and judge the right size going by your own body proportions. If you are a tall and huge guy, then a large packer would actually complement your physicality.

You Could Also Consider Packer Specific Clothing

Packer-specific clothing is getting popular these days. As a FTM transgender guy, you could buy different kinds of underwear that are specially designed for packing. There are specific boxer briefs with pouches to slip in the packer. Such clothing can be useful to a trans man, especially while he is learning how to pack. This can save him the constant stress and worry that what if his packer slips off.

It Will Take a While to Get Used to Packing

Many FTM transgender men do not go for packing simply because it makes them feel uncomfortable in their private parts. You have to keep in mind that it will take you a while to get used to packing. The initial phase will be challenging. You might feel awkward walking. You might be conscious of the packer all the time and feel super stressed out in a public place thinking that everybody is just looking at you.

But there is no need to worry. After a while, you will get adjusted to packing and it will become a part of your identity. Just make sure you practice walking around with a packer on as much as you can. Not just walking but general activities like household chores, exercise, dancing, etc should also be practiced with a packer on. You could easily practice in your house. The idea is to get used to packing as much as you can before you begin to use it in a public place.

As a FTM transgender guy, remember that packing is not just about others noticing that there is a bulge in your crotch area. It’s about your own affirmation in your masculinity. Packing is supposed to help you with dysphoria and make you feel super comfortable and confident with your masculine identity. So invest time and energy in learning how to pack. Make it a part of your life.