Passing Tips
As I was surfing the net, unabashadly looking for passing tips, I came to the realization that there wern't many that would help me too much. For some reason people seem to think that all FTMs are small, well, I'll admit I'm not very small. At 5'10" 210lbs, I'm far from it. So, I want to give all the larger F2Ms and people who just want general tips to look no further than here. I'll admit that I'm not the most learned one, I'm just starting out myself, but with your help (Gee, I sound like I'm running a telethon!) we can turn this page into a infozone. :)
Hair
(Alexande59@aol.com) The male haircut is a must. Go to the barber and ask for a "traditional man's cut" or, if you're younger, a "traditional boy's cut." I did this and got a fabulous haircut which helped me pass immensely. If you're uncomfortable asking your long-time barber for this, go somewhere you've never been before. Bring plenty of money-like $30. Nothing's worse than being $1.50 short and having to call someone for cash. :-) If you're worried that someone will try to stop you, go alone. Once the hair is cut, don't tell people that the barber screwed up when they ask you why you changed it. They'll just keep bothering you to get it fixed. If you don't feel like outing yourself on the spot, just tell them you like it better this way.
Binding
(Alexande59@aol.com) Avoid ACE bandages because they restrict breathing and can cut you. Tape is a DEFINITE no-no. This may seem obvious but I've known people who tried taping until I told them it was dangerous. It's very easy to take off a layer of skin when you remove the tape, no matter how careful you are. For smaller guys in particular, I recommend the Futuro abdominal binder. It can be obtained at any drugstore for like $20. It's in a yellow box and will be in the aisle with the ACE bandages and Ben-Gay and stuff. *IMPORTANT: The Futuro MUST be worn with an undershirt under it! Otherwise it will chafe.* There are also some good products that can be ordered, such as the Morris binder.
(This is an edited e-mail from snogriff@uswest.net) With lots of trial and error I discovered that the best binder for me, is one of those womens one piece work out suits, kind of like a wrestlers outfits but higher cut on the chest. They work great for keeping the tits down, belly in, and package in place, There only draw back is its a pain to go to the bathroom. It also helps avoid that layered look that seems to be frequent for those of us who can't afford surgery yet. I just use it in place of underwear.
Voice
(Alexande59@aol.com) Deepening your voice on the phone is fine and may be a good idea if it's on the high side, but don't try to deepen it when conversing in person. You can see it in a person's face when they're trying to change their voice.
(Alex) My chior voice coach told me when I first started working on my voice that doing voice exercises can help alot. Stuff like trying to sing a scale gradually lowering it a note or two. :) Now I can sing 3 octaves and have been moved to tenor. If you need help on voice, feel free to e-mail me. :)
Walking and mannerisms
(Alexande59@aol.com) Observe other guys. Go to the mall and sit on a bench and watch the world go by. To start, take notes and then practice at home, until you get a feel for it, then go in public. Don't take pictures or use a video camera. It may be tempting because it's easier to look at a video than try to remember with notes on a page, but people will think you're wacky and may call security if you're taping random people. :-) Also, don't imitate just one or a few guys. Get a broad range and then average them together. Otherwise, you're just doing an impression of that one guy or that group of guys.
(Alex) Also, be sure to pay special attention to hands. Women tend to have "active gestures", they use their arms and hands more while talking and even walking!
Dealing With Women
(Alexande59@aol.com) Be yourself, but be less social than you used to be. Men are not as into gossiping with women as women are.
Dealing with Men
(Alexande59@aol.com) Again, be yourself. Be social, but not gossipy. Observing men interacting will give you an idea of what I mean. Also, don't smile as much. This may sound strange, but it's true. Women smile at each other to let them know they're okay, like if you bump into someone on the street. Men don't do that with other men. James Green once told of a time that a guy looked like he was going to punch him out, because he saw it as a threat or a come-on.
Got tips? Send them to: alex_brokaw@yahoo.com
