If any kind of FTM transsexual surgery is in your plans, it’s likely that you’ve thought about surgery scars: their placement and visibility, and for many, the ways in which they can be reduced. Some guys are proud of their scars and wear them as badges of honor, but if you’re looking for information about the best ways to treat scars and reduce their appearance, you’ll find lots of ideas in this comprehensive guide.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A) What Are Scars?

To determine the best methods for treating surgery scars we first need to understand what they are. Simply stated, scars are areas of fibrous skin that replace normal skin after injury. Skin injury can include wounds, burns, acne and surgery. Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process. When your skin is injured, skin cells rich in collagen (protein) multiply to replace the injured skin. The collagen contains fibers that strengthen the layer of skin below the surface, adding thickness to the healing skin, and it’s this thickness that causes scarring. How the scar heals is dependent on the severity and location of the injury, age, hereditary factors, and skin color.

There are several different types of scars:

• Hypertrophic Scars: These are typically redder in appearance, and lightly raised and thickened.
• Keloid Scars: These scars are the result of an overproduction of new scar tissue. They usually appear after surgery, but can also be caused by inflammation from pimple, burns, or piercings. Although harmless, keloid scars tend to be itchy, tender, or even painful to the touch, and they can spread beyond the original wound site. Additionally, keloids can continue to grow slowly for years. They are more common in darker skinned individuals and tend to be hereditary.
• Atrophic Scars: These scars are recessed and occur when fat and muscle under the wounded skin is damaged or lost. Acne can leave recessed scars.
• Contracture Scars: These scars have a pulled taught appearance caused by skin contraction during healing. Deep contracture scars can restrict movement if the underlying muscles and nerves are affected. They are often the result of burn injuries.

One way of treating scars is to… not treat them at all! You’ll need to be patient, as the healing process is slow. If you’d like to support your body’s healing capabilities, or speed the healing process along, continue reading to learn more about what both conventional and alternative medicine have to offer for treating surgery scars.

B) Preoperative Care

1. Choosing a Surgery Procedure

FTM transsexual surgery procedures vary, and scar size and placement is often a consideration when choosing a procedure. For example:

2. Nutrition and Scar Healing

Certain foods, vitamins and mineral supplements are known to help promote wound healing and even reduce the development of scar tissue. To prepare for surgery, stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet, and quit smoking. You’ll be well on your way to optimal healing.

Protein: Proteins provide the body with the building blocks to repair and rebuild, and they also help fight infection. Because protein deficiency can delay wound healing, eating a diet rich in lean protein before surgery can help promote good scar healing when you’re post-op.

Zinc: Similarly, zinc deficiencies have been linked to slow wound healing. Additionally, surgical trauma can actually decrease your zinc levels. Zinc plays an important role in the collagen matrix, it promotes new skin formation and helps fight infection. Consider increasing your daily zinc intake via zinc-rich foods or a zinc supplement.

Vitamin C: Studies have shown that wound healing can be significantly accelerated by taking vitamin C in doses larger than the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

Other vitamins and minerals that reportedly promote skin healing include: bromelain (pineapple), grape seed extract, vitamin A, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and collagen supplements.

Important Note: There are numerous supplements that should be discontinued in advance of surgery, particularly anti-coagulants like garlic, ginger and ginseng. Nothing above appears in the list of Medications to Avoid Before and After Surgery that my surgeon provided me with, however you are advised to speak with your surgeon to confirm that any supplements you add to your regimen prior to surgery are not problematic in this regard.

3. Preoperative Massage

Massage has applications both pre- and post-operatively. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) massage prepares and helps tissues to be in the best possible state before surgery. Even just two preoperative sessions can significantly improve wound healing and scar appearance. (Read more about post-operative massage below.)

C) Post-Operative Scar Care

Your path to good healing starts immediately in the recovery room, with rest. During your recovery, you’ll have to wait for incisions to close before moving on to topical scar treatment, but in the meantime the same nutritional principles of wound healing apply. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your food intake may be limited but strive to eat a healthy, balanced diet within those limitations. Once your incisions have closed…

1. Post-operative Massage

Kristin Wilson-Key has been practicing massage and bodywork for over 25 years and has a specialization in post-operative chest and breast care. When asked about post-op massage in relation to scar tissue, Kristin offered the following comments:

A person can begin “working” the tissue very gently as soon as stitches are removed [or fully dissolve]. The work is to gently smooth the tissue along the incision line, in the direction of the scar, to get the tissue to form next to — instead of across — the incision. This helps the tissue be more mobile. The scar will also heal in a thinner line with less redness. After a month or so, one can begin to go across the incision, sideways, and diagonally, with a little more pressure.

The other important thing to do is to begin to lift the scar up from the underlying tissue, so that it does not adhere to it. This is very important for mobility. I like to get the scar to a point of being able to pick it up and roll it between my fingers. This type of work is done months into the healing process, depending on the scar’s sensitivity. It must be done gently at first and then quite aggressively later, especially if it’s an older scar. [Note: Stop if you feel any discomfort or tenderness.]

The massage work also helps with sensitivity. If a person never touches or handles a scar, the nerves can remain too sensitive or altered. Additionally, touching the scar while it is still forming helps the person heal, physically and emotionally. I think this is very important.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Scar Healing

Acupressure and acupuncture are treatment modalities from the TCM tradition that can help reduce scar tissue. Acupressure is a form of massage that stimulates energy points on your body to boost maximum energy flow. Acupressure breaks up scar tissue and restores energy flow to the site of the skin injury, and is especially effective when combined with a topical scar healing oil or salve. This video demonstrates the acupressure technique for healing scars.

To treat scars with acupuncture, tiny specialized needles are inserted superficially into the skin at various points along the scar. This creates a healing, inflammatory response: dead cells and scar tissue are broken down by the body, blood flow to the area is increased, the lymphatic system is stimulated, and dead cells can be excreted. For a detailed summary of acupuncture methods to treat scars, see this excellent article from Acupunture Today: A Simplified Approach to the Treatment of Scars with Oriental Medicine.

3. Topical Scar Treatments

To Use or Not To Use? The Debate About Vitamin E and Scar Healing

Vitamin E has been used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. Anecdotal reports claim that it speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic appearance of scars, and many doctors recommend topical vitamin E for surgery scar treatment. However, an oft-quoted study into the effect of vitamin E on scars revealed a starkly different picture:

• Vitamin E did not improve the appearance of scars.
• Vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars in 90% of study participants.
• 33% of study participants developed dermatitis.

Is it possible that the positive results claimed about vitamin E have more to do with scar hydration than with any dermatological effect of vitamin E?

With the high risk of dermatitis it may be best to avoid using vitamin E on your scars. If you already know you’re allergic to topical vitamin E, be sure to note which scar treatment products include vitamin E, such as:

• Cocoa and Shea Butter
• Kukui Nut Oil
• Bio-Oil
• Stretch Renew Cream
• Scarguard
• See-No-Scar Solution by Mama Mio
• SCAREX
• Verseo Scar Gone

Natural Products For Scar Healing

There are numerous natural oils, plants and products that can be used to help improve the appearance of surgery scars. Look for these at your local health food store or natural pharmacy, or buy online.

Allium Bulb Extract: There’s conflicting evidence of the effectiveness of allium (aka allicin, onion) in the treatment of scars. Nevertheless, onion extract has found its way into a number of scar treatment products, including Derma E Scar Gel and the popular Mederma Scar Gel.

Arnica Cream or Gel: Applied topically, Arnica creams and gels are used to relieve pain and inflammation and promote scar healing. Avoid gels that include alcohol, which has a drying effect on skin — the opposite of what you want to do to scar tissue. You can sometimes find topical arnica formulated with calendula and silicone, both of which can also improve scar healing.

Castor Oil: Castor oil can soften and smooth out some of the fibrous tissue of a scar, improving its appearance and making it less noticeable. Gently massage into scars to promote circulation and healing. Castor oil also makes a good base for homemade herbal scar massage oils.

Calendula Gel or Cream: Applying calendula gel or cream to a scar twice a day can reduce inflammation and increases healing in new scars.

Cocoa & Shea Butter: Both cocoa and shea cocoa butter contain high concentrations of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Shea butter also stimulates collagen production in the skin and thus may be better suited to treating atrophic scars. While there’s lots of anecdotal information about the effectiveness of these fat extracts, refer to the above information about vitamin E.

Horsetail Grass: Long-valued by both European and Chinese herbalists, horsetail grass can be used topically on scars. The plant’s stems have the richest concentration of silica and silicic acids found in the plant kingdom, making horsetail grass extract a wise inclusion in a homemade scar massage oil.

Mustard Seed Oil – Homeopathic: Mustard seed oil (Thiosinaminum) ointments and homeopathic formulations are used to improve the appearance of scars. Look for a minimum 1X or 10% mustard seed oil concentration.

Kukui Nut Oil: Also known as Candlenut oil, Hawaiian Kukui nut oil is high in vitamins C, D, and E, as well as skin-protecting antioxidants. It stimulates collagen, and has the ability to “lock in” moisture in a manner similar to silicone. Refer to the above information about vitamin E.

Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip Seed Oil is well-known for its outstanding skin regeneration properties and its ability to minimize scar tissue. To create a homemade scar treatment oil, mix 1 ounce each of rosehip seed oil and essential oils of rose and everlasting.

Scar Control – Organic Homeopathic: Scar Control is formulated to treat scars and keloids, reduce and help eliminate scar tissue and discoloration of surrounding skin, improve elasticity of skin tissue, and promote healthy and balanced skin tone. Ingredients: Calendula Officinalis 6X HPUS (promotes healthy skin and healing); Silicea 6X HPUS (for painful scars, keloids), Thiosinaminum 8C HPUS (mustard seed, for dissolving scar tissue); Corsican Helichrysum; Chilean Rosa Moschata; Mediterranean Rosmarinus Verbanone; French Lavandula Super*; American Sesamum Indicum. $25.95 11 ml. (*See Scar Care Products to Avoid for more information about lavender.)

Seaweed Extract: With reported skin healing properties, seaweed extract has found its way into a number of scar treatment products, such as Scar Esthetique Scar Crème, and makes a good addition to homemade scar massage oils.

Tamanu Oil: Tamanu Oil is among the most healing of the carrier oils for skin (along with Rosehip seed oil.) This study confirmed Tamanu oil’s ability to improve the appearance of scars, with “significant improvement” in as little as 6 weeks. It’s recommended in blends at 10-20% total concentration to receive its healing effects. Tamanu oil makes an excellent base for a homemade scar massage oil.

Vitamin A: Oral vitamin A has been shown to improve the appearance of keloid scars, and topical application of retinoic acid to hypertrophic and keloid scars has also shown success. However, vitamin A treatment can cause hypervitaminosis and teratogenicity, which limit its use.

Vitamin B5: Also called Panthenol, vitamin B5 is included in several scar healing products for its ability to moisturize, aid in tissue repair and increase cell regeneration. (Vegans take note: B5 is sometimes animal-derived.)

Botanical-Based Scar Healing Products

• Bio-Oil – This is a popular scar treatment product that’s formulated with plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. Its primary ingredients are oils of calendula, lavender*, rosemary and chamomile, along with vitamins A and E. Note that Bio-Oil also includes fragrance and artificial color. $9.59 60 ml / 2 fl. oz. (*See Scar Care Products to Avoid for more information about lavender.)
• Derma E Scar Gel – Includes allicin, the active compound in garlic and onions, as well as panthenol (B5) and allantoin, which breaks down scar tissue and encourages tissue growth. $19.95 56 gm / 2 oz
• Mederma Scar Gel – Mederma claims to be the “#1 doctor-recommended” product for scars. It contains a proprietary botanical extract made from onion and allantoin. $29.49 50 gm / 1.76 oz.
• Stretch Renew Cream – Contains emu oil, aloe vera, collagen, elastin and vitamin E. $89.95 2 oz jar.

Silicone Scar Treatment

Silicone scar treatment is clinically proven to be effective, easy to use, and low risk. Silicone is made from combining silicon and oxygen atoms. It creates a protective barrier over a scar to help the scar retain moisture. Basically, silicone is an extremely powerful moisturizer.

Silicone Sheets, Strips and Pads

According to Wikipedia, silicone gel sheeting has the most widely accepted role in general scar treatment, along with steroid injections. In addition to moisturizing the scar, silicone sheets also provide pressure on the healing area, and this is a combination that’s been shown to be very effective for scar healing. The average treatment time of individual scars is 2-4 months. Popular brands of silicone gel sheets include:

• Cica Care Silicone Gel Sheeting – Cut to fit, lasts up to 28 days, $52.82 5″x6″.
• Dermatix® Silicone Sheets – UK brand, silicone & PTFE, washable/reusable, £13 – £98.
• NewGel+ Silicone Gel Sheeting – Two thicknesses, washable/reusable, $39.95.
• ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets – 12-week supply, $58.99.
• Syprex Scar Sheets – “Purest, strongest” sheets available. Various sizes & prices.

Silicone Scar Treatment Gels and Creams

• Cicaplast – Water, glycerin, sillicone-based cream, also includes copper, zinc and manganese, plus extract of gotu kola, for enhanced skin healing. While this product is recommended by some plastic surgeons for scar treatment, the manufacturer website doesn’t indicate that Cicaplast is indicated for this use. Approx. $13-$20 for 40ml / 1.33 fl oz.
• Dermatix® Silicone Gel – Popular in the UK. £36 (15 gm) – £108 (60 gm).
• InviCible Advanced Scar Treatment – Silicone-based gel with vitamin C and ProBiosyn-4 (derived from sunflower and safflower oils, aloe and licorice extracts.) $82 – 0.9 fl oz.
• Kelo-cote Advance Formula Scar Gel – Popular brand of 100% silicone gel. $13 6 gm.
• NewGel+E Silicone Gel Ointment – 100% silicone gel. $29 15 gm / 0.5 oz.
• Scarguard – Silicone, cortisone, and vitamin E. $60 1 fl oz.
• SCARprin – 100% silicone blend gel, $49.95 1 fl oz.
• See-No-Scar Solution by Mama Mio – Silicone, vitamin E, sweet almond. $37 30ml/1 fl oz
• SCAREX – Vitamins E and B5 in a silicone blend. $39 15ml.
• SyCream Scar Cream – Contains ceramides in combination with EFAs, linoleic acid and aloe vera. $43.50 17 gm. Cream and sheet packages available for $59-$64.
• TropolActive-S Repairative Scar Cream – Silicone-based cream with proprietary Elastatropin, a genetically engineered form of human tropoelastin. $34.95 2 oz.

Budget Silicone Scar Treatment

Silicone is one of those compounds that has a myriad of uses and can be found in all kinds of products. If you’re looking for a budget alternative to the typically expensive silicone scar creams and gels, options are out there but be sure to examine ingredients carefully. For example silicone grease, which has boating applications, usually contains solvents in addition to silicone. Also, not all silicones are the same. The silicone that’s found in topical scar treatment products is Polydimethylsiloxane, also called Dimethicone, which is sometimes blended with another type of silicone, Cyclomethicone.

Silicone Grease – Most silicone grease products are made from Polydimethylsiloxane. However, some may also contain solvents and/or fused silica. If you can find a 100% silicone grease though, it’s probably Polydimethylsiloxane and it will probably be quite affordable too! $3.95 0.25 oz 100% silicone grease.

Silicone Hair Gels – Cyclomethicone silicone is used in high concentrations in some hair care products. This article suggests looking for hair gloss products as a cheap alternative to silicone scar gels. Given the additional ingredients that you’re likely to find in hair products, be cautious. Look for alcohol-free, pure silicone hair gel, such as Simply Stylin’, available for $10.

Personal Lubricant – Guess what? Silicone sex lube is the cheapest silicone scar treatment gel you can find! Silicone lube is typically made from silicone blends comprised of Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone. Be sure to look for 100% silicone products, such as LifeStyles Luxe, available for just $6.99 3.5 fl oz.

Polyurethane vs. Silicone

Polyurethane Dressings – These have been shown to be as effective as silicone in healing scars, but faster. Results are reportedly evident in as little as 3-4 weeks, with significant improvement expected after 8 weeks of treatment. Others claim that polyurethane is significantly more effective than silicone dressings in reducing the adverse cosmetic effects of mature hypertrophic scars when worn for a period of 8 weeks, especially when used in conjunction with compression. The American Dermatology Association reported the effect of polyurethane dressings to be equivocal in the development of new hypertrophic scars but demonstrated “a significantly more pronounced reduction in severity” of scars, was better tolerated than silicone sheets, and may be especially beneficial in the treatment of mature scars. Sizes and pricing varies.

Skin Lightening

Skin lightening may be an option for those who haven’t had success reducing darker scars. Chemicals are used to reduce the concentration of melanin in the skin. The safety of skin lightening products is debated. The vast majority of them use one of two ingredients. Kojic acid and Hydroquinone, both of which have been linked to tumors in mice and are banned in several European countries. Nevertheless, hydroquinone creams such as Obagi Nu-Derm Clear (4% hydroquinone) are sometimes recommended by plastic surgeons.

Meladerm Pigment Reducing Complex – Meladerm can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented skin, including areas with old scars. It contains Kojic acid, plus natural ingredients, and small amounts of synthetic preservatives and emulsifiers. (Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Mulberry Extract, Bearberry Extract, Licorice Extract, Tego® Cosmo C250, Gigawhite, Lemon Juice Extract, Emblica Extract). Animal cruelty free and made in the USA. $49.99 1.7 fl oz.

Topical Scar Care Products and Ingredients to Avoid

Lavender Oil: This essential oil has skin rejuvenating and healing properties and reportedly helps with all forms of scarring. However, both lavender and tea tree oils have also been linked to gynecomastia in young boys. It reportedly suppresses male hormones and activates female hormones. This could have unwanted effects for trans men, particularly those who are not on testosterone or who have not had a hysterectomy. Note that both the organic homeopathic Scar Control and the popular Bio-Oil products contains lavender.

ScarFade: This gel is made from silicone diluted with ethylene copolymer and octyl palmitate, an emollient. These fillers do not increase the efficacy of silicone, and you’d be better off choosing a product with a higher concentration of silicone. $25.50 15g / $44.95 30g. www.scarfade.com

Scar Zone: This is marketed as a scar treatment cream with green tea extract, but it’s actually a sunscreen with 4% silicone. While sun protection is important to scar management, it’s unclear what benefit sun screen offers as an ingredient in topical scar treatment creams and gels. $10 1 fl oz. www.scarzone.com/scar-zone.shtml

Verseo Scar Gone: The manufacturer website provides only vague information about this product’s ingredients, noting only vitamin E and mandelic acid. $9.95 15ml / 0.5 fl oz. www.verseo.com/verseo-scar-gone.html

D) Beyond Topical Scar Treatments

Stimulating Collagen Production: The Derma Roller is a device that can be used to improve the appearance of atrophic scars but not hypertrophic and keloid scars. The Derma Roller creates a painless microscopic trauma to the the affected area of skin, promoting collagen growth and reversing the formation of scars. The area may remain be void of hair follicles and sweat glands, but the skin will be thicker, have less pronounced discoloration and improved appearance. £55 each.

Compression Garments to Reduce Scarring: Post-op compression garments can be uncomfortable but there’s a fair body of evidence supporting their use. Compression garments help prevent problematic scars by applying pressure and protecting the tissue from overstretching, widening and thickening. Furthermore, pressure may help break up excessive scar tissue (collagen bundles) and soften the scar. However, treatment is slow: compression garments must be worn almost all day for 6 months or more before significant results can be achieved.

Steroid Injections for Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: Steroid injections inhibits fibroblast growth, reducing the amount of collagen deposited into the scar, and have thus been a mainstay in therapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Potential side effects include hypopigmentation (less than normal pigmentation compared to the surrounding skin), atrophy, and telangiectasias (small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin.) Studies have shown that scar recurrence is common but steroid injection is generally considered effective for reduction of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Laser Scar Removal and Revision: Laser technology offers promising treatment for the cosmetic and functional improvement of scars, including laser assisted scar healing (LASH) and Pulsed Dye Laser. Fractional laser technology delivers rapid, reliable scar revision and removal and is associated with less risk, pain and downtime compared to surgical solutions.

Surgical Treatment of Scars: Most scars won’t require surgery, but for some aggressive hypertrophic and keloid scars surgical excision or cryosurgery are indicated.

E) My Experience With Top Surgery Scar Care

When I had top surgery, I didn’t have the information that I do now about scar treatment and healing. Minimal scarring was important to me, so I got a second opinion when the first surgeon I consulted with recommended double incision as the best surgical choice for me. Despite a higher revision rate, I went with the peri-areolar procedure instead since it offered me less visible scarring. After my incisions healed, I started gently massaging aloe vera gel and cocoa or shea butter on my scars a couple of times daily. This seemed to help considerably with softening the pleated scars around the areola. I wore a compression vest for 6 weeks post-op.

I had a revision surgery 10 months later which included sizing down my areola. I wore a compression vest again, for 4 weeks this time, and my surgeon also suggested taping my incisions to help prevent them from stretching out as I healed. He recommended a wide Elastoplast tape but I developed a painful allergic reaction to the adhesive and we quickly switched me over to paper tape. I still found that my skin was too sensitive to tape regularly though, and I regret this because one of my scars did stretch out and it makes my areola look larger than it is. I continued using aloe vera gel, cocoa or shea butter, as well as castor oil, on my scars after the revision.

I was mostly going on instinct: There’s only a slim amount of medical literature that has demonstrated the effectiveness of aloe vera in relation to scar healing (see: Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats.) Plus, the gel I buy has a small amount of alcohol in it, which could have been counter-productive given the drying effect it has. Also, vitamin E is hotly debated as an effective treatment, and cocoa and shea butters are both rich in vitamin E. Nevertheless, I’ve continued to use these, assuming that any effectiveness is coming from the hydration they offer, plus the massage from their application.

Recommendations (To My Past Self)

If I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would have chosen the same top surgery procedure, and stuck with the (annoying) compression vest, but I would have replaced the aloe vera gel with 100% silicone lube, and the cocoa and shea butters with a custom massage oil containing arnica, rosehip seed oil, seaweed extract and tanamu oil. I would have also been more persistent with the scar taping.

I’d like to further improve the look of my scars and even after a few years I still have some very good options, namely massage and acupuncture. I’m also intrigued by polyurethane’s potential at treating older scars and may look into this further. I would entertain the idea of surgical scar treatment, but only if this second revision was combined with another surgery.

F) 5 Final Tips

1. Don’t over do it post-op, especially if you’re prone to hypertrophic scarring.
2. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations with regards to scar healing. Know that if you choose to work outside those recommendations you could nullify your surgeon’s policies regarding revisions and liability.
3. Delay all post-op treatment until your wounds have completely closed. After that, proceed slowly.
4. Massage scars to break down scar tissue, and keep them “hyper-hydrated.”
5. Keep your scars out of the sun for at least a year post-op.

G) Further Reading

• Clinical Insights – Topical scar modification: Hype or help? [PDF]
  Mary H . McGrath, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and an ASAPS member, and David S. Chang, MD.
• Topical treatments for hypertrophic scars. [PDF]
  Zurada JM, Kriegel D, Davis IC (2006). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 55 (6): 1024–1031.
• Journal references on the topical treatment of hypertrophic scars

Your Thoughts

Have you tried any of the solutions included in this article, and did you get good results? Or, have you used other scar healing treatments that worked well for you? Please leave your comments below to share your experience with scar healing.

All prices are approximate and in USD unless otherwise noted.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. All of the information contained herein is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. See full disclaimer.

Trans Conferences offer a great opportunity to learn, share and network, stretching your knowledge and understanding of our diverse experiences as transgender men. They’re often an excellent place to get free consultations with SRS surgeons and perhaps most importantly, “face time” with valued mentors and long distance friends.

Each year, the trans conference circuit is packed with high quality events and 2012 is no exception.  Below you’ll find details about the year’s upcoming conferences that offer programming for trans men.

Which conferences will YOU be attending?

Conferences at a Glance

Money Saving Tip: Note that many of the conferences have early bird discounts available. Register early to save on your expenses! Several conferences also offer scholarships and work trades!

2012 Confirmed Conferences

First Event – 32nd Annual!
First Event is one of the largest transgender conferences, welcoming everyone from the transgender community and our supporters: crossdressers, transsexuals, intersex individuals, M2Fs, F2Ms, and their significant others are all welcome. The 2012 conference has been completely revamped and promises to be an exciting, memorable and FUN time!

When: January 18-22, 2012
Where: Boston, Massachussetts
Cost: $20-$40 single day passes, $200-$250 complete conference packages, early bird discount available, SO’s get 50% off.

Cirugía de Reconstrucción Genital
This seminar event on FTM genital reconstruction procedures will be taught by Dr. Jesus Lago.

When: February 17, 2012
Where: Madrid, Spain
Cost: Free?

Trans*Studies Conference
This inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary conference seeks to examine and explore trans* spectrum studies and activisms of all kinds. Join us as we critically explore: trans* identity, practice, communities and embodiment, etc. in contexts of race, class, (in)accessibility, health, citizenship, higher education, and rights within: legal, activist, medical, anthropological, sociological, psychological, artistic, cinematic, literary, linguistic, moral, social, (geo) political, philosophical, and religious dimensions, among others. Also on the way is a special track covering trans law, with the intention of making Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit available to attorneys.

When: March 2-4, 2012
Where: University of La Verne College of Law, Ontario, California
Cost: $10 – $175, member / non-member and sliding scale pricing

TRANSforming Gender Symposium – 6th Annual!
Sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies program and the GLBTQ Resource Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the TRANSforming Gender Symposium was founded in 2006 to create a space where the campus and wider community could learn about transgender and intersex identities and issues. The symposium has hosted numerous nationally and internationally known transgender and allied speakers, creating provoking dialogues throughout the community and furthering discussions throughout the year.

When: March 9 – 11, 2012
Where: Boulder, CO
Cost: FREE registration

Colorado Gold Rush
Hosted by the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Gold Rush features three days of workshops covering a wide array of topics of interest for trans identified folks, plus a clinical track for students and providers.

When: March 22 – 25, 2012
Where: Denver, Colorado
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $40-$80 for workshops only, $270-$350 for conference packages, early bird discount available.

The Keystone Conference
The 4th Annual Keystone Conference will be hosted by TransCentralPA. This year’s event  is a celebration of the unique diversity of gender and our central and unifying place in society. Attendees will find meaningful workshop and seminar programming, and numerous social functions. Last year’s programming included significantly expanded trans masculine and youth programs, and we expect Keystone will continue this trend in 2012. Also, Continuing Education credits will be offered for select workshops.

When: March 28-31, 2012
Where: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Cost: $45 – $90 conference-only packages, $85 – $210 full conference packages, early bird discount available.

1st Annual Black Transmen Advocacy Conference – NEW!
This new conference is dedicated to increasing the value of the human experience and the transformation of men into catalyst for social, political and economic change. This is our time to meet, unite, discuss, learn and celebrate. Plan for an event of a life time for couples, youth, singles, families and allies to trans men and the SLGBTQIH community.

When: March 29 – April 1, 2012
Where: Dallas, TX
Cost: FREE to registered guests with photo ID

The Empire Conference
Put on by TransEvents USA, the Empire Conference serves those who identify as transgender, crossdresser, transsexual, transvestite, FTM, MTF, SOFFAs, providers, students and educators. The conference provides informative workshops and skill sharing sessions. TRANSGENERATIONS is the conference theme for 2012, and many new programs and workshops will be of special interest to trans youth and trans seniors. Other highlights include networking and socializing, a health fair, special outings and entertainment.

When: April 12 – 14, 2012
Where: Albany, New York
Cost: $50 single day passes, $250-$350 conference passes, early bird discount available.

CIRCLES Transgender Conference & Retreat
CIRCLES is a small gathering of usually no more than 15 to 25 participants. Part conference, part retreat, CIRCLES offers safe space for trans women and men and allies, and time to relax and explore the deep issues of gender, identity, and living at choice. The informal atmosphere is complimented by the beautiful land at Manzanita Village. The schedule is co-created in part by the participants. Anyone who would like to can facilitate a workshop or lead a discussion. You don’t have to be an expert. Highlights include workshops and discussion groups, accommodation and fine vegetarian, mostly organic meals, an atmosphere of safety, confidentiality, and ease, and time for relaxation, sauna, naps, walks in the surrounding hills.

When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: Warner Springs, California
Cost: $250 – $395 sliding scale

Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference
This all day conference is geared towards providers, medical and legal professionals, trans and gender non-conforming community, allies and all those interested in the health and law issues facing the trans and gender non-conforming communities.

When: April 28, 2012
Where: Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $25, “no one turned away” policy.

Be-All – 30th Annual, 11th in Chicago!
Be-All is an empowering conference featuring entertainment, excursions, a vendor fair, and over 50 professional seminars. Everyone’s welcome: crossdressers, transsexuals, transgender, MTF, FTM, and SOFFAs. Note: Trans male specific programming is light.

When: May 29 – June 2, 2012
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $100-$345, early bird discount available

Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference – 11th Annual!
The PTHC focuses on the specific issues, needs, and experiences of trans-identified individuals with regard to the health of body, mind, spirit, and community. Everyone concerned about these issues is welcome to attend, including but not limited to: members of the transgender and gender-variant communities, partners, family members, allies, and service providers. Attendance has grown exponentially in recent years and programming has greatly expanded.  The 2011 conference offered over 185 workshops and over 30 additional activities during the three day event.

When: May 31 – June 2, 2011
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: FREE

Gender Odyssey – 11th Annual!
Gender Odyssey is an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender variant people, with a particular focus on the trans masculine experience. This one-of-a-kind annual gathering is packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events and entertainment. Exclusive programming for POC, teens, genderqueer, partners and more.

The 2012 Gender Odyssey conference will feature: Janet Mock, Associate Editor of PEOPLE.com, writer and advocate, who publicly stepped forward as a trans woman last spring in Marie Claire; and back by popular demand, Gene Tagaban, noted Tlingit storyteller and actor, sharing his wisdom and talent via dance, native flute and storytelling.

Gender Odyssey also produces two concurrent events: Gender Odyssey Family, for families raising gender variant and transgender children; and the Gender Odyssey Pro 1-day event for providers.

When: August 2-5, 2012
Where: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $135-$255 sliding scale, early bird discount available. Register Now or Submit a Workshop.

TransFaith In Color Conference
The TransFaith In Color Conference is designed to provide a space where transgender people of various faith, racial, ethnic and social backgrounds can gather to build upon the already great work being done within the transgender and ally community.

When: August 17 – 19, 2012
Where: Charlotte, NC
Cost: FREE with registration

Southeastern Transgender Health Summit
This conference plans to offer a providers’ track, with workshops for trans health care providers, human resource directors and support staff, and a community day with workshops for the transgender community on aging, legal issues, community building, event coordinating, safe sex and empowerment.

When: August 23 – 25, 2012
Where: Asheville, NC
Cost: Pricing not yet available.

The 4th European Transgender Council
The Council is the largest European forum for transgender rights and activism. Organized by Transgender Europe (TGEU) and a local host organization every second year, the conference attracts trans activists, policy makers, allies and supporters from across Europe. With over 200 delegates, first class key note speakers and panelists, ample workshops and a diverse cultural programme, the Council sets the agenda for European trans politics and celebrates Europe’s lively trans community.

When: September 7 – 9, 2012
Where: Dublin City University, Ireland
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available.

Southern Comfort Conference – 22nd Annual!
SCC is a “top shelf” conference with a seminar schedule that reflects Southern Comfort’s commitment to serve the diverse needs of the transgender community. Topics include basic information for the newbie, the newly-out, as well as the transitioned, plus detailed legal, medical and political presentations; informative sessions on family relationships, sexuality and spirituality; and tips on makeup, presenting, and much more. Other highlights include entertainment, provocative speakers, lunches, dinners and social evenings, and plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Atlanta.

When: September 22 – 27, 2012
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Pricing not yet available. 2011: $110 – $230 day passes, $250-$335 conference passes, early bird discount available.

Fantasia Fair – 37th Annual!
A week-long transgender event that’s part conference, part social gathering. There are workshops, keynote speakers and special events each evening. (Light on trans masculine programming.)

When: October 14-21, 2012
Where: Provincetown, Massachusetts
Cost: $295-$650, early bird discounts available.

Transcending Boundaries
An annual community conference celebrating the diversity of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships. This year’s event will be an open forum for people of all genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses to teach, learn, debate and discuss the civics, issues, concerns and joys of these elements of our identities.  This is an immersive weekend of networking, education, entertainment and social time. The theme of the 2012 conference is “Bringing Us All Together”.  We will focus on how to celebrate the different communities while finding our common ground.

When: October 26 – 28, 2012
Where: Springfield, Massachusetts
Cost: $54-74 early bird pricing

These events and more are listed on the TransGuys Events Calendar. Subscribe to the Events RSS feed to be notified of new conferences and events for trans men.

2012 Trans Conference Map

Put this map on your website or blog.

Trans Conferences with 2012 Dates TBD

These are trans conferences that were produced in 2011 but details about 2012 events were unavailable at the time of publication.

Transforming Health and Wellness Conference
MaineTransNet hosted this conference in 2011, designed to raise awareness about health and wellness-related needs of the transgender community, and to address how the many areas of life that affect wellness may be influenced by gender non-conforming experiences. The conference included workshops geared towards medical and mental health professionals as well as the transgender/genderqueer/gender-fluid community.

National Transgender Health Summit
An event previously held in April in San Francisco, CA for health care providers and health profession students interested in improving health care for transgender people. Programming included expert plenary sessions, workshops, films, and networking opportunities.

Trans Youth Summit
A conference presented in June in Boston, MA for youth age 24 and under from the New England area that identify with, or could fall under, the label ‘transgender,’ or youth who are in some way connected to the transgender youth community, such as partners/friends, to meet and connect with other transgender and gender variant youth. Attendees share ideas, learn about their legal rights and the larger transgender community, and participate in workshops and fun activities.

Transgender Leadership Summit
Produced by the Transgender Law Center, the Leadership Summit has become a major annual event for identifying and building transgender community leaders is the US. The 2011 summit was elp in July in West Holywood, CA. Attendees participated in workshops to learn skills to be effective activists, including how to facilitate public policy change, encourage economic development, educate the media, conduct budget advocacy, and build local capacity.

TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference
The TransOhio conference was produced in Columbus in August 2011 and featured more than 70 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.

Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit
This summit held in August 2011 in Houston was for those in higher education to discuss what works and what does not work in regards to codifying inclusion of “gender identity and expression: into institutional policy. The summit sought to find means to this end through discussion of divergent and respective strategies in regard to the inevitable barriers that always arise.

Minnesota Trans Health and Wellness Conference
This 2-day event held in September 2011 in Minneapolis offered programming for trans and gender non-conforming individuals and community, including partners, family, friends and allies, plus free health screenings, films, surgery consultations, a resource fair, and more. Workshops for  health professionals, social workers, and students were also offered, with Certificates of Attendance available for providers to self submit for continuing education credits.

TransForm Community
TransForm events are produced by TransMentors and held in various cities across the nation to educate and raise awareness within the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community and the broader public on the transgender community, and to encourage unity as we continue to fight for LGBT equality. 2011 events were held in Arizona, Florida and Oregon.

Translating Identities Conference
TIC explores a wide array of topics in discourses regarding gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. A one-day, free event held in October in Burlington, VT, TIC has numerous sessions to choose from at any time that are directed towards people at all levels of inclusion in the trans and allied communities.

Transgender Religious Leaders Summit
TRLS is an ecumenical meeting of faith leaders who identify as transgender, gender-queer and inter-sexed, and their allies. It is also an opportunity to connect with leaders of all faith communities and, through sharing, to celebrate our common heritage while learning to appreciate and respect our differences. The November 2011 summit was held in Berkeley, CA.

Trans Health and Advocacy Conference
The conference held in Cape Town, South Africa sought to educate health care professionals on service provision to TG people; and to explore indigenous knowledge and communication in relation to TG persons. Tracks included: Indigenous knowledge, access to health, sexual and reproductive health issues and HIV. Last held in November 2011.

Trans-Unity Pride
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s annual free celebration for transgender, transsexual, gender-queer and cross-dressing individuals and those who love them. Includes an art exhibit; workshops; march; and the Siren Awards to honor the work of transgender individuals, organizations and allies.

Gendered Intelligence
Held in the UK, Gendered Intelligence’s 2012 conference will consider trans in sport, physical education and activities. Venue, time and date is to be confirmed.

Also see: The 2011 Trans Conference Guide includes more historical conference information.

Do you know of other conferences for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and gender variant folks, particularly international events and those with a focus on the trans masculine spectrum? Please add them in the comments area below!

Attending a trans conference is a great way to learn, share, network and socialize. Conferences offer you the chance to step out of your daily routine and stretch your knowledge and understanding of our diverse experiences, plus get important “face time” with long distance friends, as well as mentors and providers.

The 2011 Conference season is already in swing, with First Event kicking off this week! Below are the year’s upcoming transgender conferences. Which ones will you be attending?

Conferences at a Glance

Money Saving Tip: Note that many of the conferences have early bird discounts available. Register early to save on your expenses! Several conferences also offer scholarships and work trades!

2011 Confirmed Conferences

First Event – 31st Annual!
First Event is one of the largest transgender conferences, welcoming everyone from the transgender community and our supporters: crossdressers, transsexuals, intersex individuals, M2Fs, F2Ms, and their significant others are all welcome. You’ll find 60+ workshops, entertainment and fun activities. The growing trans masculine track of programming is organized by the author of the American Trans Man blog.

When: January 19-23, 2011
Where: Boston, Massachussetts
Cost: $18-$40 single day passes, $310-$340 conference packages, early bird discount available

Colorado Gold Rush
Hosted by the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Gold Rush features three days of workshops covering a wide array of topics of interest for trans identified folks, plus a clinical track for students and clinicians.

When: February 24-27, 2011
Where: Denver, Colorado
Cost: $40-$80 for workshops only, $270-$350 for conference packages, early bird sicount available

The Keystone Conference
Attendees will find three full days of meaningful workshops and seminars, and four nights of social functions, the finale being Saturday night’s Keystone Gala Dinner and Dance. 2011′s programming includes significantly expanded transmasculine and youth programs.

When: March 9-13, 2011
Where: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Cost: $40-$120 single day passes, $140-$175 conference packages, early bird discount available

Circles Transgender Conference & Retreat
Circles is a retreat for transgender people, those questioning binary stereotypes, healthcare professionals, and allies. Highlights include workshops and discussion groups, accommodation and fine vegetarian, mostly organic meals, an atmosphere of safety, confidentiality, and ease, and time for relaxation, sauna, naps, walks in the surrounding hills.

When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: Warner Springs, California
Cost: $250

Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference
This all day conference is geared towards providers, medical and legal professionals, trans and gender non-conforming community, allies and all those interested in the health and law issues facing the trans and gender non-conforming communities.

When: April 30, 2011
Where: Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: $25, “no one turned away” policy

The Empire Conference
Put on by TransEventsUsa, the Empire Conference serves those who identify as transgender, crossdresser, transsexual, transvestite, FTM, MTF, SOFFAs, providers, students and educators. The conference provides informative workshops and skillshares, opportunities for networking and socializing, plus a health fair, special outings and entertainment.

When: May 4-7, 2011
Where: Albany, New York
Cost: $50 single day passes, $250-$350 conference passes, early bird dscount available.

Be-All – 10th Annual!
Be-All is an empowering conference featuring entertainment, excursions, a vendor fair, and over 50 professional seminars. Everyone’s welcome: crossdressers, transsexuals, transgender, MTF, FTM, and SOFFAs. Note: Trans male specific programming is light.

When: May 31 – June 5, 2011
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Cost: $100-$345, early bird discount available

Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference – 10th Annual!
This conference focuses on the specific issues, needs, and experiences of trans-identified individuals with regard to the health of body, mind, spirit, and community. Everyone concerned about these issues is welcome to attend, including but not limited to: members of the transgender and gender-variant communities, partners, family members, allies, and service providers.

When: June 2-4, 2011
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: FREE

Trans Youth Summit
A conference for youth age 24 and under from the New England area that identify with, or could fall under, the label ‘transgender,’ or youth who are in some way connected to the transgender youth community, such as partners/friends, to meet and connect with other transgender and gender variant youth. Attendees share ideas, learn about their legal rights and the larger transgender community, and participate in workshops and fun activities.

When: June 18, 2011
Where: Boston, Massachussets
Cost: FREE

Transgender Leadership Summit
Produced by the Transgender Law Center, the Leadership Summit has become a major annual event for identifying and building transgender community leaders is the US. Attendees participate in workshops to learn skills they need to be effective activists, including how to facilitate public policy change, encourage economic development, educate the media, conduct budget advocacy, and build local capacity.

When: July 22-24, 2011
Where: West Hollywood, California
Cost: $10-$100 sliding scale

Gender Odyssey – 10th Annual!
Gender Odyssey is an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender variant people, with a particular focus on the trans masculine experience. This one-of-a-kind annual gathering is packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events and entertainment. Programming is predominantly trans male oriented. Exclusive programming for POC, teens, genderqueer, partners and more.

When: August 5-7, 2011
Where: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $135-$255 sliding scale, early bird discount available.

TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference
The TransOhio conference features more than 70 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.

When: August 5-7, 2011
Where: Columbus, Ohio
Cost: $50-$150

Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit
The summit is an invitation to interested parties in higher education to discuss what works and what does not work in regards to codifying inclusion of “gender identity and expression: into institutional policy. The summit serves to find means to this end through discussion of divergent and respective strategies in regard to the inevitable barriers that always arise.

When: August 12-13, 2011
Where: Houston, TX
Cost: $22

Southern Comfort Conference – 21st Annual!
SCC is a major transgender conference featuring seminars, events, a career expo, numerous vendors catering to transgender and transsexual people, and more. Whatever your connection to the transgender community – whether you are transsexual, a cross dresser or in between; a spouse, a partner or a family member; straight, gay, bi or omni-sexual; post-op, pre-op or non-op; young or old; married or single; FtM or MtF – if transgender is an issue in your life, you are welcome!

When: September 21-24, 2011
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: $110 – $230 day passes, $250-$335 conference passes, early bird discount available.

Fantasia Fair – 36th Annual!
A week-long transgender event that’s part conference, part social gathering. There are workshops, keynote speakers and special events each evening. Light on trans masculine programming.

When: October 16-23, 2011
Where: Provincetown, Massachusetts
Cost: $450-$650, early bird discounts available

TransForm Arizona
TransForm Community events are held in various cities across the nation to educate and raise awareness within the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community and the broader public on the transgender community, and to encourage unity as we learn to live amongst each other and share in our continued fight for LGBT equality. Upcoming events in Arizona, Florida and Oregon.

When: October 20-23, 2011
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: $25

Translating Identities Conference – 10th Annual!
TIC explores a wide array of topics in discourses regarding gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. A one-day event, TIC has numerous sessions to choose from at any time that are directed towards people at all levels of inclusion in the trans and allied communities.

When: October 22, 2011
Where: Burlington, Vermont
Cost: FREE

Transgender Religious Leaders Summit – 5th Annual!
TRLS is an ecumenical meeting of faith leaders who identify as transgender, gender-queer and inter-sexed, and their allies. It is also an opportunity to connect with leaders of all faith communities and, through sharing, to celebrate our common heritage while learning to appreciate and respect our differences.

When: November 3-5, 2011
Where: Berkeley, CA
Cost: $15-$35

Transcending Boundaries
An annual community conference celebrating the diversity of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships. From transgender to intersex to genderqueer, from asexual to bisexual, from kinky to polyamorous, and all the in-betweens, we discover we are not one facet on a single continuum, but the combination of characteristics in a complex identity. Everyone is welcome, including friends, families, allies and professionals who want to support the queer community.

When: November 11-13, 2011
Where: Springfield, Massachusetts
Cost: $54-? (only the early bird pricing was published at press time)

Trans Health and Advocacy Conference
The conference has identified two clear focus areas: to educate health care professionals on service provision to TG people; and to explore indigenous knowledge and communication in relation to TG persons. Tracks to include: Indigenous knowledge, access to health, sexual and reproductive health issues and HIV.

When: November 26-28, 2011
Where: Cape Town, SA
Cost: $180-$300

These events and more are listed on the TransGuys Events Calendar. Subscribe to the Events RSS feed to be notified of new conferences and events for trans men.

2011 Trans Conference Map

View 2011 Trans Conference Map in a larger map, or embed it on your website.

2011 Conferences with Dates TBD

Trans-Unity Pride
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s annual free celebration for transgender, transsexual, gender-queer and cross-dressing individuals and those who love them. Includes an art exhibit; workshops; march; and the Siren Awards to honor the work of transgender individuals, organizations and allies.

Other Conferences

These are trans conferences that have been produced in recent years but it’s not known if they will continue as regular events.

Liberty Conference
Put on by TransEventsUsa, the Liberty Conference in Philadelphia, PA provides informative workshops, networking and socializing, plus a vendor fair and entertainment. Last held in 2009.

IFGE Capital Conference
An educational conference held just outside Washington DC in Virginia, with presentations, keynote speakers, entertainment, activities and social time for everyone on the trans spectrum. Also features a Provider Day, geared towards those who provide speech, medical and mental health services to the transgender community, plus a transmasuline programming track. Last held in 2010.

Minnesota Trans Health & Wellness Conference
Two-day conference in St. Paul, Minnesota featuring a Provider Day, offering presentations for primary care providers and mental health providers on both basic and advanced transgender health, and Community Day, FREE and open to all, focusing on meeting the health and wellness needs of the trans community, including trans and gender nonconforming people as well as partners, family, friends and allies. Workshops; health screenings; mini surgery, voice, electrolysis, and medication consultations; a resource fair, chair massage, and social gatherings. Last held in 2010.

Communi-T
A 1-day conference in Portland, Oregon held in 2009 and 2010. Communi-T connect trans and genderqueer individuals to address health, legal, and social needs unique to the community. It offers a space for trans and genderqueer individuals to meet health and service providers, and for providers to network with each other.

Transforming Health and Wellness Conference
MaineTransNet hosted this conference in 2010, designed to raise awareness about health and wellness-related needs of the transgender community, and to address how the many areas of life that affect wellness may be influenced by gender non-conforming experiences. The conference included workshops geared towards medical and mental health professionals as well as the transgender/genderqueer/gender-fluid community.

Forge Forward Conference
A national FTM/SOFFA conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2007, Forge Forward featured a whopping 90 workshops, along with medical consultations, a vendors hall, film festival, author readings, music and more. (A second coming may be due!)

FTM North Conference
The FTM North Conference was produced in 2006-7 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with the goal of being an annual event catering to FTM identifying people and their friends, families, and allies. The FTMNorth.com domain name has expired. (It’s unclear if this conference will return.)

Conferences in Canada

Vancouver Trans Forum
A three day gathering in of trans people and allies in July 2010 that offered transition information (esp. Canadian resources) and skill sharing. Dances, the 1st Annual Vancouver Trans Film Fest, and other social activities, including an All Body Swim and 1st Vancouver Trans Pride March. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

The Deaf Trans Conference
This first of its kind conference brought together the deaf and trans communities in North America in Toronto, Canada in 2010. It provided an opportunity for individuals and their allies in the deaf and trans communities to unite and share common experiences, regardless of language barriers, and to gain a greater understanding of both the deaf and trans experience. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

Trans Access Conference
Bodies of Dissent: Trans Access is a trans conference in Peterborough, Ontario (Canada) on the topic of access, barriers and accessibility and is focused on decolonization of the racial and gender norms present in our society, as well as from institutional practices of psychiatry and prison systems. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

International Conferences

WPATH Biennial Symposium
Presenting the latest advances in research, education, clinical service, and advocacy to promote the health and well being of transgender and transsexual people and their families. Topics include children, families, and youth; ethnic/racial and cultural diversity in transgender health; community-based health care; human rights; and the latest advances in brain research, and more. The 2011 symposium will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, right after Southern Comfort.

Barbara Ross Association’s TG Conference
Biennial conferences in Norfolk, UK devoted to transgender issues, and including programming for those of the trans masculine experience.

TGEU’s (Trans)Gender Equality Conference
This 2010 conference aimed to raise awareness about the legal and social situation of transgender people, as well as the role of European institutions in defending transgender people’s fundamental rights.

Trans Community Conference
Bringing trans people and professional services together in London, England to create dialogue and form partnerships that will benefit the trans community. Last held in 2010.

Trans Remembrance Conference
Held in Ankara, Turkey in November 2010, this conference focused on transphobia and “hatred” in fields like sex work, discriminative legislation, sexually transmitted diseases, international trans rights activism, politics, arts, transfeminism together with several academics, lawyers, artists, writers, parliamentarians, journalists and activists both from Turkey and abroad.

ILGA Trans Rights Conference: Putting Trans Rights on the European Agenda
This event was a pre-conference to the ILGA-Europe XIII Annual Conference, held in Malta in 2009. Its focus was on tackling discrimination of transgender people in European Institutions and their programmes. Delegates from the conference agreed on this Declaration of the Trans Rights Conference.

Clearly, there are more international trans conferences than just the ones listed here! Please add information for these events in the comments below.

There are also additional conferences that are more tightly focused, such as the Gender Odyssey Family conference for families with transgender and gender variant children and teens. At the other end of the spectrum are the multitude of LGBT conferences that only touch on trans issues, if at all.

Other important trans conferences of days gone by include:

• FTM International Conference (California, 1995)
• “Forward Motion: Celebrating Cultures, Advocacy, and FTM Lives” Conference (California, 1999. Grew into FTM Alliance of Los Angeles.)
• Transsistahs and Transbrothas Defying Gravity Convention (Kentucky, 2005)
• The First International Transgender Rights Conference (Geneva, 2006)

More reading about conferences for trans men:

Have You Ever Felt Like the Odd Duck Out?
Many of us live in a society that doesn’t have a place for us or even acknowledge we exist—how hopeful it is to find a conference like Gender Odyssey! How disappointing to get there only to discover that, even at this conference, we feel that, once again, we are the odd duck out.

Trans Conferences: Where Are the Men?
Trans guys and trans conferences are not mutually exclusive — but sometimes it seems that way. The reality is that trans men do attend trans conferences — but we tend to be scarce at many of them, for a variety of reasons.

Do you know of other conferences for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and gender variant folks, particularly international events and those with a focus on the trans masculine spectrum? Please add them in the comments area below!

This 2009 research paper covers basic herbal and nutritional support for transgender and gendervariant folks on the transmasculine spectrum. Historically, transpeoples’ access to health care is limited for multiple reasons and information regarding the long term side effects of hormone therapy is miniscule, so it is profound to be able to support the health and well being of transgender folks with herbs and nutrition, which tends to be more accessible and affordable.

OUTLINE:

• Overview: definitions & medical treatment
• Holistic support for Surgery
• Endocrinology Basics
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: herbs for support (male spectrum)
• Emotional/Spiritual Support
• Resources & bibliography

Read the complete research paper here from the Ohlone Herbal Center in Berkeley, California.

Also see: Chinese Herbs for Transgender Men

Any views expressed in this article are the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of TransGuys.com’s publisher or contributors. See full Disclaimer.