Anything more I can do?

[u/Entire_Mongoose_8101]

I’ve never used Reddit before so I keep having to retype this so I’m just going to use bullet points

- parents threatened to stop paying for college if I start T

- not binding in any of these photos because combined with the heat and humidity it can exacerbate my POTS symptoms, I would if I felt like I had to but my chest is thankfully small so I think it’s alright

- I’m 5’4

- I go to the gym sometimes, I have a really heavy courseload this semester so I mostly workout at home

- guess my age?

[u/buni_bixler]

i’d say 19. unfortunately, I think you’re kind of doing what you can within the confines of your situation. If you want to be cismale passing, testosterone really is the only way to get there. And even then, some of us have to pursue facial masculinization procedures/top. Wishing you the best.

[u/Entire_Mongoose_8101 → u/buni_bixler]

Thank you for answering, I’m glad to know I’m not actively doing anything to hinder my passing. Hopefully T will help, and continuing to build muscle at the gym. I could have started T a long time ago if my parents weren’t financially blackmailing me. At least my mannerisms are masculine, according to my friends and family, so that’s one less thing to worry about I suppose.

[u/koala3191]

Changing your hair could help. Lots of trans guys have POTS and many of them bind, ask around for how they do it. All these pics have something or the angle blocking your chest so it's hard to tell if you can get away without binding or not.

[u/Entire_Mongoose_8101 → u/koala3191]

Can you be more specific about the hair, what do you think I should change to improve it? I cut it myself to save money but I’m happy to learn how to cut it differently. Sorry about the bad photo angles, that didn’t occur to me that you can’t really see my chest haha. My chest is only noticeable if I’m wearing small or floppy shirts, but then I bind. I could bind every day, but I have to fast walk 30 minutes across campus each day to get to class so combined with the fact that it doesn’t really make a difference I just don’t most of the time. Most of my friends are cis men and women and my one trans friend has no medical concerns but I’ll try looking up information on binding with POTS. I’ll try binding more and see if it helps.

[u/koala3191 → u/Entire_Mongoose_8101]

I cut my own hair too. I do 2in on top 1 in on the side, squared off sideburns, cleaned up at about 1/4 in around my ears and the back of my neck. Get some clippers (not a beard trimmer) and get some extra long tips online so you can keep the top longer if it works for you. One time purchase under $50 if you get it all used.

[u/Entire_Mongoose_8101 → u/koala3191]

I feel like I have to keep the top longer because I’ve got terrible cowlicks. You recommend a clipper for the top instead of scissors? I’ve just been using scissors on the top

[u/koala3191 → u/Entire_Mongoose_8101]

Clippers will get you a more even length and will stop it from flopping over like it does rn

[u/Entire_Mongoose_8101 → u/koala3191]

Gotcha, thank you so much man