Transmasc

Hi!

Reading this thing might provide you with some pointers: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/

Hopefully parents and transmasc people can provide you with more specific pointers, but more generally I can tell you that peoples needs and goals can vary a lot, so this is one of those things were having an open mind and good communication is key.

It already sounds like you're supporting your son. One of the first things I would recommend is sitting down and asking him if "he/him" is something he wants to go with and if he is your "son" or something else.

I would also look into HRT in whatever country you live in. It might not be something he wants, but if he does please be aware that many of us absolutely need HRT to make our lives worth living. It's one of those things that varies from person to person. You don't need to have this conversation right away, but many of us suffer from constant depression since the start of puberty, and HRT is how this depression is treated. In many places minors are only offered hormone blockers to start with, and then full on hormone replacement therapy is only available later. It depends on country and region. Full HRT is ideal, but we usually take what we can get.

The effects of HRT are covered in the link I shared earlier under androgenic puberty. You should probably sit down and go over the effects with your kid or ask if they know already. I was not aware that HRT was an option when I was 15 and my life would have been drastically better today had I known.

In some countries therapists might try to talk your son out of being trans or transitioning in some version of what is known as "conversion therapy". This doesn't work and is generally considered a form of torture and is being banned in more and more countries, please make sure this isn't happening or won't happen to your child. It won't work and will just make him suppress himself and feel more shame and self-hatred.

If you live somewhere hostile to trans people or somewhere where our situation is rapidly getting worse then I recommend trying to move somewhere better if this is within your means. I know this isn't always as simple as we would like it to be. If you live within the united states I would recommend leaving if you have the option, or at least look into moving to a progressive state. Trans people and our allies are increasingly worried that the US is gearing up towards genocide against us, which might sound very dramatic, but this unfortunately is reality. The government is continually not just taking away rights, protections, and treatment options for trans people, but is also putting in a lot of effort to dehumanize us.

I hope this is useful and not just something that makes you anxious :P It's a lot. Be sure to take care of yourself as well. There are support groups out there for parents and partners of trans people, especially online. Regular therapy might be useful too if available to you.

I should probably reinforce that the most important thing you can do is be supportive and to talk to your son. He knows better than me and any expert what he needs and wants. Be careful when googling stuff, there's lots of misinformation online so please make sure any link you look at is actually pro trans and not something aimed at the ignorant to fearmonger and mislead.

Here are some more good links:

• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
• https://trans-resources.info/
• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/115zI3opsYcJAiygoiH0d0MIghMRz3WMcivXeDQ9wbkQ/htmlview (sources for packers and binders)
• https://www.equaldex.com/ (simple and unnuanced overview of queer rights across the world. you can look up a country for a more detailed breakdown)

Best of luck to you and your son!