The main challenge,
and one which I believe will continue, is that
as FTM Australia this network needs to be broad
enough to welcome not only FTMs and transmen but
men with ts, men of transsexual history, unique
men, almost men, not-quite-men, and gender-messy
or genderqueer FTMs of different ages,
experience, beliefs, sexualities, socio-economic
groups and geographical locations. While this
approach is inclusive, it also invites some
confusion and conflict.
As a community, we all
have different ideas about identity, being men,
being gender variant as well as personal moral
beliefs and perceptions which for some have
proven to be alienating and for others
incomprehensible. As a fledgling network of very
different people spread across this continent of
Australia, with our own social networks,
friends, family and interests, there appears to
be little to connect us.
Connections in the
Network
One thing people in this
community have in common is our unique health
needs. All of us seek out some level of medical
assistance to achieve improved personal health.
Whether this involves seeking out information in
regards to hormone treatment and/or some degree
of surgical intervention, or simply to be better
informed in order to make decisions for the
future, accurate information is very important.
For example, with the new Centurion Technique
(enhanced metoidioplasty) as well as other
options such as the testosterone pellets and
patches coming on the market, this information
needs to be presented with appropriate language
that is timely, and health-affirming.
All of us seek out a sense
of belonging. We need to hear that masculinity
is good, and that there are realistic ways to
live a healthy, productive and satisfying life.
We need to know we have a future as a
masculine-gendered person, man, transman, or
masculine or male human being in our community
with our family and friends.
Australian society makes
unique demands on men and masculine people. Our
society and culture puts many of us into roles
that we have dreamed of and yearned for from
when we were children - but in which we may not
feel confident or competent. This can become
destructive to each of us personally and to
those around us - especially our partners,
children, workmates and extended families. All
members of FTM Australia need to know how to
express masculinity in strong and healthy
ways.
Given the roles many of us
take on as well as the high price of
masculinity, I firmly believe that FTMs,
transmen and men of transsexual experience need
respect and positive regard for male-affirming
behavior especially during transitioning or
beginning medical treatment.
Early Effects
I am aware that
people’s lives have been profoundly changed
through the work of FTM Australia in these 18
months.
Several young men have
come into their own sense of selfhood in a way
they never believed possible. The effects in
their own personal lives is profound - not just
for the individual, but also for their parents,
partners, families, workplaces, their quality of
living and future.
The majority of these
individuals have come into contact with the
network through our website, and sought
information in order to physically transition
with the assistance of medical treatment. They
have in turn contributed to the network by
sharing information about health care providers
from whom they have received understanding and
services.
As coordinator of the
network I thank everyone who has shared their
contacts and resource information in their
pursuit of positive health outcomes for
themselves.
Supporters
The following pages report
the work of the FTM Australia network between
June 2001 to December 2002. Conservative figures
of contacts are used throughout. A number of
supporters have kindly and substantially helped
the network out.
The Physical Disability
Council of NSW has consistently provided
free access to their photocopier for our
numerous brochures and resources as well as
multiple copies of the Torque
magazine.
The Men’s Health
Information and Resource Centre, University
of Western Sydney, NSW has provided advice,
guidance and generously met the increasing
postage costs of our mailouts.
The interest and
dedication of everyone in the support and
contact network is deeply valued. These
individuals have made themselves available to
newcomers and those seeking more information
about the work of FTM Australia. I thank you for
your time and effort.
Resources
Resources of the FTM
Australia network continue to expand. The
newsletter/magazine of the network, Torque, has
been supported by members of our community, as
has the Resource Manual. The Partners and
Families Handbook has undergone significant
development over the 18 months from its creation
by Lisa Harper, partner and Board Member of FTM
Australia. Thank you Lisa for your hard work in
this area.
Besides Torque, the
website and internet strategies have been the
single most developed so far. The website
continues to be improved in response to user
feedback and comments. The FTM Australia Board
makes regular use of an email group to discuss
decisions and strategies .
The AussieGuys email list
with over 40 subscribers from Australia and New
Zealand welcomes a wide variety of masculine
gender identities which has sparked a number of
invigorating conversations. It has also given
access to information amongst its subscribers
and shared solutions to those seeking answers
for their particular needs.
I will continue to
maintain a number of valuable contacts through
email and internet resources such as the Male to
Male email group, the Men’s Australian
Network, as well as a number of medical and
health provider networks.
Future
Future plans include
development of a GP information resource to
provide the medical providers with whom we
regularly seek assistance from with accurate
information about our health needs.
I plan to develop resource
strategies over the next year, which are not
reliant on the internet as much. This means,
reaching individuals who don’t have access
to the internet.
FTMA Board
In closing, my thanks to
the FTM Australia Board members individually and
as a group. I feel good about being part of such
a motivated and supportive group of
people.
There have been a number
of individuals who have joined and also departed
the Board. Thankfully, they continue to be in
contact and provide ongoing feedback ensuring
that their voice continues to be heard and a
part of the development of FTM
Australia.
Particular thanks to
Michael, Terry and Jim who reside in other
states. Thanks for making the effort to keep in
touch and doing your best to represent such a
fledgling network in your areas. Your presence
and efforts have meant a great deal to the
individuals who require your support and
information.
Grateful thanks to
everyone mentioned in these pages.
Craig Andrews
Co-ordinator - FTM Australia
