A query.

[dramamama611]

As many of you know, I am a high-school teacher/director in liberal Massachusetts. In the past ten or so years we have had probably six transgendered students.

The interesting thing is, they have all been female to male. I'm curious why that made be, and pondering that. Maturity? The stigma about women still being the lesser sex?

I'm truly looking for insight and conversation 8on this and apologize if I've, in any way, mistakenly said something offensive.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't think that it is anything more than a coincidence that they've all been FTM. Where I went to high school is less-liberal North Carolina, I knew two trans students during my four years there - one female to male and one male to female. In my personal life, through work and friendships, I've met more MTF people than FTM. There is certainly a stigma surrounding femininity, especially among developing boys, but I think that if a person truly identifies as MTF, this won't stop them. Sure, it may stop them from coming out and stop them from feeling comfortable talking about it, but people will identify the way that they feel no matter what. It is very possible that you've had MTF students who simply weren't out of the closet.

[dramamama611]

Oh, I dont doubt that at all, it just seems odd that ftm is seemingly more willing to be open with it at this age. I dont think it's because there are more ftm transgendered persons, certainly.

Thanks for taking the time for your insight.

[Armie3]

Is it maybe because it is far more socially acceptable for women and girls to dress "as boys" than it is the other way around? Women can wear trousers, have short hair, and nobody could care less. 

I of course do not mean to underestimate the guts it takes to transition!