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Tricks of the Trade


Introduction

There are loads of great resources available on the web that focus on various aspects of packing, binding, urinating standing up, as well as other techniques that help with passing or creating a more masculine appearance (or feeling of self-congruity).

One caveat to this resource: not every transman, ftm, butch, genderqueer, other masculine (or not) person has the desire to pack, pee standing, bind, or use prosthetics for penetration. Many individuals do not pack at all and feel very whole, not at all lacking in their masculinity. Likewise, many are quite content sitting down to urinate. Many, also, choose not to bind and/or are not considering surgery but choose to bind (or choose not to bind regardless of surgical intention). Many masculine folks are also not always a penetrative partner (some FTMs+ enjoy being penetrated vaginally or anally) and/or many people engage in sexual activities that do not involved any form of penetration (or do not have sex at all).

This FORGE resource only touches on a small number of the vast resources available. These resources are for those interested in these topic areas. We recognize and respect that not everyone is interested in these subjects. 

 

1. Packing

Packing can be accomplished via a variety of methods. Packing with "at home" products -- such as socks rolled and tucked into underwear -- CAN be effective for the feel of having "something down there", as well as may be visually acceptable through pants. However, many people prefer to make their own, more realistic packing devise or buy pre-made pants stuffers.

A very effective stuffer can be made out of condoms, hair gel, and nylons. It takes a bit of time, and a BIT of hand sewing practice, but you can make the size and shape stuffer you prefer. Click here for instructions: http://www.forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/willymaking.html
$5-10

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Mango Products
http://www.mangoproducts.net/
Mango Products carries a full line of prostheses for pre-op ftm guys as well as post-op men with metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. Their product line includes prostheses for every need - packing, peeing, and having sex - as well as comfortable cotton harnesses.
$12 - 65 (depending on product)

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Toys in Babeland
http://toysinbabeland.com/
Online sexual toy store. Search for "soft pack".
$13-20

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Good Vibrations
http://goodvibes.com/
Online sexual toy store and sexual education/information center. Search for "soft pack". They also sell a "cock sock" which helps hold your packy in place ($18). [Ed note: Good Vibrations is VERY trans+ friendly and supportive. Many FTMs+ have worked in their SF stores, as well as have been partners to many Good Vibes staff. They have conducted workshops at Trans+ conferences.]
$15-20

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DJ Knows Dicks: The Pissin' Passin' Packer
http://djknowsdicks.com/
"Finally a dick that's comfortable and soft to pack, looks like a real dick under casual inspection, and can be pissed through. And some industrious boy is willing to make it for you. Now that's progress."
$35+

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FTM harnesses for use with "Mr. Softie"-type packers
http://www.f2mtranharness.com/
If you use a "mr. softie" or other similar dildo or soft pack, this new F2m prosthetic harness may be for you. A light weight harness supports your penis and keeps it in place. It can also be used with a urinating device.
$12+

 

2. Binding

Find a binding technique that works for you. Body size, skin irritation, health conditions, desired appearance, type of clothing to be worn, cost and many other factors play a role in determining what binding method to select. Many people need to try several options before settling on the one(s) that work best for them. The following are SOME of the many options:

  • Futuro (or other brand) abdominal binder ($20-30 - available at pharmacies, grocery stories, internet, and discount department stores)

  • Neoprene back braces ($10 - 30 - available at pharmacies, grocery stories, internet, and discount department stores)

  • Girdles ($10-60 - available at department stores, internet, and women's specialty stores)

  • Spandex bike shorts [cut a hole in the crotch, which will end up being the hole for your head. The legs of the shorts will be for your arms. The spandex offers a nice snug fit, and the anchoring of the "arms" helps keep it in place.] ($10 - 50 - available at discount department stores, sporting goods stores, internet)

  • Latex undershirts ($20 - 80 - available from "fetish" stores, and online)

  • Gynecomastia vests ($30 - 100 - available from online vendors and some specialty pharmacies)

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Morris Designs
(offers several options of gynecomastia vests)
http://www.morrisdesigns.com/gv.htm
800-766-5578 (toll free)

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Mr. S. Leathers
(offers custom made latex undershirts)
http://www.mr-s-leather-fetters.com/

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Underworks
(offers a large selection of options for binding)
http://www.underworks.com/

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T-Kingdom
(offers 8 different designs: t-shirt, mid-length, and sports-bra styles)
http://www.t-kingdom.com/products.htm
Telephone: +886-955-580-595
Address: No.6 Alley 1 Lane 52 CHUNG-HSING Street,YUNG-HO CITY,TAIPEI COUNTY
234, TAIWAN

 

3. Urinating

TravelMate (aka a "medicine spoon")
http://www.travelmateinfo.com/page002.html
TravelMate is a urinary device that enables people without penises to urinate standing up, even through the fly of their jeans/pants. Products are only 1 inch wide by 6 inches long.
$5 for one

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Freshette
http://www.freshette.com/
Light weight, reusable contoured funnel with 6" retractable extension tube. Just press it up against your body and you can urinate standing up anywhere. Includes travel pouch.
$20 - 40 (depending on model chosen)

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Make your own stand to pee soft pack
http://friffboy.tripod.com/id52.htm
This handy website details how you can convert your packy into a stand-to-pee soft pack. Takes some patience and a few household tools.

 

4. Sex / penetration

Good Vibrations
http://goodvibes.com/
Online sexual toy store and sexual education/information center. A WIDE variety of silicone and latex dildos and other insertable toys. Products come in all sizes, shapes and colors. They also carry a large selection of harnesses for strapping on your cock. [Ed note: Good Vibrations is VERY trans+ friendly and supportive. Many FTMs+ have worked in their SF stores, as well as have been partners to many Good Vibes staff. They have conducted workshops at Trans+ conferences.]
$12 - 100 - dildos
$20 - 70 - harnesses

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STRAP ON SEX
A Complete Guide for Women and Men
Karlyn Lotney
"Dildos and harnesss are purchased and used worldwide by a wide range of people - women and men; singles and couples; gay, straight, and bi. The Ultimate Guide to Strap-on Sex explains how to choose and use these sex aids and includes ways to enhance sexual experiences. The author weaves quotes from her workshop students throughout the informal, humorous text."

Available through amazon.com at : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/157344085X/qid=1080758341/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-8457683-4755840?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
$14

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Karlyn Lotney's (Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strap On Sex) website
http://www.fairybutch.com/
A site full of tips and articles about strap on sex and much more.

 

 

Things to Read and DO!

 

How to make your own willy
Ultimate Guide to Strap on Sex
 

 

 

 

Resource Lists (archive) from Past Meetings

 

How did we get here? (June 2005)
Relationships, Sexuality and Body Image (May 2005)
Hormones (April 2005)
Legal Issues (March 2005)
Spirituality (February 2005)
October - December 2004 Follow-ups coming soon
Race / Racism (September 2004)
Orientation Mix Match (August 2004)
Genderqueer (July 2004)
Sexuality (May 2004)
Hormones - Testosterone (April 2004)
Tricks of the Trade (March 2004)
Partners (February 2004)
Aging (November 2003)
Hormones (October 2003)
Depression (September 2003)
The Heat Is On (August 2003)
Spirituality (July 2003)
Making our Bodies Our Own (June 2003)
Emergence and Disclosure (May 2003)
The Limitless Possibilities of Gender Identity and Expression (April 2003)

 

 

   
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