I find I really bristle at the old terms MtF (M2F) or FtM (F2M) for trans experiences. Like the term "transsexual," it's quite dated and shows a lack of growth in understanding of gender as we are seeing it today.
I think the biggest issue is that they imply that I used to a man and, the fact is, I never was. Sure, somebody assumed the 'M' designation based on casual physical inspection when I was born, but there was never attempt to secure my agreement with it and that is the crux of it.
Not that long ago, on Twitter, I posted:
That's the point: I was always a girl. I'm not going from male to female, I'm simply addressing elements of my physical traits that are not in line with my gender or needs. Lots of people, cis or trans, do this quite regularly. From breast augmentation to cosmetic facial surgery, millions of people make adjustments to their bodies to correct the flaws that they see in them. It's that simple.
So, when it comes to terms like MtF or FtM, I don't use them. They're dated, they fail to cover the nuances and deeper understanding of our identities, and they assume a prior existences that is simply not true. Let's treat them as relics to forget.
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