Transsexual and transgender men have had less visibility than other forms of gender variance, thus occupying a relatively narrow space in gender, sexuality, masculinity or even trans scholarship. They are neither particularly relevant subjects of Masculinity Studies nor particularly centre-stage in Trans-Studies. Furthermore, the theoretical and political struggles that separate theorization about butch female masculinities and sexuality, and the FtM transitions have contributed to an even higher invisibility of trans-men and even a misconceptualization of their potential as emancipatory subjects in the field of gender as doers of masculinities. Drawing on fieldwork in several European countries (ERC funded project TRANSRIGHTS) with trans-men undergoing processes of gender transition, we will develop two lines of argument. Firstly, from a theoretical standpoint we advocate the importance of building bridges between different areas of gender critical studies. Secondly, and most importantly, such a perspective will enable us to tackle masculinities by exploring trans-men’s subjectivities, sexualities and doings of gender. The transition stories of trans-men might tell us more about what masculinity(ies) is(are). When not naturalized as emanating from the body, what defines masculinity can become clearer. However, as it will be put forward, masculinity cannot be understood without taking into account sexuality and the materiality of bodies regardless of their diversity and transformations. In the end, when the meanings of masculinity and femininity are increasingly diffuse and changeable, the body resists as the focal point of gender performativity, whether self-recognized or perceived by others.

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Masculinity; Trans Men; Body; Materiality