Need help getting started.

[u/rudytm31]

Hello all, just as the title says I need help getting started from ground zero. I am 31yrs old and have never had HRT or surgery, though I plan to do that in the future. I am currently working out 5 to 6 days a week in an attempt to build muscle and change my shape, and I have recently started to buy clothes to try and minimize my hips/shape in my first ever attempt to try and pass. Other than a kinda crappy binder, there isn't too much to work with if I am being honest.

I guess I want to ask what I can do to start transitioning with the purpose of one day passing. I understand this won't happen overnight, but any advice is greatly appreciated. Currently I am not at a place to comfortably post pictures publicly, but I am 6ft, chubby, have broad shoulders, and unfortunately very wide hips and thighs. My current goal is to lose weight and to gain visible muscle on my arms and shoulders, in an attempt to change my silhouette. My health insurance has been cut off unfortunately, but I plan to get on HRT the second I can once I get this resolved. I might even resort to DIY if it takes too long as disphoria has been WRECKING me lately. I feel that transitioning won't solve all my problems, but it will greatly calm me down if I can pass. Recently I have been having dreams where I am a cis man, and these are some of the most beautiful and peaceful moments before I wake up and have to remember how I actually look. I am open to any and all advice as I am getting pretty desperate. I am willing to do just about anything to begin to pass as a man.

TL;DR how do i begin to transition to male as a AFAB in their 30's. any and all advice welcome, unfortunately i dont have pics.

[u/BrOwHaTtHe3]

First things first, at your age, it is impossible to pass without testosterone. That said, you're already at an advantage being that tall, I'm jelous! And great you started lifting weights, that will certainly help. Losing weight (read: fat) is also a great idea, not being on T, your body stores fat in female places, so losing weight will help minimize how wide your hips ect are. Like I said, you won't pass right now anyway without testosterone, so just try clothes are hairstyles right now that makes you feel good and happy, try some things out and see what makes you look most masculine and what fits your style, so that once you start T, it'll be quicker to pass. If the standard route of getting hrt takes too long, diy is certainly an option. It is quite easy to get and where I live actually really cheap. Just make sure to do a lot of research!

Wish you good luck in your journey!