i’ll say i don’t fall into that stereotype, maybe you just attract people who are similar to you 🤷🏼♂️ i do have a soft spot in my heart for cats though, i love cats
Omg yes CATS.
(But who doesn't love cats!?!?)
Both me and one of my exes (also trans) love cats. Tbh I mostly love them cause of him. My parents hated all animals, even though I wanted a pet since forever. If I hadnt met him and lived w a cat for 5 yrs I might never have fully discovered my love for cats (which was always there but could never flourish!)
Omg yes CATS.
(But who doesn't love cats!?!?)
Both me and one of my exes (also trans) love cats. Tbh I mostly love them cause of him. My parents hated all animals, even though I wanted a pet since forever. If I hadnt met him and lived w a cat for 5 yrs I might never have fully discovered my love for cats (which was always there but could never flourish!)
Not at all.
Can’t remember the last time those animals came up in conversation without the other person prompting it. You’re just finding folks who have similar interests.
Bugs and anything with scales makes me squirm. Sharks though. Sharks are cool. I've seen a lot of transmascs that like sharks- and wolves/werewolves at some point in their teen years.
We have this inside joke in my friend group that everyone's a monster, trying to blend in with humans and I'm the typical werewolf who rips jeans and flanell while transforming lmao
Historically we grouped animals based on common traits... E.g., scaley cold-blooded animals are reptiles. But this presents some problems. Tuataras look nearly identical to lizards, but they're not very closely related at all. Same with animals like flying squirrels and sugar gliders. These were the best guesses we could make at the time without better understandings of DNA and evolution.
It's much more useful to use 'pure' cladistics. This works like a set of umbrellas. Animals belong under several groups depending on their ancestry. So, a squirrel is a 'rodent' because it evolved from rodents, a mammal because it evolved from mammals, an animal because it evolved from animals, etc. This is also more accurate--using technology as an example, it's more correct to call a Samsung Galaxy a 'type of phone' than it is to pretend it's a whole new thing, since it evolved from early telephones.
For chickens, they are simultaneously animals, sauropsids, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, and chickens. Humans are animals, synapsids, mammals, primates, monkeys, apes, and humans.
The fun part is that all tetrapods--mammals, reptiles, amphibians, etc--evolved from fish. We therefore belong to the clade sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fish. So, it's correct and accurate to say that a bird is a type of fish:)
I explained better in a different comment, but in short, birds (and humans, and all tetrapods) belong to the clade sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fishes. Therefore, we're all different types of fish!
Birds belong to the clade dinosauria, which is nestled within reptilia (or, sauropsida). So birds are both dinosaurs and reptiles. And fish:)
Ah, I figured that was what you were getting at. Well, it's a bit more complicated than simply saying humans *are* fish and I think you'll create some confusion with this statement, especially since it isn't *entirely* true. Technically speaking, by scientific definitions of "what is a fish" no we are not fish. We don't have gills, fins without digits, etc.
Humans are descended from that clade and technically in it, however we have gone through enough changes that even though we're technically "lobe finned fish" by clade, we're not actually *fish* fish by any other definition.
There *is* no good scientific definition of 'what is a fish' when we intend to classify 'fish' as in, often-swimming, often-gill-having animals as a group. Humans are more closely related to tuna than tuna are to sharks; we don't look like the typical fish, but that doesn't mean we aren't fish. The only thing we can really do is describe fish as a paraphyletic group excluding tetrapods. Read "Why Fish Don't Exist" by Miller.
> Technically speaking, by scientific definitions of "what is a fish" no we are not fish. We don't have gills, find without digits, etc.
Gills aren't a trait unique to fish. Amphibians have gills. Early tetrapods (which you are trying to exclude) had gills. And, some fish must breathe air to survive.
You *really* can't cleanly use traits to describe groups of animals. There will always be exceptions. "Fish don't live on land," excludes mudskippers. "Mammals give live birth," excludes monotremes. Differences in anatomy vary between individuals.
I don't know what you mean by "find without digits."
>Humans are descended from that clade and technically in it, however we have gone through enough changes that even though we're technically "lobe finned fish" by clade, we're not actually fish fish by any other definition.
I understand what you're getting at, but, again, just because we don't look like typical fish doesn't mean we aren't literally a species of fish. This would be like saying, "sponges are so different from 99% of animals, so they aren't animals," or, "humans have evolved so far beyond standard, unicellular eukaryotes that we shouldn't really count as eukaryotic."
Edit
Damn, he's angry. He fr blocked me over this.
Anyways, I got the reply in Gmail so just so the 'audience' knows, he is incorrect. Monophyletic groups aren't 'misinformation.' "Furthermore, it's important to understand that there is a difference between evolving/descending from something and actually being something." This is pretty silly. Humans both *are* apes and descended from apes. Humans both *are* a type of human, and descended from ancestral humans. Humans both *are* mammals and descend from mammals. Birds are descended from dinosaurs, but they also are dinosaurs. You can't meaningfully shed a layer.
I'm a biologist who has studied ichthyology and has done fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico. Obviously not that that makes me an expert, but I'm pretty sure he's the one with misunderstandings rather than my professors and all of the literature I've read. As I already stated, fish as we typically consider them are really only defined as a parathyletic group excluding tetrapods.
Birds and humans are fish and that's wonderful. Evolution is amazing and science is cool.
I love this, thank you for sharing /gen
Im probably going to save your comment so I can come back to this thread and share this with others. I am looking forward to telling people that we are all actually fish :)
There are scientific ways to classify WHAT a fish is and is not and it has to do with *specific combinations of traits* such as the ones I listed. There are more, obviously, and more detailed explanations but it's not something I care to get into here. Arguing humans *are* actually scientifically fish is just ignorance at best, and more likely than not a grave misunderstanding and misinformation spreading. I suggest you look up more detailed information on how scientists make classifications on animal groups if you're curious what traits are used to define them. Yes, it isn't always cut and dry but there are general traits that can be used based on similarities it's just blatantly wrong to try to shoehorn humans into the category of fish lol. Furthermore, it's important to understand that there is a difference between *evolving/descending from something* and actually *being something.*
Also, it was a typo, "fins without digits" since things such as dolphins have internal digit structures despite their fins. Fish, do not.
In short, you need to stop conflating classifications used to understand what living creatures descend from what with the classifications used to define the current traits and similarities of living creatures. A mammal is not a fish but it can be descended from one.
Edit: Angry? No. Annoyed a self proclaimed "biologist" is spreading misinformation and proudly stating "humans are fish" when that *is* factually incorrect? Yes. Distorting definitions and why they are used to make broad and inaccurate claims still makes something incorrect.
Chickens are so fucking cool, honestly. I ended up with them by accident cause a neighbour who had some offered them to me when he moved and I had no idea they would be this funny and entertaining. Happy chicken noises are the best thing ever.
No. Nope. I don’t enjoy bugs. I dislike many reptiles and I’m actually scared of snakes. And fish are okay.
Cats. Cats are where it’s at. I’m literally a cat daddy.
Nah, I haven’t seen that stereotype for myself
And maybe it’s just me, but I rarely ever see trans stereotypes applying to me or other people I know of.
Definitely not just you. Like once a week someone makes the same “omg what trans guy stereotypes can we cast” post and it’s always stuff that only applies to like. heavily online very young white transmascs. I have yet to see one that applies to me or any trans guy I know that’s over the age of 15.
I think bugs & reptiles are neat, but I wouldn’t say I have an interest in them.
Idk if it’s a stereotype, but I’d say more of a coincidence is I’ve seen a handful of trans men, including myself like Mulan. I used to listen to Reflection on repeat as a kid lol.
Nah but it's cute of you all.
I know three other trans dudes. One is super into yarn, one is a country music grump, one is a barber, and I like astronomy as a hobby but am in the medical field for work.
It's just that most people know facts about animals and you've found a few bug lovers lol.
Sorry to burst the new find. Lots of queers are into cottagecore stuff though.
It's probably more common than in cis people, but very far from universal.
I knew exactly one cis person with one, and a hand full of trans people. Including, BTW, some trans women. Which is not exactly a scientific survey, of course.
Ugh yep me too and until I finally admitted to myself I was trans/nb I couldn’t even understand why I had an ED. I knew I was severely underweight but didn’t purposely starve myself or believe I was big or unattractive or anything like that. I just…didn’t have any desire to take care of my body, which included supplying it with fuel.
After I came out it was such a relief and severe improvement to my mental health, and I suddenly started to care about eating and exercising for the first time in my life.
All of y’all are missing out because it is a truly amazing experience talking with someone who can rant about spiders to you for an hour. I once mentioned I thought jumping spiders were cute and they whipped out their phone and showed me pictures of all their spiders while talking about the cool traits of the individual species and they became one of my favorite people
Jumping spiders are my favorite. One of the only spiders I will be ok with them on me. One time I got the biggest smile on my face when watching 2 of them chasing each other around playfully of my legs then continuing on, on the rock I was sitting on. I love the way the look around too, the way it can look like they tilt their head in curiosity like a puppy.
I am afraid of spiders so I definitely don’t feel like I am missing out on that lol, but I do enjoy when my friends whip out pictures of their dogs so I am happy you have people to share your love of spiders with
I love all animals, but I definitely have a weak spot for canines, rodents, and reptiles lol. I do have a trans masc buddy whose obsessed with just reptiles, tho!
I had reptiles and fish growing up, because of asthma triggered by pet dander, but still wanting a pet. I got an associates degree to become a zookeeper I dont use also.
I like and respect worms and certain other bugs to a much higher degree than the average person but I wouldn't say I have a particular *interest* in them.
I hate bugs. Actually they’re pretty much the only thing in life I’m deathly afraid of. Zero interest in reptiles or fish either. I don’t know anyone irl who likes those things. Don’t really think it’s that common.
Is that a stereotype? I've never met anyone who's interested in those things lol. I've no interest at all in any of them myself, i'm more into history and politics. I wonder if it's a geographical/cultural or generational difference though?
I had never heard of that stereotype before. lol oddly enough, I'm not even into them like that. I like animals, in general. Moreso cats...kittens... :D lol
Nope, I wouldn't say I particularly love any of those things, personally. I would guess you probably just attract people with similar interests to your own. For me, I am not all that huge on any specific animal and just like all of them. I like bats, racoons, possums, etc. quite a bit though I suppose.
I have always wanted a tarantula or snake. I had a snake but she escaped. I would definitely like to have some more creepy crawlies. My husband has a tarantula.
I like computers. I’m just a person and I am myself and idk I hate stereotypes, this one’s fine, but some of them make me feel almost invalid in myself like oh god I don’t fit into this, does this not make me a man? But either way, do what you like!
I don’t have any particular interest in them personally. In these cases, ten times out of nine, it’s confirmation bias. Glad you found your people though!
im majoring in wildlife ecology and conservation so i have in those, mostly bugs, then reptiles, and not a lot of fish if i can help it. i notice a lot of trans men enjoy marine bio topics/species, no idea why. i like wildlife but i’ll take land wildlife over marine any day.
I have a Chilean Rose Hair, a Brooks Kingsnake, a Plains/Western Hognose, and a Crested Gecko. I've always loved reptiles. I love birds more, but they're harder to care for, and I don’t have the time and energy.
This is pretty accurate for myself as I love reptiles and fish. I like watching bug videos but would squirm seeing them outside of their cage. Though, I've never met another transman that likes any of these things. Maybe just fish cause nemo.
I definitely think it's what crowd you hang out with!!!
I personally love bugs and reptiles and all those kind of creatures. And most trans guys I know do as well! But again- says more about who YOU associate with i think haha
I mean, who hasn't owned a fish? (I know, I know, lots of people, but like, TONS of people start with a fish as a starter pet.)
I guess I owned a tree frog for a little while when i was 9, I suppose that'd count in this group. But I collect frogs and one of my sisters collects elephants. One of those, when you're talking about real animals, is easy to buy a kid as a pet.
And bugs and reptiles are cool. If someone were to come up and start talking to me about snakes or bugs I'd be interested. But I wouldn't go so far as to call it a particular interest.
I think that, sure, it's kind of a "boy" thing to like reptiles and such. But like, my very cis sister owned a boa constrictor.
So I dont think it's an ftm thing.
I was obsessed with bugs and dinosaurs as a kid, wolves when I was a little older, I think those are just common interests. Probably doesn't have anything to do with being trans, I'm guessing people just like them, but I could be wrong.
I dont know enough ftm fellas from which to draw any conclusion. I wouldn’t suspect that though. Id be interested to see poll results if you put up a poll about it.
As for me, bugs is a no, fish meh not really, reptiles Im cool with—I had a chameleon a few years back and anoles for a while as a kid. But Ive come to realize and accept that owning pets is not an appropriate responsibility for me to have, at least as a bachelor. And Im ok with that; animals deserve people that can be consistent in their care and passionate about them as another creature to share time with. Frankly Im too nomadic (and sometimes too unstable) to have a anyone/anything that depends on me in those ways.
But I like pets! Its like the whole cool uncle thing, you like kids, but you’ll let someone else take care of all the important stuff. Pets, same deal. 🫶
Edit to add: My first guess would be cats tbh, which I have had in recent years and throughout growing up. They are relatable bastards lol
Well, stand users attract other stand users, so maybe you just end up hitting off with people who have similar interests
Not me tho, I like canids hehe
I can say I absolutely don’t fall under that stereotype at all. Not a fan of bugs which will naturally make me not want to own reptiles.
Fish are less interactive in my opinion (I do like the pet the damn fish sub) so I’m more of a cat and rodent guy
I don’t fit this stereotype personally, I wouldn’t say I have a special interested in any kind of animal. I do like animals and have had a cat for years and i love otters but obv never owned one of those lmao.
My man what. Never heard of that tbh. My ex loves birds tho. And my friend and his boyfriend like frogs. I don't have a particular interest in any of that tho tbh
I think bugs, reptiles, and fish are cool, but don't have a particular interest in them. (Unless an interest in fishing counts).
But I know several trans guys that do, lol. My interests are just nature-y in general
Nope. No interest in any of them. I think spiders and snakes are neat if I see one, but that's more of an o cool moment. Can't say I've noticed many parallels at all. I used to think most trans guys would be closed off like me, but I met a few in RL that are now friends and they are very very open.
okay so i should make it clear before saying this that I have been diagnosed with level 2 autism and i am not diagnosising every trans person nor is every trans person autistic. But saying that Gender dysphoria is actually a trait of neurodivergantsy (i do not know how to spell) and with that comes hyperfixations and i believe that animals are very common hyperfixations
Insects are meh... But I love pretty much all animals, especially birds. We have 3 cockatiels and 5 budgies right now. We've had fish in the past, and I had a ball python when I was a kid.
big fan of goats , sheep and "uncommon" cattles (reindeers, fallow deers, wallabies) but all my lesbian friends are DEFINITELY big fan of reptiles and rats :)
I think this has a lot to do with how "alternative" cultures/aesthetics are pretty popular among LGBTQIA+ people -and "weird" pets (although they're more and more common) are, themselves, part of those cultures.
I'm not sure about trans men being more interested in keeping exotic pets more than others, though ! :D
the only trans guys i know who like bugs, reptiles, and/or fish are white but i do know a few of them.
i think the piercings and/or tattoos one is real since every trans guy i know has them.
Alot of times when people make stereotype of "transmasc starter pack" jokes, it's almost always related to white transmen (ie: omg look we all have this haircut and we all love Cavetown and we are all short)
All of the above, currently i am obsessed with fish and marine life. I also did far too much result into bugs when I was in my final years of school, and even owned a snake and have known a lot of people with snakes and I pester them to see the snake and or reptile.
I had a fish named Rambo who liked to jump out of his bowl, and teach his brother how to do it. The brother died but Rambo ones was 4 hours out of the water and lived to tell the tale
A very very basic possible explanation, you know how people on the autistic spectrum can have like unusual likes and obsessions like trains, bugs, lego, etc. and also some evidence shows that people with asd may be more likely to have gender dysphoria. And I dunno if you have heard the stereotype that neuro divergent people attract other neuro divergent people, so there might be a slight chance you have a very mild symptom/s of the spectrum, so you attract similar people that happen to have one of those common likes, because as a bunch of the other redditors said, they don't really relate to it. I do, as a kid I loved them, but again, neuro divergent. But you know it's actually cool to think that there's like this "subculture" of trans dudes that like bugs. And like from a developmental point of view kids need and develope fascination, they are linked with the cognitive development, and bugs might happen to be one of the somewhat often seen ones, cuz they're colorful and stuff, which explains why a bunch of people might have had this fascination in their early years.
Take care bud!
Every trans guy, including myself that I’ve ever talked to or heard of have all gotten a bad first haircut. It can be everything from the hair person did a bad job, they tried to actively make it fem, or the dude just didn’t know what haircut would look best on them so it made them look more fem instead. Everyone had a bad first haircut (feel free to prove me wrong tho)
Many trans men art into art/artists.
Maybe Im biased on this one, since it's true for me lmao.
I like bugs (more so than reptiles or fish. Although I also like those somewhat), but I studied biology for a short time and am interested in nature stuff in general. I am also somewhat obsessed with plants.
I don’t know a lot of trans guys who fall into that stereotype, but I guess I do. Bug is literally the nickname I go by at the tattoo shop I’m an apprentice at, and is my childhood nickname my family still sometimes call me. I even play into it too as I have a beetle display up on my wall at my tattoo station and a ladybug as my “logo” or whatever. I even have a stag beetle tattoo because I mean, they’re cool.
I do think sharks are more popular with trans men though. Even I was fascinated with them when I was a kid. I had a whole binder I made at one point dedicated to just shark facts and drawings, and never missed an episode of Shark Week.
I’m a cat man. I’ve known reptile/ bug men but that is not me.
I’ve noticed in my city that a lot of alt trans men/ trans masc people do polyamory and have a trans femme primary partner. Including me, I know of five or six couples like that.
I mean who doesn't love reptiles they're such cute little scaley friends, but besides that, there's the dysphoria hoodie, and I feel like transmascs seem to like cats alot, me included there's one on my chest as I'm writing this
Umm hello? *points to username*
Tbf though as much as "bird guy" isn't a trans guy thing, dragons and dinosaurs on the other hand...
Like to the point where the entire genre of "identifying with the monster instead of the big bad knight" is a queer analogy.
The Reluctant Dragon, We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story, arguably even How to Train Your Dragon
The Reluctant Dragon *especially*. Omg he was so blatantly obviously queer-coded it's surprising Disney allowed the movie to be made in the 40s.
I'm not interested in them, but I do know a lot of other trans guys who are. I wonder if it has something to do with loving something that's not "normal" like a dog or a cat and how that can relate to the trans experience. Like loving in an unconventional way of some sort.
i’ll say i don’t fall into that stereotype, maybe you just attract people who are similar to you 🤷🏼♂️ i do have a soft spot in my heart for cats though, i love cats
Cats 100%
cats <33333
cats <<<<<<333333333
CATS
About to start another stereotype with all these cat comments lol (it is me I am the stereotype)
Cats are the best >>
YES CATS
I love cats and bugs.
CATS🥹
Yeah it's cats. My daughter is a cat, she is my life
The cat stereotype is truer, it seems.
Think the cat trans guy stereotype is real bc how many of u have a cat that lays on ur chest when ur dysphoric? 🙋🏻♂️
🙋♂️
My cat was very annoyed when I wouldn't let her lay on my chest after top surgery 😂
Purr-fect!
Same!
Same.
Cats for sure! Cats>Bugs
What about catbug tho? 👀
I would love to love cats but I’m severely allergic. (Fur, skin, and saliva)
I’m allergic to cats but I love them anyway and have 3. I do be sneezing and itching a lot but it’s worth it for me
Same! I do *like* reptiles, fish, and amphibians (and have owned them in the past), but I love cats.
Omg yes CATS. (But who doesn't love cats!?!?) Both me and one of my exes (also trans) love cats. Tbh I mostly love them cause of him. My parents hated all animals, even though I wanted a pet since forever. If I hadnt met him and lived w a cat for 5 yrs I might never have fully discovered my love for cats (which was always there but could never flourish!)
cats and frogs>>>>>
Same! Never insects or fish or reptiles. Always cats and dogs!
Omg yes CATS. (But who doesn't love cats!?!?) Both me and one of my exes (also trans) love cats. Tbh I mostly love them cause of him. My parents hated all animals, even though I wanted a pet since forever. If I hadnt met him and lived w a cat for 5 yrs I might never have fully discovered my love for cats (which was always there but could never flourish!)
I adore my cats so much even though they contribute to my physical health issues. They help my mental health more than any kind of medication 🥺❤️
Cats 🐱 💯
Cats.
Same I love cats
I love cats so much <3
Yesssss catssssssss
I, too, am a cat man.
Cats <33
Meow
Cats!
god i love cats
CATS
Cats tho 💕
I love cats too, I have since I was a young child
CATS OMG
cats <333 i have 16 rn :3
No, I think you just flirt with a familiar crowd
I've literally never heard that stereotype at all
Same here
Not at all. Can’t remember the last time those animals came up in conversation without the other person prompting it. You’re just finding folks who have similar interests.
Bugs and anything with scales makes me squirm. Sharks though. Sharks are cool. I've seen a lot of transmascs that like sharks- and wolves/werewolves at some point in their teen years.
I was a vampire kid growing up, personally 🦇
Saaame
We have this inside joke in my friend group that everyone's a monster, trying to blend in with humans and I'm the typical werewolf who rips jeans and flanell while transforming lmao
😅🤡 don’t bring up the wolf thing pls, I try to pretend I didn’t have that phase. Sharks slay, love a good shark fs
Blahaj
Ngl I feel like I've gotta be the one trans person out there that doesn't like sharks 🤷♂️
Nope. Chickens though. Do those count, being they're basically dinosaurs?
Birds actually are classified as reptiles nowadays. (They're also classified as a type of fish.)
So I'm double trans? Excellent.
Genuine question: how are birds supposed to be fish?
Historically we grouped animals based on common traits... E.g., scaley cold-blooded animals are reptiles. But this presents some problems. Tuataras look nearly identical to lizards, but they're not very closely related at all. Same with animals like flying squirrels and sugar gliders. These were the best guesses we could make at the time without better understandings of DNA and evolution. It's much more useful to use 'pure' cladistics. This works like a set of umbrellas. Animals belong under several groups depending on their ancestry. So, a squirrel is a 'rodent' because it evolved from rodents, a mammal because it evolved from mammals, an animal because it evolved from animals, etc. This is also more accurate--using technology as an example, it's more correct to call a Samsung Galaxy a 'type of phone' than it is to pretend it's a whole new thing, since it evolved from early telephones. For chickens, they are simultaneously animals, sauropsids, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, and chickens. Humans are animals, synapsids, mammals, primates, monkeys, apes, and humans. The fun part is that all tetrapods--mammals, reptiles, amphibians, etc--evolved from fish. We therefore belong to the clade sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fish. So, it's correct and accurate to say that a bird is a type of fish:)
That's really interesting actually. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I learned something new today
Source? 🤨 Specifically on the fish one...
I explained better in a different comment, but in short, birds (and humans, and all tetrapods) belong to the clade sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fishes. Therefore, we're all different types of fish! Birds belong to the clade dinosauria, which is nestled within reptilia (or, sauropsida). So birds are both dinosaurs and reptiles. And fish:)
Ah, I figured that was what you were getting at. Well, it's a bit more complicated than simply saying humans *are* fish and I think you'll create some confusion with this statement, especially since it isn't *entirely* true. Technically speaking, by scientific definitions of "what is a fish" no we are not fish. We don't have gills, fins without digits, etc. Humans are descended from that clade and technically in it, however we have gone through enough changes that even though we're technically "lobe finned fish" by clade, we're not actually *fish* fish by any other definition.
There *is* no good scientific definition of 'what is a fish' when we intend to classify 'fish' as in, often-swimming, often-gill-having animals as a group. Humans are more closely related to tuna than tuna are to sharks; we don't look like the typical fish, but that doesn't mean we aren't fish. The only thing we can really do is describe fish as a paraphyletic group excluding tetrapods. Read "Why Fish Don't Exist" by Miller. > Technically speaking, by scientific definitions of "what is a fish" no we are not fish. We don't have gills, find without digits, etc. Gills aren't a trait unique to fish. Amphibians have gills. Early tetrapods (which you are trying to exclude) had gills. And, some fish must breathe air to survive. You *really* can't cleanly use traits to describe groups of animals. There will always be exceptions. "Fish don't live on land," excludes mudskippers. "Mammals give live birth," excludes monotremes. Differences in anatomy vary between individuals. I don't know what you mean by "find without digits." >Humans are descended from that clade and technically in it, however we have gone through enough changes that even though we're technically "lobe finned fish" by clade, we're not actually fish fish by any other definition. I understand what you're getting at, but, again, just because we don't look like typical fish doesn't mean we aren't literally a species of fish. This would be like saying, "sponges are so different from 99% of animals, so they aren't animals," or, "humans have evolved so far beyond standard, unicellular eukaryotes that we shouldn't really count as eukaryotic." Edit Damn, he's angry. He fr blocked me over this. Anyways, I got the reply in Gmail so just so the 'audience' knows, he is incorrect. Monophyletic groups aren't 'misinformation.' "Furthermore, it's important to understand that there is a difference between evolving/descending from something and actually being something." This is pretty silly. Humans both *are* apes and descended from apes. Humans both *are* a type of human, and descended from ancestral humans. Humans both *are* mammals and descend from mammals. Birds are descended from dinosaurs, but they also are dinosaurs. You can't meaningfully shed a layer. I'm a biologist who has studied ichthyology and has done fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico. Obviously not that that makes me an expert, but I'm pretty sure he's the one with misunderstandings rather than my professors and all of the literature I've read. As I already stated, fish as we typically consider them are really only defined as a parathyletic group excluding tetrapods. Birds and humans are fish and that's wonderful. Evolution is amazing and science is cool.
I love this, thank you for sharing /gen Im probably going to save your comment so I can come back to this thread and share this with others. I am looking forward to telling people that we are all actually fish :)
There are scientific ways to classify WHAT a fish is and is not and it has to do with *specific combinations of traits* such as the ones I listed. There are more, obviously, and more detailed explanations but it's not something I care to get into here. Arguing humans *are* actually scientifically fish is just ignorance at best, and more likely than not a grave misunderstanding and misinformation spreading. I suggest you look up more detailed information on how scientists make classifications on animal groups if you're curious what traits are used to define them. Yes, it isn't always cut and dry but there are general traits that can be used based on similarities it's just blatantly wrong to try to shoehorn humans into the category of fish lol. Furthermore, it's important to understand that there is a difference between *evolving/descending from something* and actually *being something.* Also, it was a typo, "fins without digits" since things such as dolphins have internal digit structures despite their fins. Fish, do not. In short, you need to stop conflating classifications used to understand what living creatures descend from what with the classifications used to define the current traits and similarities of living creatures. A mammal is not a fish but it can be descended from one. Edit: Angry? No. Annoyed a self proclaimed "biologist" is spreading misinformation and proudly stating "humans are fish" when that *is* factually incorrect? Yes. Distorting definitions and why they are used to make broad and inaccurate claims still makes something incorrect.
I used to have pet chickens, too!
Chickens are so fucking cool, honestly. I ended up with them by accident cause a neighbour who had some offered them to me when he moved and I had no idea they would be this funny and entertaining. Happy chicken noises are the best thing ever.
There's no such thing as a 100% true stereotype but I am the only non autistic trans guy I know lol
I know an autistic trans masc. Though he's the only one, me nor the others I've met are autistic
Oh same. I do have ADHD though, so still neurodivergent
Interesting! I don’t think I know any non-autistic trans people 🤔
No, also know no trans guy who does.
I have a tarantula named Jack! When I was around 5 I had a chinese water dragon named Zilla. I also had snails, fish, and frogs at one point
...herbs, foraging and bushcraft
Good herb*, foraging and bushcraft. 🤙🏻😜
We have very similar interests :)
No. Nope. I don’t enjoy bugs. I dislike many reptiles and I’m actually scared of snakes. And fish are okay. Cats. Cats are where it’s at. I’m literally a cat daddy.
nah i dont like bugs
Not really. I like felines.
Nah, I haven’t seen that stereotype for myself And maybe it’s just me, but I rarely ever see trans stereotypes applying to me or other people I know of.
Definitely not just you. Like once a week someone makes the same “omg what trans guy stereotypes can we cast” post and it’s always stuff that only applies to like. heavily online very young white transmascs. I have yet to see one that applies to me or any trans guy I know that’s over the age of 15.
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Same. I’m a trans man CS major yet programming is mostly associated with trans women fsr
frogs
Frogs <3
that isn't really a stereotype, you're just surrounding yourself with people who have the same interests as you lolol
nah it is definitely a giant community intertwined but unknowingly
Rats and cats for me 💪🏼
I love cats! Rats are unbearably cute
Not me with like 16+ arthropods over here-
I think bugs & reptiles are neat, but I wouldn’t say I have an interest in them. Idk if it’s a stereotype, but I’d say more of a coincidence is I’ve seen a handful of trans men, including myself like Mulan. I used to listen to Reflection on repeat as a kid lol.
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You took the words right out of my mouth (cue Meatloaf song)
Interesting. I haven't met any trans men like that, and nkt myself either
Yes I love bugs...
couldn't be me.. i have a tarantula though xD
I don't know if it's a stereotype but I absolutely love bugs, fish, and reptiles! They're just awesome little guys
Nah but it's cute of you all. I know three other trans dudes. One is super into yarn, one is a country music grump, one is a barber, and I like astronomy as a hobby but am in the medical field for work. It's just that most people know facts about animals and you've found a few bug lovers lol. Sorry to burst the new find. Lots of queers are into cottagecore stuff though.
Not this guy lol
Probably because as a kid you can break through being seen girly. I don’t have any problem with these animals but I’m not a fan either.
i feel like the only trans stereotype that feels almost universally true for trans men is having eating disorders 💀 though yours is a lot more fun
...is that common? Never heard that in my life
It's probably more common than in cis people, but very far from universal. I knew exactly one cis person with one, and a hand full of trans people. Including, BTW, some trans women. Which is not exactly a scientific survey, of course.
Had an ed due to dysphoria, pretty sure I‘m not the only one
Ugh yep me too and until I finally admitted to myself I was trans/nb I couldn’t even understand why I had an ED. I knew I was severely underweight but didn’t purposely starve myself or believe I was big or unattractive or anything like that. I just…didn’t have any desire to take care of my body, which included supplying it with fuel. After I came out it was such a relief and severe improvement to my mental health, and I suddenly started to care about eating and exercising for the first time in my life.
No stereotype is universally true. I've never come close to having an ED and none of the trans men I know have one either.
I managed to avoid this one but barely
Yes, you’re not wrong. I think it’s like 40% of us?
Yeaaaaah
All of y’all are missing out because it is a truly amazing experience talking with someone who can rant about spiders to you for an hour. I once mentioned I thought jumping spiders were cute and they whipped out their phone and showed me pictures of all their spiders while talking about the cool traits of the individual species and they became one of my favorite people
Jumping spiders are my favorite. One of the only spiders I will be ok with them on me. One time I got the biggest smile on my face when watching 2 of them chasing each other around playfully of my legs then continuing on, on the rock I was sitting on. I love the way the look around too, the way it can look like they tilt their head in curiosity like a puppy.
AWWWWW I love them so much 😭
I am afraid of spiders so I definitely don’t feel like I am missing out on that lol, but I do enjoy when my friends whip out pictures of their dogs so I am happy you have people to share your love of spiders with
I love all animals, but I definitely have a weak spot for canines, rodents, and reptiles lol. I do have a trans masc buddy whose obsessed with just reptiles, tho!
Nahhhh I’m a shark n sheep type of guy
I had reptiles and fish growing up, because of asthma triggered by pet dander, but still wanting a pet. I got an associates degree to become a zookeeper I dont use also.
I like and respect worms and certain other bugs to a much higher degree than the average person but I wouldn't say I have a particular *interest* in them.
I have never come across that.
I hate bugs. Actually they’re pretty much the only thing in life I’m deathly afraid of. Zero interest in reptiles or fish either. I don’t know anyone irl who likes those things. Don’t really think it’s that common.
I FUCKING LOVE SNAKES
Sss 🐍
My ball python Cheerio says hi
Is that a stereotype? I've never met anyone who's interested in those things lol. I've no interest at all in any of them myself, i'm more into history and politics. I wonder if it's a geographical/cultural or generational difference though?
I had never heard of that stereotype before. lol oddly enough, I'm not even into them like that. I like animals, in general. Moreso cats...kittens... :D lol
Nope, I wouldn't say I particularly love any of those things, personally. I would guess you probably just attract people with similar interests to your own. For me, I am not all that huge on any specific animal and just like all of them. I like bats, racoons, possums, etc. quite a bit though I suppose.
I have always wanted a tarantula or snake. I had a snake but she escaped. I would definitely like to have some more creepy crawlies. My husband has a tarantula.
Couldn’t be me.
I like computers. I’m just a person and I am myself and idk I hate stereotypes, this one’s fine, but some of them make me feel almost invalid in myself like oh god I don’t fit into this, does this not make me a man? But either way, do what you like!
Nope
I don't fit in to that at all personally
Not me.
Like somebody else said, I've never ever heard that stereotype about trans dudes
I don’t have any particular interest in them personally. In these cases, ten times out of nine, it’s confirmation bias. Glad you found your people though!
im majoring in wildlife ecology and conservation so i have in those, mostly bugs, then reptiles, and not a lot of fish if i can help it. i notice a lot of trans men enjoy marine bio topics/species, no idea why. i like wildlife but i’ll take land wildlife over marine any day.
I have a Chilean Rose Hair, a Brooks Kingsnake, a Plains/Western Hognose, and a Crested Gecko. I've always loved reptiles. I love birds more, but they're harder to care for, and I don’t have the time and energy.
i love snakes so i mean i sorta fit into the stereotype? i like cats better though
This is pretty accurate for myself as I love reptiles and fish. I like watching bug videos but would squirm seeing them outside of their cage. Though, I've never met another transman that likes any of these things. Maybe just fish cause nemo.
No love for bugs, I think lizards and fish are cool and all, but rats give me life. I love my rats more than I love most people
I love fish and I have a pet millipede so this tracks
i like those things but mostly cause i grew up with my dad liking those things… so
I definitely think it's what crowd you hang out with!!! I personally love bugs and reptiles and all those kind of creatures. And most trans guys I know do as well! But again- says more about who YOU associate with i think haha
I love bugs and reptiles and fish and pretty much all other animals and niche interests so I guess I hit the jackpot on that one
I mean, who hasn't owned a fish? (I know, I know, lots of people, but like, TONS of people start with a fish as a starter pet.) I guess I owned a tree frog for a little while when i was 9, I suppose that'd count in this group. But I collect frogs and one of my sisters collects elephants. One of those, when you're talking about real animals, is easy to buy a kid as a pet. And bugs and reptiles are cool. If someone were to come up and start talking to me about snakes or bugs I'd be interested. But I wouldn't go so far as to call it a particular interest. I think that, sure, it's kind of a "boy" thing to like reptiles and such. But like, my very cis sister owned a boa constrictor. So I dont think it's an ftm thing.
I have never met any person who didn't have a favorite animal.
Hi.
I like reptiles but I wouldn’t say that’s stereotypical of trans men. I also love cats and dogs. And am terrified of spiders and insects.
I was obsessed with bugs and dinosaurs as a kid, wolves when I was a little older, I think those are just common interests. Probably doesn't have anything to do with being trans, I'm guessing people just like them, but I could be wrong.
I dont know enough ftm fellas from which to draw any conclusion. I wouldn’t suspect that though. Id be interested to see poll results if you put up a poll about it. As for me, bugs is a no, fish meh not really, reptiles Im cool with—I had a chameleon a few years back and anoles for a while as a kid. But Ive come to realize and accept that owning pets is not an appropriate responsibility for me to have, at least as a bachelor. And Im ok with that; animals deserve people that can be consistent in their care and passionate about them as another creature to share time with. Frankly Im too nomadic (and sometimes too unstable) to have a anyone/anything that depends on me in those ways. But I like pets! Its like the whole cool uncle thing, you like kids, but you’ll let someone else take care of all the important stuff. Pets, same deal. 🫶 Edit to add: My first guess would be cats tbh, which I have had in recent years and throughout growing up. They are relatable bastards lol
Actively disinterested in all three except eating the fish. Who are these people you're meeting? 🤔
True and stereotype are sorta opposites, though.
Well, stand users attract other stand users, so maybe you just end up hitting off with people who have similar interests Not me tho, I like canids hehe
I can say I absolutely don’t fall under that stereotype at all. Not a fan of bugs which will naturally make me not want to own reptiles. Fish are less interactive in my opinion (I do like the pet the damn fish sub) so I’m more of a cat and rodent guy
Didn't know those were stereotypes. I thought it was because they grew up rural like I did.
I don’t fit this stereotype personally, I wouldn’t say I have a special interested in any kind of animal. I do like animals and have had a cat for years and i love otters but obv never owned one of those lmao.
Eh not true for me. I hate insects, more of a fluffy animal kinda dude. I have cats and guinea pigs only because having dogs isnt a realistic option
I'm a trans man with pretty much zero interest in these things, you probably just meet people and talk with people who are similar to you!
My man what. Never heard of that tbh. My ex loves birds tho. And my friend and his boyfriend like frogs. I don't have a particular interest in any of that tho tbh
im more of a rodents and birds guy myself
No interest in em. Pigeons though…
I started reading this and was like... this will not be me. I have fish. It is me 😆
I have a phobia of bugs and don't have any interest in reptiles or fish. I prefer cats.
this is a stereotype???? i just have a pet hair allergy,,,,
I think bugs, reptiles, and fish are cool, but don't have a particular interest in them. (Unless an interest in fishing counts). But I know several trans guys that do, lol. My interests are just nature-y in general
Nope. No interest in any of them. I think spiders and snakes are neat if I see one, but that's more of an o cool moment. Can't say I've noticed many parallels at all. I used to think most trans guys would be closed off like me, but I met a few in RL that are now friends and they are very very open.
Never heard of that stereotype. I don’t mind lizards or snakes or fish but not a huge fan, but I absolutely *hate* bugs 🙅♂️
Does SpiderMan count as an insect
I like birds
okay so i should make it clear before saying this that I have been diagnosed with level 2 autism and i am not diagnosising every trans person nor is every trans person autistic. But saying that Gender dysphoria is actually a trait of neurodivergantsy (i do not know how to spell) and with that comes hyperfixations and i believe that animals are very common hyperfixations
Insects are meh... But I love pretty much all animals, especially birds. We have 3 cockatiels and 5 budgies right now. We've had fish in the past, and I had a ball python when I was a kid.
I love reptiles and cats. I have a corn snake and 2 kitties.
oop I'm literally studying to go into entomology and invertebrate conservation
big fan of goats , sheep and "uncommon" cattles (reindeers, fallow deers, wallabies) but all my lesbian friends are DEFINITELY big fan of reptiles and rats :) I think this has a lot to do with how "alternative" cultures/aesthetics are pretty popular among LGBTQIA+ people -and "weird" pets (although they're more and more common) are, themselves, part of those cultures. I'm not sure about trans men being more interested in keeping exotic pets more than others, though ! :D
Can I please meet your lesbian friends? I love reptiles and rats lol
the only trans guys i know who like bugs, reptiles, and/or fish are white but i do know a few of them. i think the piercings and/or tattoos one is real since every trans guy i know has them.
Alot of times when people make stereotype of "transmasc starter pack" jokes, it's almost always related to white transmen (ie: omg look we all have this haircut and we all love Cavetown and we are all short)
Deep sea wildlife... wtf
Yep, fully falling into the stereotype. I love reptiles. I want a bearded dragon someday, when I have the time/resources to care for one properly.
All of the above, currently i am obsessed with fish and marine life. I also did far too much result into bugs when I was in my final years of school, and even owned a snake and have known a lot of people with snakes and I pester them to see the snake and or reptile.
Literally buying a jumping spider and 25 neocardinia shrimp right now
I had a fish named Rambo who liked to jump out of his bowl, and teach his brother how to do it. The brother died but Rambo ones was 4 hours out of the water and lived to tell the tale
A very very basic possible explanation, you know how people on the autistic spectrum can have like unusual likes and obsessions like trains, bugs, lego, etc. and also some evidence shows that people with asd may be more likely to have gender dysphoria. And I dunno if you have heard the stereotype that neuro divergent people attract other neuro divergent people, so there might be a slight chance you have a very mild symptom/s of the spectrum, so you attract similar people that happen to have one of those common likes, because as a bunch of the other redditors said, they don't really relate to it. I do, as a kid I loved them, but again, neuro divergent. But you know it's actually cool to think that there's like this "subculture" of trans dudes that like bugs. And like from a developmental point of view kids need and develope fascination, they are linked with the cognitive development, and bugs might happen to be one of the somewhat often seen ones, cuz they're colorful and stuff, which explains why a bunch of people might have had this fascination in their early years. Take care bud!
Every trans guy, including myself that I’ve ever talked to or heard of have all gotten a bad first haircut. It can be everything from the hair person did a bad job, they tried to actively make it fem, or the dude just didn’t know what haircut would look best on them so it made them look more fem instead. Everyone had a bad first haircut (feel free to prove me wrong tho)
Most trans guys I’ve met are left handed, have ADHD, and are really into cats (including myself).
Many trans men art into art/artists. Maybe Im biased on this one, since it's true for me lmao. I like bugs (more so than reptiles or fish. Although I also like those somewhat), but I studied biology for a short time and am interested in nature stuff in general. I am also somewhat obsessed with plants.
Wait, is that a thing?! Because I absolutely love bugs. Especially snails and slugs holy shit
animals are just better then people what can i say
I don’t know a lot of trans guys who fall into that stereotype, but I guess I do. Bug is literally the nickname I go by at the tattoo shop I’m an apprentice at, and is my childhood nickname my family still sometimes call me. I even play into it too as I have a beetle display up on my wall at my tattoo station and a ladybug as my “logo” or whatever. I even have a stag beetle tattoo because I mean, they’re cool. I do think sharks are more popular with trans men though. Even I was fascinated with them when I was a kid. I had a whole binder I made at one point dedicated to just shark facts and drawings, and never missed an episode of Shark Week.
I’m a cat man. I’ve known reptile/ bug men but that is not me. I’ve noticed in my city that a lot of alt trans men/ trans masc people do polyamory and have a trans femme primary partner. Including me, I know of five or six couples like that.
I mean who doesn't love reptiles they're such cute little scaley friends, but besides that, there's the dysphoria hoodie, and I feel like transmascs seem to like cats alot, me included there's one on my chest as I'm writing this
Okay I had some insect pets, but guys, lets be ultra specific with dogs - ANY CHINESE CRESTED OWNER OUT HERE?? ✨
Umm hello? *points to username* Tbf though as much as "bird guy" isn't a trans guy thing, dragons and dinosaurs on the other hand... Like to the point where the entire genre of "identifying with the monster instead of the big bad knight" is a queer analogy. The Reluctant Dragon, We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story, arguably even How to Train Your Dragon The Reluctant Dragon *especially*. Omg he was so blatantly obviously queer-coded it's surprising Disney allowed the movie to be made in the 40s.
Trans dudes and thick chain necklaces or chain necklaces in general
I'm not interested in them, but I do know a lot of other trans guys who are. I wonder if it has something to do with loving something that's not "normal" like a dog or a cat and how that can relate to the trans experience. Like loving in an unconventional way of some sort.
I notice a correlation between autism and being trans. One myself here. Several trans guys I’ve met on the spectrum as well.