Quick update:
I’ve just completed the blood test to check my testosterone levels after being on Andriol Testocaps for about 2 and a half months now. I was hoping to be able to see my GP and start shots this week but unfortunately he’s taken 2 weeks off – so I can only see him in September to get my results and see if he’ll finally start me on shots.

This has honestly made me feel very frustrated as I don’t feel like I’m making much progress with my transition and things at work have been difficult. But I’ve gotta stay positive and focus on enjoying everyday as it comes.

During times like this, I find motivation and inspiration from other transmen on Instagram. So I’ve compiled a list of 10 transmen on Instagram whom I feel are worth following. Seeing them share their stories and pictures helps keep me motivated and I hope they can help you too.

Oh, and ladies, prepare yourself for some eye candy 😉

10.  Ricky Riis (@siirbarks)

Ricky has one of the most amazing transformations I’ve seen. He has definitely worked real hard to be the beefcake he is today – see for yourself.

9. Jesse Diamond (@jessediamondfitness)

He may not be the biggest guy around but he can deadlift 315 lbs (that’s 142.88kgs) – he’s a beast!

#twoadays are my favorite! Woke up this morning to knock out fasted cardio, came back later to hit delts. Now it's time to meal prep and eat meals 5 & 6 #thisiswhatilivefor #fitness #fitlife #traininsaneorremainthesame #gymrat #cardioaddict #buildingbouldershoulders #workforthebodyyouwant

A post shared by Jesse Diamond: NASM certified (@jessediamondfitness) on Aug 20, 2015 at 3:24pm PDT

8. Jameel Rahman (@jameeljams)

He’s one of the first openly trans Malaysians I know of. He owns a gym (Semarak Gym & Fitness Centre) that provides a safe and welcoming work out environment for the LGBT community in Kuala Lumpur – but EVERYONE is welcomed.

Starting images for lean mass building. Targeting 70kgs of mostly muscle and lowering down fat. I lost some muscles due to uncertain diet and workout for a few months now but hey. No problem . #ftm #transman #transgender #femaletomale #transbl #supertransboy #transboy

A post shared by Jameel Rahman (@geekymey) on Jul 22, 2015 at 10:07am PDT

7. Kieran Moloney (@kierandmoloney)

Originally from New Zealand, he has relocated to the United Kingdom with his partner. He often talks about his experiences and sharing motivational quotes. I would consider his body to be my ultimate fitness goal.

6. Sydney Christian (@pharmacologia)

Sydney may have Type 1 diabetes but he doesn’t let that stop him from achieving his goals. He shares his workouts and encourages everyone to never give up fighting for the body they want.

5. Max A Warner (@itsawulflife)

Owner of @transandinked, this guy has the V line aka Apollo’s belt that are to die for. Oh, apparently he’s really great at strip off dances too – he’s won 2 contests so far.

Bringing back the mirror selfie lol (has it ever left?) 💁

A post shared by Max A Warner (WULF) (@itsawulflife) on Aug 10, 2015 at 7:15pm PDT

4. Leo Sheng (@isupersheng)

I’ve followed Leo’s progress for more than a year now – I’ve seen him through his top surgery and first shot of T. He’s an amazing inspiration and really friendly too. I had to reach out to him after reading his article on The Huffington Post – he’s a great writer. I have no doubt he’s going to achieve great things.

Self-acceptance is a process. Self-love is a journey. One leads to the other. It just takes some time. #ftm #TRANSformationtuesday #vitaminT #transformer

A post shared by Leo Sheng (@isupersheng) on Jul 28, 2015 at 1:32pm PDT

3. Peter (@im_peterr)

Peter has achieved one of the most amazing bodies without being on testosterone. He’s into body building and is happy to share his workout tips if you ask nicely. His account is private but you can send a request to follow him.

Update: Peter has said that he is happy for me to post up a picture of him.

2. Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray)

Schuyler made headlines by being the first openly transgender swimmer to compete for the Harvard men’s team. His transformation is very impressive – it is really inspiring to see how far he has come and you can really see how happy and comfortable he is in his own skin now.

#TRANSformation ⬅️Left: June, 2014 ➡️Right: August, 2015 I feel a lot of disconnection looking back through pictures from when I dressed up like a girl. (I find that this is the best way to put those 3 or so years of conforming: "I dressed up like a girl.") Anyways I'm so much more happy now, so much more comfortable walking around and getting "sir" instead of "ma'am" and wearing a blazer instead of a dress! (Apologies to people I cropped out! I did it for the insta😁)

A post shared by Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray) on Aug 1, 2015 at 7:30am PDT

1. Aydian Dowling (@alionsfear)

You can’t have a list of transmen on Instagram without including Aydian. He’s making history by possibly becoming the first transman on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. He’s already in the Top 5 finalists – it would be a great milestone for the transgender community if he wins it.

Most people think I began working out to "become a bro" but actually I started working out because I was unable to medically transition so I went through 6-8 months of what we called then "NT" or "Natural Transition". I was trying to mold my body into the man I was on the inside. I worked to build a relationship with a body I hated. A body I myself tried to remove from earth. A body that had no reflection of my true identity. I would self harm my body just to have something to blame the pain on. Working out and sculpting my body into the man I always was- that is why I started to train. To build a relationship with my body that was healthy. It didn't happen over night. You can see my changes, my struggles and my fears all through my YT channel ALionsFears. I forced myself in front of a mirror everyday during every set and every rep. To learn my body- to know the ins and outs- even if I hated it. I needed to face it- so I can learn to love it. To see how I was in control of my life and who I wanted to be. To build mental and physical strength which built my confidence and self worth. That is why I started to train. That is still why I train today. Not everyone has to be into "the gym"- I would be the first person to tell you that!- but everyone should learn a way to build a relationship that is loving with their own body. #ftm #loveyourself #youarethefirstexampleofhowothersshouldloveyou #grateful #trans #bhf #point5cc @point5cc #transgender #transisbeautiful #aydiandowling #workit #geterdone #putinwerk

A post shared by Aydian Dowling (@alionsfear) on Aug 18, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

The you have it, that’s my list of the 10 transmen on Instagram you should be following. They’re all really great dudes and they’ve helped me get through some rough times – though they may not know it.

Oh and you should follow me (@ryudiculous) on Instagram too 😉