Hello, lovelies! It's your friendly neighbourhood gender-affirming voice teacher, Renée, here. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on a truly special experience, one that unfolded in the most 21st-century way possible—live on TikTok. Imagine, if you will, someone was brave enough to come on stream with me and work together to pick apart the voice issue she was having in front of so many strangers! If you're thinking of embarking on your own trans voice journey, I encourage you to be brave like this student was.

So let me tell you about it! (Or watch the video above.)

A Leap into the Unknown

One fine day, spurred by a mix of daring and a dash of digital whimsy, I decided to try something on TikTok live that I'd never ventured before. Amidst the flood of comments, a brave soul emerged, willing to dive into a live voice lesson with me. The catch? It was audio only. No visuals, just voices in the void, connecting. I've taught audio-only lessons before, but never on stream!

The Heart of the Matter

Our lesson began with introductions, of names and pronunciations. Meet Erini, my student for the day, whose name rolls off the tongue as effortlessly as her courage shone through. "I guess, a more feminized voice, maybe," she said, encapsulating a journey so many embark on—a quest not just for change, but for alignment, for a voice that mirrors the soul.

The Larynx and the Leap

Our goal was simple yet profound: to help Erini raise her larynx. She complained that she couldn't make it raise at all! But I know from experience that if you're capable of speaking, you're capable of moving your larynx. Through a variety of vowels, we explored the landscape of her voice, each "Eeeee" and "Awwww" a step towards understanding, towards control. It was a slow and easy way to develop body awareness and understand just how subtle some of these larynx movements can be.

My Philosophy About "Passing"

Here's where I must confess—I'm a bit of an anti-passing police. In a world quick to dictate terms, to cage identities in binaries, I stand for the rebels, the dreamers, the ones who dare to define happiness on their own terms. "Don't let cis people dictate your happiness," I find myself saying, a mantra not just for Erini, but for everyone on this journey. It's a stance that might raise eyebrows, but here's the thing: when we peel away the layers of expectation, what's left is the pure, unadulterated essence of us. And isn't that worth fighting for?

The Lesson Unfolds

As we progressed through the lesson, Erini’s journey was a testament to the challenges and breakthroughs of voice training. Each exercise was a step toward vocal self-awareness, a vital component of this journey. It was more than a lesson; it was a shared experience of growth and discovery.

A Mirror to the Soul

Voice training, my dear readers, is more than just technique, more than just the physical act of shaping sound. It's a mirror to the soul, a way to make the external match the internal. And in that digital space, Erini and I, we didn't just share exercises; we shared a moment of connection, of mutual understanding, and of relentless pursuit of authenticity.

The Takeaway

As our lesson wrapped up, with promises of progress and tales to tell, I couldn't help but reflect on the power of voice. Not just the physical voice, but the voice of one's being. To my fellow travelers on this journey of voice feminization, know this: the path is as unique as you are. There will be highs and lows, moments of doubt, and bursts of joy. But through it all, remember—your voice is yours to shape, to cherish, and to unveil to the world in all its resplendent glory.

So, to those of you pondering the first step, to those mid-stride, and even to those who've reached their destination, let's keep the conversation going. Join me, every Monday afternoon for trans voice chat on TikTok live. Let's explore, let's dream, and let's sing out loud, in voices all our own. Because in the end, this journey? It's not just about finding your voice. It's about finding yourself.

With all my love and encouragement,

Renée ✨