My Transgender Journey - Part 2 - Jen Trani

[@MindMosaic-y1v]

I didn't know that my teacher was struggling a lot while teaching us, making us smile. Sir your efforts will never be wasted. I also have improved my guitar skills a lot. Sir it's very true that every musician has a story..

[@pamelahope7149]

I was only looking for some guitar skills on Mahalo, and thought you were such a great teacher. Looked further and found these wonderful interviews with you. The range and breadth of Parts 1 and 2 are incredibly moving in their honesty . Am almost speechless with admiration and want to say what a lovely guy you are. Thank you Jen.

[@lisascott7839]

I love Jen he’s so warm and relatable, I’d love to be his friend ! Have really enjoyed these two first parts

[@damiendesilva6488]

I came across you in fenderplay during covid lockdown so first up you are a great teacher. I have watched several more of your tutorials on youtube and they are fantastic. Secondly you are awesome! Really love these vids you have put out here for people to hear your story. Best of luck :)

[@keithh7510]

You're a great teacher, I just started on Fender. Congrats on all your success and your transition. You rock!

[@redheadedJ]

Two quick thing: 1. You’re kind of a badass. 2. I am so happy for you my face hurts from smiling through this video. I’m so glad you are living your authentic life.

[@rkirby61]

You are beautifully handsome and an amazing teacher. Thank you for having the courage to share your journey. You emanate one of the truest forms of inspiration....that’s for sure !

[@minitrudy]

Jen, The fact that your outside is matching the core of who you are-heart, mind, and soul, just means the sky is the limit. Your talent as a teacher will not dissipate. Those that judge you by appearance or a preconceived notion as to who they think you should be, did not (and do not) get who you always have been. As an old broad that has been sober over 30 years (got sober young) and having been out of the closet even longer-I applaud your bravery. I walk beside you in spirit every day.

[@carlossegura]

I found your 10 year old guitar mahalo tutorials and i wanted to find your own channel for a while, I'm glad I found it. Happy for you

[@sarahcreech8090]

I think you are so effing awesome. Came here for more of your guitar lessons, and stayed for your captivating personality. I'm mesmerized! Thank you for sharing your journey! Please share more videos!

[@yirujiwang]

Thank you so much for being being so genuine about what you shared! Inspiring!

[@jandmmcgee]

Let me just say this... "YOU ARE ENOUGH!!". I get the suicidal stuff, I get not feeling "right", and hating myself. And It makes me so happy to see you have become Who you truly are. Naysayers always exist. You are an amazing musician!! Period!. You seem like an amazing person, even with just the few video groups I was able to take from you. I think it's so amazing that your mom is being so supportive. I don't think I will ever get this "second life" that you have. But, some people don't get to. I wish you nothing but the best, in all you do, and with finding peace with yourself!! Much love from MT

[@raynmido]

I remember discovering my love for guitar through your Misguided Ghosts tutorial 8 years ago. I'm so inspired by your bravery and rocking guitar skills. Just wanted to add another positive voice here :) I hope you grow that full beard and I'm wishing you the best!

[@janedoe247]

You’re amazing!!! How has this not been viewed more?!?!

[@luisbrazilva]

I know you from Fender Play and the FB group, and I caught the gist of it after seeing some of your older videos and seeing you in the new ones. I have to tell you, never, I had a judgmental thought about it. Sure, I'm not blind. I could see you changed, but it never made a difference in how I think about you. Man or woman, you are still the badass guitar player I love watching. Don't pay nay mind to the people who don't support you. Your life is your life. You live your best life!

[@treverroddick8489]

Dude! These Journey videos are so brutally frank. Thank you for sharing. I'm a fan, and student who is learning as much (if not more) from these journey vids as your guitar lessons. I've always been struck by how cheerful and positive your videos are. It makes me sad to think you were just putting on the brave face. As a high school teacher I work with people facing all sorts of varying life challenges. You're teaching me to look closely for those hiding a need for support behind a big smile. Keep up the good work! Mahalo.

[@cmferringer]

The trans community very much needs voices like your own that can reach and gain empathy from those that don't quite understand what you are going through. You make a great ambassador for it.

[@miperrosellamapaco59]

I have always thought that people are defined by something as simple as their smile and their laughter, and in that you are incredible. Congratulations, for being happy !!!!

[@corinnebarone4655]

Jen I've watched you on Fender Play and noticed as I'm moving thru some "changes." Found your videos on KZbin. I just wanted to say thank you for being so open about your journey. It was incredibly brave and I wish you nothing but a future of happiness and peace to become who you are and want to be. Will keep looking for good guitar tips from you on Fender.

[@Lillywright501]

I just stated joining in on ya live lessons on fender.Ya dwn to earth u have that gift of making guitar fun and teaching at same time.Now I came across part1+2 u r a bloody good role model so brave sharing ya story showing people what u hat to go through and helping others in the same boat showing ya journey ya a great inspiration.Uve shown the both sides and made it clear to people it isn’t all about the body it’s ya mind set the long road ahead the hard emotional side is a tough one. I think ya a great young man and u r amazing u carry a massive light with ya no not a Torch or light bulb U as a person everything about u is wonderful.On ya live videos on fender u cheer and spread that light and happiness on to us all rnd the world ya madness is great ya happiness being u is great I wish u all the best and look forward to seeing more live videos on fender 🇬🇧👏🌟

[@craigporter8601]

Thank you for sharing your stories, saying that you are brave does not begin to cover it. As one of your students for the last few years, keep those lessons coming.

[@mborel]

Thanks for sharing, Jen! I love watching your instructional videos on Fender Play, you're one of my favorite instructors. You definitely make learning fun.

[@tracirudolph7037]

I’m so proud of you for sharing your story. It takes a lot of courage. You are a beautiful human being.

[@RachaelBuchanan83]

You’re doing Great, Jen!! Your journey reminds me of my own and how right everything “fit” after I completed my transition. 💜💜

[@engruls06]

I'm here from guitar lessons on Fender. (I started 2 weeks ago) You seemed like a cool person so I looked you up and you are JUST AS AWESOME as I figured you'd be.

[@alfanunplugged]

Good Progress towards becoming The LIGHT©

[@ew5044]

You're a really good guitar teacher. I like how you break things down in simple segments. Good luck.

[@billlockhart2272]

You are very brave. And you should be very proud of yourself. I'm a 64 year old man who retired when I was 58. As I always wanted to learn to play guitar, I started looking online for some lessons that were very easy for me. That's how I found you. I've learned so much from your videos. I just want to say Good Luck on your journey. I hope you find peace and happiness. And I can't wait for some more lessons from you!

[@dangenders]

Love these videos.

[@roibas]

It's clear you spent a great deal of time thinking about this journey and you are able to articulate your thoughts and goals, which is already a great accomplishment. All the best for the rest of the journey.

[@MissLaceyNoel]

Thanks for sharing your story Jen, I remeber a while back seeing you post about being depressed and it all makes sense now. I'm so happy you have taken the steps to feel more like yourself. You are beyond brave and have always been inspiration. I can't wait to see what comes next! Oh, and you will always be beautiful bc that comes from within and you have always radiated beauty regardless 💗 can't wait to see the sideburns and beard!

[@babanmajumder891]

From thousands miles away I know you are a great human being from inside and I feel that's all that matters. "So close, no matter how far Couldn't be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are And nothing else matters" #LoveYouJen

[@motorv8N]

So great to hear about your journey Jen. Love your humour, honesty, and passion. And despite the obvious emotional moments your life force just blasts through it all in such an inspiring way.

[@mapizel]

You’ve taught me a lot about guitar and now you’re teaching me a lot about trans gender, which is something I have had very little exposure to. Thanks so much for sharing. You’re such an awesome person and I’m glad you’re starting to see that in yourself. Keep it up, Jen.

[@billherbert4961]

You are so awesome. One of my best friends did this recently but I am literally a world away and now I know a bit better what he had to do. Just booked my flights to see him with my son. Thanks for teaching me Mother on Guitar. Goodness you are a great musician.

[@billherbert4961]

Just subscribed....you are so so so 'good enough'. I just wish I was good enough on guitar...been playing a long time badly. Getting better thanks in part to you.

[@neilnoble1771]

I'm so happy for you. You look really great. Cant take my eyes off that guitar collection too. Best wishes

[@justalittlevoice]

Same here

[@onthehorizon3201]

I fully support you Jen! I understand your internal struggle. Thank you for having courage and being so brave! Honestly we as humans can be so cruel to one another. Your story really touched me. I love your channel and keep up the tutorials. I just did your Sara Bareilles “Let The Rain” tutorial. Wonderful! Thank you!

[@blonchie4724]

The world needs more human beings like you. You are adorable! And...an amazing guitarist too ♡

[@TheLeaD88]

YOU ARE ENOUGH !! & so freakin‘ brave! so so so proud of you!

[@UTube4Junky]

Hi Jen (can’t remember if you still go by Jen? If not, my apologies). It was great to see the part 2 of your journey. I’m one of those guys who initially was somewhat ‘disappointed’ about you becoming someone else. I realize it was a very selfish mindset, all I knew was this cute, girlish guitar player who helped me get through my divorce with her guitar lessons and with her singing and her silly jokes. (Was one of your Patreon supporters until Patreon glitches made me close the account) So initially I was confused but very quickly I started to understand where you’re coming from. I have a very logical mindset (fly planes for a living) where 2+2 always equals 4. This ‘equation’ was somewhat confusing to me. A good friend of mine went through the same process as you did (opposite direction, man to woman) around the same time you did and I truly began to understand how hard it must’ve been for her. Please do not view those of us on the ‘conservative’ side of the society as your enemies. I realize some might be hostile but there are good and bad people on each side of the political spectrum. I’m still a conservative but I’m very supportive of you and of your brothers and sisters. People like you actually help the rest of us to understand your plight. I hope you’ll keep playing, I hope you’ll keep teaching and I hope you’ll keep singing. I hope you’ll keep smiling and I truly hope to keep seeing your sometimes quirky demeanor and your silly jokes. You make others smile and without sounding too melodramatic, you make this world better. So THANK YOU! ... and yes, you’re right. That WAS a very brave thing! ..and Yes, that took GUTS!! You’re an inspiring person, keep being who you are. You make other people better. You’ve certainly made me more aware of others around me, more understanding and more patient with others struggling with life. May God Bless you. Again, thank you!

[@yearnpill]

UTube4Junky Good on you man! Thats how we treat people respectfully, wish there were more people like you. Have a great day :D

[@aidanomorgadh1]

Happy for you and wishing you every success as your journey continues, and you are such a cool person x

[@wildamendez]

I’m so happy for you! 😁 you stood up for yourself and overcame so much! You are so brave and everyone going through the same or similar experiences. Remember, there is good people out there that do care for you and your happiness. Don’t forget,...YOU ARE ENOUGH! ☺️♥️🙏🏻

[@DR-sh7sm]

I wish I could have the same surgery I was very young and I wanted to be a boys so bad I understand you in a way I’m glad that you have the surgery done and you will be the person that you always want to be and you will be a wonderful person because you are beautiful outside and inside never mind what other people say it’s your life and if there’s not happy you are that what important keep your dreams going to the max don’t let nobody stop you from what you want to do and I believe you will get what you want for your life wish you the best

You are a beautiful personne who makes me enjoy learn the guitare, so thank you very much handsome man...

[@petesanderson9226]

Your guitar lessons are cool. So are you. Good luck!

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

Make no mistake.....You are very brave! You inspire!

[@BENS19777]

Some people will always be negative. For anyone to be bold enough to live their life the way they want and to go after a dream or a goal takes courage. You should be immensely proud.

[@javeriasahoo2207]

Trust me you are enough because you are an amazing human being and most generous teacher💚 ❤️🙏

[@Jhany810]

Dude, no matter what, you will always be the "tiny baby who doesn't know what's going on" to me! 🤣 Love ya Jen! So happy for you! ❤️❤️❤️ Speaking of babies, YOUR children are exactly 8 years old right now! The Legendary Nappers anniversary is August 8! And we are still a bunch of babies too! LOL!!! ~Jane

[@Rick.Grayson]

Jen you're the best. Thanks for this video.

[@llamaz.mommaz1944]

Hope you are getting necessary mental health. Are there are many barriers and health issues, its better for us at this time to pursue a mentally healthy trainer. Wishing you are the best cheers love

[@wileynicholson1682]

Kiddo, Do you. And you are a hell of guitar player, teacher and human being.

[@nosch74]

You are a fucking beautiful human being! Your appearance and identification don't play into that for me. It is very sad that so many people focus on the outside and not what is inside. I love that you are bringing up the conversation to ensure your safety and the safety of others who are being themselves. Please don't doubt yourself. Everything about you is amazing and you are crazy talented. Much love and peace.

[@wsavage3696]

Love you Jensen❤️

[@josiahjoel751]

It''s always wonderful to hear about your journey. We have always loved you and will love you even more now that you love yourself more. I know it can't be easy to share your journey publicly but, I feel your journey will help millions on this region of the world (Africa) understand the LGBTQ Community better and hopefully reduce stigma over time. I am delighted that you have had considerable acceptance and support. KEEP SWINGING JEN!!!!

[@sleepingtubes]

Really happy for you Jen. Good luck with everything!

[@lianeisme]

You still are beautiful, I'm so glad you are happy Jen. Don't worry what other people have to say you have one life be happy.

[@musicbykarthik]

You are awesome Jen ❤️. Take care and be confident as always

[@chassity1001]

Stand up for yourself 😊 I like to hear that from you, because its so true and universal and brave! Thumbs up

[@charlesubaldi4566]

thank you ....... for more than great guitar lessons!

[@SheepyHollow]

You are an awesome person! All the best for your journey.

[@jennifercarruth628]

I am so happy for you on this journey to be your true self. I have been watching your guitar videos for awhile and I am an ally. I hope that you have so much health and happiness in your future. I stand behind you even though we don't know each other in person but you are 100% enough. You are amazing.

[@An_Cor_psy]

Thank you Jen for interview!

[@thelivingroombusker2013]

Very moving, thanks for sharing this journey with us ❤

[@Cr8z13]

Wishing you all the best, hope to see some guitar lessons from you soon.

[@stevearnold7242]

The real you is simply beautiful, regardless of your body, gender, voice. I'ts not the pretty/femanine Jen that is lovable, it's the real you behind it all. Those are outer expressions; your inner/true presence is one of love, courage, creativity, friendship, and most of all the unwavering urge to uncover and discover the real you. I've been on a similar journey since I can remember. Most people are ok not having direct experience our real being, but people like us simply need to know as much as we can in this life. I only know you through your videos, but you have the ability to let the real you shine, and believe me, it's quite lovely, in a femanine, masculine, or any other physical form in between. unfortunately, in allowing our true nature to shine through, we notice all the fears/feelings that block it, and we know 'we've come too far to let that get in the way', so we find others to guide us, and they are our salvation. I'm similar in that I allow the often unfiltered part of me out in everyday life, and people like to be around it; they like it because it is God shining through us, and nothing special about what I personally think/feel; I show them the part of me that is Godly, and it lets them see in those moments the Godly part of themselves. People flock to you and support you because they see that in you too. And music is such a pure form of God, which is why we love it so much. It's God energy channeling through us; it's why we're here. All my love to you. steve.

[@kang_min_nal_ra]

It took you 30+ years to realize you're a nice person? Man, people sure are hard on themselves. Jen, you're a great person, you're freaking fantastic. Don't mind the haters.

[@malinsiika]

You’re f-ing perfect...beautiful AND happy, that’s how it should be. You’ll always be my guitar hero. I’m so happy to see you become who you need to be❤️

[@kwesibruno]

I'm here for you.

[@DarwinsChihuahua]

You're a hero, Jen! Be true to yourself!

[@showme13100]

Jenny may God bless you good health and happiness in further..

[@Solarlegions2024]

It’s not Jenny, he’s a guy now. Please respect that as you would want to be respected as you are, thank you sir/ma’am

[@setphaser]

i really hope you find yourself in a happier place, a place you feel real and comfortable and free. i can’t imagine it being such a difficult journey to be myself as cis gender female, all i needed was to be brave enough to open my mouth and speak my mind and stick to my guns, no surgery needed! mind you, i think we could all do with a societal mastectomy, just cut out all the stuff that’s designed to make us all so unhappy.

[@TheNelsonlalie]

Happy for you. What is your first name know ? You're great.

[@manojjoseph8835]

keep rocking

[@mikerollman6125]

Respect bro. You are brave for sure. Enjoy life and be your self will make you happy.

[@apurvaa_jadhav]

So proud of you and more power to you! ❤

[@critstixdarkspear5375]

I don’t have to agree with your choice. But I will still love and support you in your choice. You do you kiddo. It’s why we love you in the first place.

[@DanielWorth]

Always on your side.

[@SirenaWF1]

So similar to what happened to me. You had your margarita mix, and I had my in-flight cocktail.

[@Em_A_Sketch]

I love you, Jen, and I'm so happy for you. You are valid and brave af. ❤️❤️

[@jhamilton215]

❤❤❤

[@justalittlevoice]

You're so brave and inspiring to me! I've been supporting you since I found your first guitar tutorials. I wish you the best because it's all you deserve. ❤ I'll take your advice at the end of the video even if it doesn't directly apply to me. I'm currently having a hard time accepting that I'm a lesbian and I don't know if I'll ever be able to come out, especially as a believer. So thank you for your words! I needed them.

[@TheJacobus2]

Love ya, pretty teacher

[@katdee224]

You do you!! 🤘💙💚💜

[@MrGameplayGirl]

Wow....some things have CHANGED

[@kimcarsons7036]

in the first 2.3 seconds i just see a badass female.

[@claudioscola]

If you can make use of a 50 year old British guy as an ally, I'm.here. Well done!!!

[@ThirzaTumTum]

none of us are good enough, but Jesus is good enough. you are looking for Jesus.

[@audity06]

👍👍

[@BanthaTube]

It sounded like you were being interviewed by Patton Oswald.

[@geraldine7409]

Jen a trans boy? I guess I'm straight again

[@TheNelsonlalie]

Better be hated for what you are than loved for what you're not. You're a great man and a great guitar teacher.

[@smilingskull7827]

Vote Blue and you'll be safe.

[@iwatchyoutube2]

I kinda liked her when she was female , now he is male so am i gay ?

[@llamaz.mommaz1944]

Oh man you get big pharmaed....uhhhh i hope you are doing good

[@toosmoothtomoove3510]

Being a Man isn't all it's cracked up to be. You were beautiful the way God made you . All the best God bless

[@Rick.Grayson]

If there were a God you may have a point. Jen is and always was male. Now his body matches.

[@rirchardrubio5621]

Sad.

[@johnmatthew9306]

You are such a hot woman!!! Guess what no matter what you do you’ll always be a woman!

[@Rick.Grayson]

Stop being so agressively hostile. Reported for transphobia.

[@pafox1027]

One things for sure John, once an asshole always an asshole, you’re living proof of it.

[@bronzesnake7004]

@@pafox1027 & Rick I would never say anything to intentionally hurt anyone, but what happens when we can't have a different, honest opinion without being "reported" or called "assholes"? There are quite a lot of people who have had horrific childhoods, or are suffering from emotional trauma who make this huge life altering decision, then down the road realize this major change didn't fill the huge hole left from whatever the situation was which made them believe this was the problem, then "oh no" it wasn't? I agree with you both that John was harsh, something I would never, ever do. My 35 year old daughter has struggled with mental illness all her life, and there was a time when she was seriously considering doing what this beautiful person has done, a couple of years went by and after getting the right doctor, the right medication and lots of prayers from her dad, she's genuinely happy for the first time since she started having issues when she was around 10 years old. Of course I love my daughter, and whatever she decided to do would never change that one tiny bit, I would die for any of my kids, I would die for any kid without a second thought. But I am a Christian man, and my faith makes these things difficult. I would hope we can have different opinions without turning mean to each other. It seems to me that a lot of people feel like the answer is clear to "them" and anyone with an opposite opinion is "wrong" an "asshole" We have got to stop attacking each other because in the end none of us knows if there is a God, or if there is, which "god" and what about the Christian God who I personally believe in and these kid of changes aren't always as cut and dry as we might think they are, or even hope they are? I do believe some people do have a genetic mix up and those people must be taken serious of course, all people caught up in this huge life altering change must be taken seriously and respected and loved. But there are quite a lot of people who've made this huge change and suddenly they wake up and they realize this wasn't the answer I thought it was. I will never judge anyone, this young person has a beautiful spirit and I do not judge, I do not have any right to sort of wag my finger in anyone's face and say "I know better than you" I don't know, I do not know better than anyone. I guess it comes down to this - if we let the "assholes" set the tone, then we'll become too afraid to speak to each other in a civilized way, and my concern is for those people who think this is the answer to whatever pain they feel, because if there's no conversation allowed besides "yes do it, you're courageous, etc etc" then there will be a lot of very deeply hurt people who maybe needed to hear the other side, with complete respect and love. We're adults, we are able to see the difference between someone like the guy who posted that stupid, asshole comment, and people such as myself who are genuinely concerned for all people struggling with what is an absolutely huge painful chaotic road. What do we say to someone who makes this kind of giant change, then realize it wasn't the answer? What will we say to those people when they ask us why we didn't give her the other side which may or may not have made a difference. I hope I'm making sense here, because the last thing I would ever want to do is harm anyone, especially when there's this kind of turmoil going on in their lives. I see you are good people, it's obvious you have a genuine caring and loving heart, so I think you'll be able to understand where I'm coming from. Take care. God Bless all Jack

[@pafox1027]

Jack, you’re words are very kind and thoughtful ❤️. This is the thing Jack, I’m a 60 year old member of the LGBTQ and have dealt with homophobic people and I as so many are over it. If someone doesn’t agree with the way we were born I suggest they keep their opinions to themselves, if they are incapable of doing that than I will call their bigotry out. I trust that Jen knows exactly he’s doing and who he is and has the courage to share his journey. I suggest John Mathew shut up and listen and keep his bigoted comments to himself, maybe IF he can do that he just might learn something about love and acceptance.

[@bronzesnake7004]

@@pafox1027 Hey Peggy, thank you so much for replying, and for being thoughtful and not judging me. In the end we're all human beings and I wish the few people who says retarded shit would just stop and think before they say these hurtful things. Nobody knows what it's like to walk in anyone else's shoes. Nobody knows what people have gone through or are going through. Being Christian I know why people such as yourself are leery about us because in my own experience, it's been other Christians who've done the most devastating damage, where some are so damned self rightious, they believe that because they believe in Jesus, they're somehow above the lowly sinners, and some say the most disgusting shit, and I've had my run ins with some of those assholes. They're actually pushing people away from Jesus rather than helping people, trying to understand people, etc. We're not here to be judges, we're here to love people no matter what! Jesus tells us to even love our enemies! That's His standard, and in my past life I was a lead vocalist/writer in rock, then hard rock, and yes that's how old I am Peggy, there was no "metal" when I was in my "prime" LOL! Eventually I did get into a metal band and became a serious coke and heroine addict. I loved that whole "rock star"lifestyle Peggy, I loved everything about it!! And I won't bore you to death, telling you what happened to me which caused an instant paradigm shift! LOL! I've already blabbed on far too long, I really just wanted to say thank you for being cool and giving me a chance to show people we're not all "choir boys" and speaking for myself, after some of the shit I've done Peggy, I am amazed that Jesus wanted anything to do with me! I was a BIG TIME BAD, BAD BOY! ") Great conversing Peggy, you're an awesome woman, I'd be so proud to have a friend like you. Keep your stick on the ice...aye! ") God Bless sister! Jack - Canada ~'()'~

[@sonnyday6727]

Stop promoting and encouraging mutilation.