Why are there SO many Trans people in VRChat? Gender, Identity, and Self Discovery.

Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/tvrs - Enter promo code tvrs for 83% off and get 3 extra months for free!
Gender Identity is a big part of our real & virtual selves, and the power of virtually embodying an avatar in social VR brings a sense of presence and self within the company of others in a way that’s only possible in virtual reality. Come with me to check out one of the LARGEST user populations of VRChat that have been significantly affected by their ability to experiment with gender. Meet the Trans Community!
Join my Discord + Live Events:
/ discord
Trans Academy Discord: / discord
Tizzy (Director): / tizzers
Rachel’s Voice Lessons: www.transvoice.com
PHIA's Socials
Twitter: / phia_bunny
Twitch: / phiabunny
Instagram: / phiabunny
TikTok: / phiabunny
Patreon: / phia
VR Footage + Editing assistance by Elim
enemyeliminated?s...
Join the TVRS VRChat Group:
vrc.group/TVRS.0429
+ TVRS Official Twitter: / tvrs_official
=TIMESTAMPS=
0:00 - Intro
1:03 - Surfshark VPN!
2:13 - “Virtual Embodiment”
3:54 - Gender Dysphoria & Avatars
7:29 - Academy’s Classes
8:53 - Meeting the Community
10:11 - Interviewing a troll
11:02 - Social VR’s Power
12:06 - April Event Announcement
TVRS SHORTS!
/ @tvrsshorts
PHIA Second Channel:
/ @phia_bunny
TVRS Studio Channel:
/ @tvrsstudio
MERCH:
crowdmade.com/collections/phia
Outro Song (im_naku - Not Titled):
• im_naku - Not Titled
Business Contact: [e-mail]

[@TheVirtualRealityShow]

Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/tvrs - Enter promo code tvrs for 83% off and get 3 extra months for free! Thanks for watching my deep dives :)

[@cytusallcore]

Would surfshark technically be a blahaj? It protects people's identity. Which is what blahaj is for.

[@marcus_cole_2]

The Virtual Reality Show: can you do a video on my post please

[@leoneld.toledoperez6708]

Good evening Phia. First I would like to thank you for the videos, I recently found your channel and I love it. You see I am a fan of virtual reality and mainly VRChat and the freedom it offers, sadly, due to the fact that I am Cuban, I have not been able to access it from my PC, much less acquire a VR set. However, and because I usually pay attention to all news related to VR and VRChat, I recently found out about the possibility of releasing an app for mobile phones and I was excited about this news. After analyzing, I came to the following conclusion: there is the possibility that this app takes away the prominence of the virtual reality system at the beginning, but this, in the long run, would cause an increase in the interest of the population in entering with all the advantages of virtual reality. However, I am concerned about the reaction that this may cause in the VRCat community in general, so I would like (taking into account the aesthetics and charisma of your videos) that you approach the subject from the point of view of those who are part of this world. If you've gotten this far, I thank you for giving me your time, and I hope you'll consider responding eventually. Thank you very much and have a good night. PS: I apologize for communicating through this channel and not through the appropriate means or platforms.

[@cytusallcore]

@@leoneld.toledoperez6708 I feel like Mobile users will turn into how questies became a thing. This is good for vrc in the long run and vr in general for popularity.

[@tygohs1lily211]

I'll Give This World A Try, To See If It Can Help My Journey x3!

[@Altaranalt]

The girl going from her *DEEP* voice, all the way up to her more feminine voice was kind of mind blowing, ngl

[@TemkaUwU]

im not even trans but i wanna learn that. its very impressive but i dont know if they'd teach a non trans person

[@horstmeier512]

Was it a girl? I mean there are a lot of mind handicapped people out there who think they're the opposite gender.

[@RadikAlice]

It's a good reminder that vocal chords are basically like a bagpipe

[@gothnick]

Quick note for the people responding to this thread. There is a bit of downside to the voice training. There is a great chance you damage the vocal cords. The girl with the deep voice probably originally wasn't that deep. Not saying you shouldn't do it, but be aware of the risks involved. I am in a long term relationship with a transwoman and when she sometimes speaks in her "old" voice it is way deeper then when I met her 8 years ago. I am nog judging anyone, I just want to share this information so that everyone is aware and can make their personal choises.

[@horstmeier512]

@@gothnick how can you say "her"? And how can you be in a relationship with something like this? Are you gay?

[@TheThorns]

I really wish the field of psychology would explore VR as a therapeutic technology more. For years it has only been used for aversion therapy for certain phobias, but it seems like it has way more potential. VR can be used/crafted for so much more in the field of psychology and help so many people with , anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia etc.

[@Ok-wl4ls]

it helped me get over my social anxiety

[@TheThorns]

@@SashraanMusic Wow auto correct really got me on that one. Nice save, Thanks! Phycology is the scientific study of algae.

[@siisi4]

Reality hurts more once you go out from the VR. It helps mentally when you're in but it doesn't solve the problem when you have to face real problems.

[@enxgma8085]

Vrchat gave me PTSD

[@Throughthelurkingglass]

No one gives a darn about dudes, until they prove themselves, a female can pop up anywhere and get attention, be treated fairly, and taken seriously. I'd rather be someone and not trick others for attention. I only see weak men wanting to feel accepted.

[@kittysennpaii97]

I've realized those who are trans, etc. Are really nice. I hate how much hate they get. :\

[@legendsocool644]

(づ◕ᴗ◕)づ♡

[@malasdikuburan756]

they got hate cause certain trans are pushing it and not chill,just like every group and comunity,if they have some bad blood...the whole comunity got negative view

[@chaucer_1686]

@@malasdikuburan756 blaming trans people for the hate trans people get, not it. Trans people get a lot of hate because they're being scapegoated and before that it was from disgust that most movies propagated

[@malasdikuburan756]

@@chaucer_1686 my bad boo i dont understand what you said, English is not my stuff

[@chaucer_1686]

@@malasdikuburan756 what language would be best?

[@Zman201]

I am firmly of the believe that everything you do in VR, reflects just as much about who you are as if you were out in the physical world. Your avatar the way you act and interact is just as meaningful and important as if you were doing it in real life. Just because people aren't physically there doesn't mean your interactions have no meaning or less meaning than real physical ones... As someone with a disability that makes it hard to go out in real life for extended periods of time, VR has literally become my social life, and I have never felt more confident about myself and how I act etc than ever before.

[@TheVirtualRealityShow]

Yes! VR can positively affect IRL lives in many ways! The people I've met have become IRL friends when I was alone, and the things I've learned about myself have helped me be more confident in myself by miles

[@meiduza]

I am more myself in VR than I am in real life, purely because I am more comfortable in VR. So yeah, sounds about right.

[@SpecialInterestShow]

If you have any issues standing or reaching for things, here's a cool accessibility thing I found: It's called WalkInVR and it's on steam. I've got short arms and I play seated frequently, so WalkInVR does wonders for me since I can edit my height (I think) and I can increase my reach! They're even working on an option to let you trick the headset into thinking you're standing when you're actually laying down!

[@deality]

Disagree

[@tigerfestivals5137]

Hard disagree. The interactions themselves are meaningful sure, but the aesthetics, avatars, etc. are all less meaningful because they aren't real.

[@DN-fs2kb]

As a trans man, i love vrchat and video-gaming. The ability to look completely different and sound different to others is amazing. Its really amazing and ive met lots of cool people.

[@robotictitanmenas5914]

I am Emirati 🇦🇪 from Dubai and no matter you Americans like to do your own things I know it you know it ALLAH /GOD is Real sister weather you like it Jehanem is waiting for you

[@buliontro]

​​@@robotictitanmenas5914 Wether* I was very confused thinking of raining sisters when you said "sister weather" lol

[@robotictitanmenas5914]

@@buliontro it was mistake sorry my English not that good

[@mneech609]

@@buliontro Whether**

[@hai0.0]

@@robotictitanmenas5914bro why would u say that, not everyone follows your religion so don’t push it on them. you’re weird

[@TizzyBell]

Amazing job Phia! Thank you so much for stopping by the Trans Academy and diving into the topic of using VRChat to explore gender identity. Social VR is creating positive change in real life and I'm so happy that people like you and Thrill are sharing that with the world.

[@Revixity]

I just wanna say that Trans Academy is literally one of my favorite worlds~ Thank you so much for making a space for our community ^-^ And thank you Phia for showing the world we arent bad people. Like the furry community we just want to love and be loved

[@EATBreal]

Had the pleasure of meeting you in the great pug and seeing the Trans Academy for myself. You've helped create a welcoming and amazing community! So glad to have met you and others through your community as I've made good friends and as a cisgender person learned a lot more about gender identity and expression.

[@Regular_Citizen_Studio]

So glad I found the Academy the moment I saw people using the banner! I have gained so much from the community and have made lofe long onnections 💖 Thank you Tizzy for making all this possible!

[@LBM01028]

Lol it’s just an avatar. I’m not trans and I have to use female/animal/monster/creature avatars on many different video games. It’s pretty irrelevant.

[@c00lkidcool78]

Fr just cause a girl says they're a boy doesn't mean they ever will be and they'll never live anything like a boy and same for boys who say they're girls

[@kittysennpaii97]

I'm not trans, but this world looks so nice! Can I visit it ???

[@oreolaw9911]

why wouldn't you?

[@EmmaHopman]

I can't speak for this VR chat server because I've never been there but generally trans spaces are super welcoming to allies

[@VickyViolet]

I've been to the world, it's very nice. 😊

[@felixkrell890]

I am currently in the process of writing about mutism in VR and the topic of trans identity and voice dysphoria is also a huge point there. I found that almost all trans users i interviewed over the last few years were either still mute, or had a mute phase of about 6 months on average. Will be interesting see how institutionalized voice training academies like this will affect that!

[@Ok-wl4ls]

id like to see the report

[@felixkrell890]

@@Ok-wl4ls not done yet, will be part of a conference called ICA23 this year in toronto ;)

[@FiltyIncognito]

If you hadn't considered it yet, autism might also be a good subject to cover since many autistic people experience certain degrees of mutism, called Selective Mutism or Situational Mutism. The second term is a 'rebranding' due to being a better description of the personal experience. 'Selective' implies that the person chooses when to be mute, which often isn't the case. And it relates to the con's theme by way of how Situational Mutism can be influenced by social anxiety, fear and uncertainty, not just in oneself but as a response to the lack of honesty and abuse of authoritative mannerisms or just authority itself that many people exhibit. It leads to a social environment where there is a fear of exposing oneself. As someone with this condition, I can tell you that that can often be the weight that tips the scales into being non-vocal (this varies between people, scenarios and state of health). And VR affects this in a similar manner as it does with trans people, giving autistic people with Situational Mutism a safer, more controllable social environment that allows and encourages self-expression, including communicating in different ways that are often unacceptable in real life. It allows us to be more authentic to who we are and how we're feeling, and is instrumental in helping us to find or regain our voice. When I'm at my worst and incapable of even vocalizing with my dog or communicate at all online, being able to take baby steps helps to re-establish my communicative ability. Also, I can't speak for others but my autism and mutism seems to react to inauthentic people subconsciously, making it a kind of barometer for character judgement. It might be a fun/interesting to explore the idea of autistic people as social canaries. (reference to the old idea of miners using canaries to judge the quality of air in mines). (fineprint: To be clear, I don't know if Situational Mutism is exclusive to autism, and my own personal experience is just one type of experience within the full spectrum of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many autists experience a certain degree of social blindness or incomprehensibility so are not all a good subject as a social canary. Many are, however, exceptionally good at empathy via body language as demonstrated by their interest, appreciation and talent for interacting with animals.)

[@felixkrell890]

@@FiltyIncognito thanks so much for your write up, I've included it as a memo in my files. And yes, I do include terms like selective, "voluntary", involuntary, etc. mutism in my write-up. Even "situational" mutism might be a word too romanticised for the actual downward spiral it can lead into. While its really challenging to interact with others just via airpen, speech bubbles or gesturing, being mute is comforting in other regards. Perhaps too comforting sometimes, at least for people who plan on slowly coming out of their shell eventually. Un-muting after long periods of time is a huge task, even if (or precicesly because) most enthusiast users on this platform are generally accepting of pretty much any shape, form or way you could present yourself. The drive to un-mute often comes from those closer, or even intimate relationships, not so much the drinking nights or shallower social settings where you'd get the picture that nobody reaaally cares if you speak or not. Most of my interviewees who unmuted after long periods of time did so out of friendship or even love. In which ways being mute situationally or long-term is influenced by pre-existing conditions, that is probably not something I will be able to fully get into as a sociologist. Just not trained for that. But raising interdisciplinary awareness about topics like these in Social VR is something I try to do when i can in conferences and colloquia :)

[@Reldez_1]

My early days in vrchat I was a mute. It was fun! I'd go to Raves and hand out glow sticks. But I think another level I enjoyed it because when someone would interact with me, a lot of the times they would genuinely try to understand the point I'd be trying to get across. It was a way to KNOW that the person you were interacting with was genuinely trying to identify with you. I felt more "listened to" as a mute, then I did talking normally.

[@tihs135]

Definitely didn't expect my performance to be part of the footage for this video but I'm honored to be included in such a supportive video. VRC definitely helps a lot of us be who we truly are in a world where that's not always possible and it's truly something beautiful.

[@tihs135]

@SWFL Aerial Guy 6:55

[@inkstock]

I've already known I was trans before playing vrchat, but man... the first time I put on an avatar of a guy, now that, that is a moment I'll never forget. the sheer euphoria of seeing myself in a body I'm far more comfortable in, I think I stared at myself in the mirror for like 20 mins straight. my therapist at the time was very supportive of this as well. thank you for covering this, I didn't know they had voice training in the group so I might become more active haha

[@veqtas]

wow. im a trans woman and you pretty much nailed my experience too lol vr, and vrchat in particular, is such an important thing in the lives of so many trans people and it allows us to express ourselves in the way wed like to most.. just as ourselves

[@Gladuos1]

8:05 HOLY! Here I thought it was impossible being that deep to start. That's honestly inspiring.

[@myhoneeybear]

I have a friend that's trans and I had no idea this group existed until I saw this video. I'll think she'll love this and have a supportive community to help her through her journey

[@Ashley-1917]

POV: You're sorting by new due to an unhealthy need to find hate comments to justify an anger which is already justified by the conditions of our life.

[@beepy409]

bro dont call me out like that.

[@kosm4086]

Always remember that YWNBAW

[@Ashley-1917]

@@kosm4086 ??

[@ApatheticAnarchy]

​@@Ashley-1917 YWNBAW is a common phrase from transphobes against trans women. It means "You Will Never Be A Woman".

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

​@@Ashley-1917it's an acronym for you will never be a women

[@Freddie_06]

That vocal feminisation was honestly fascinating. Born to be a voice acter

[@Aida_berry]

If only i wasnt bullied and called slurs for being trans or my sexuality ( • ⁠‿⁠ ⁠,•) Anyways! Loved the video! ^^ I never knew how to change my voice to be more feminine or keep it feminine. I never really tried cuz i feel kinda silly for some reason, but I'm glad to know about this world!!! Also that moth avatar near 4 minutes is so beautiful omg!!!

[@tuckergregory]

As a person under the trans umbrella, VRChat is magical. If only I could live there forever...

[@elainajourney]

I feel the same

[@wouchang]

Until you crash

[@MrSh1be]

cough* sword art online cough*

[@AmericanHistoryIV]

If only I could fill you with lead and dispose of you. You freak, you damn mutant.

[@SashaNsay]

What a shame

[@Bunitichii]

This video means so much to me as a trans-NB who's closeted :'D finding welcoming communities or just people is so hard, so to know about the trans academy was so nice!! also 11:45 was just so sweet to hear

[@chrisc1140]

I know a good few trans people in VRC that *cannot* come out irl for a variety of reasons. I'm glad they and everyone else like then can explore their identities in VR even when it might even not be safe for them otherwise.

[@iiraingirlii]

Same

[@rubytrap3860]

ive always wanted to try vr chat but as soon as people hear a deep voice im usually just met with a ban or just verbal abuse so i stay away from stuff like recroom or vr chat its nice to know this community exists especially since i really dont understand any of the voice stuff

[@MillaNillapai]

Oh, I understand you so well in this regard and you somehow cope with it yourself and experience it amazingly. Sorry that I don’t know your language well, but my friend, you’re a bro, I’d like to talk to you when you have time in Disсord, the main thing is to write your nickname or Steam and there’s this game and there in the place I’d be glad to have a fun time playing with you. Let’s be friends, what do you say?: ))

[@MillaNillapai]

I hope I didn’t scare you away with this message? ((

[@MultiGamerClub]

Its been an amazing journey going through vrchat talking to so many different people and genders, thank you for making this video to spread more awareness to.

[@holyloli69420]

I'm TRANSformer, Autobot roll out

[@teapothz7894]

So you’re Optimus pride

[@chasethemoney5687]

autistobot

[@planlessdan]

I have to stop by this world. It was REALLY cool to see, and HEAR the effect of voice training, and people being able to be happy with just being themselves. I haven't played VRChat in a pretty long time, but one of the first times I REALLY got to comfortable experiment with my gender and expression was on here, and I could definitely relate to staring into a mirror and going "hmm, this feels kind of amazing actually huh" so seeing them getting some kinda exposure here was amazing, and might just get me to dust off my headset and jump back in!

[@blitzar2258]

I actually started crying when she did the voice example because I was afraid that I could never have a feminine voice because of my natural one, thank you for showing me this PHIA 💜

[@onlinepredator8544]

cringe

[@Ashley-1917]

Yeah pretty much same. It's super inspiring!

[@JimmySentence]

​@@onlinepredator8544 literally cope.

[@onlinepredator8544]

@@JimmySentence cry

[@JimmySentence]

@@onlinepredator8544 i need to get a surgery so my tears can transition down my face.

[@monkeyboy6857]

Honestly I’ve questioned myself a lot and have found a lot of conflicting thoughts in my head lol but I’m happy to see more and more inclusive groups forming in Virtual Reality and just seeing all these resources and hubs pop up more and more to allow people who do not quite understand these kinds of things be able to educate themselves about the topic and meet others with more than likely conflicting ideas! It’s the only way ideas can be brought to light and progress in a respectful manner and I am in love with it!

[@koemimisura]

ive been suffering with an eating disorder for 6 years ever since i was 12 including body dysmorphia and i had started showing symptoms at the age of 10. VRchat has helped me a ton not to just feel more comfortable and being able to talk to people freely without hesitation and regret. But to make me love my own self more and learning to accept. Ive met a ton of wonderful people and had tons of memories and experiences. Yes creeps and people who wont accept u will always be around but i have learned to avoid them cause i know there is probably a reason why their doing this, either because they never got the attention they deserved and were mistreated or because they want to be just like you but are afraid of rejection. I suggest to either try speaking to them and ask them why their doing this without any hateful speech and maybe they will open up cause most of the times they need a person to talk to them and understand them but if at any point they reject that even the least u can do is let them be. I still remember when i first found out vr existed and saved my own money to afford a headset. I went to the blackcat cafe and just sat infront of the mirror and looking around seeing other people talking to each other stranegrs or not and having fun and i was so amused and inspired that i told myself i want to be just like them. Make people happy and myself. Later on i started joining experiences that were just mini games and met my first friends and later on helped other people to open up as well like how i was helped when i was a new to this. VRchat helped me a ton and finding out about this game was the greatest thing that happened to me and helped me with my body dysmorphia. Now to whoever sees this i hope u have an awesome day and dont forget that there will always be people who will be there to accept u as long as u accept urself , even if its a virtual character, go have fun , meet new friends and share memories with them. Live it to the fullest! (my apologies for this little rant but the point im trying to make is that if i managed to do all this im 100% u can as well , dont hesitate and go do it since we only get this opportunity once )

[@francegamer]

A while back I tested just kinda feeling out some avatars and a gender neutral furry avatar felt better than either man or woman, and those felt about the same. I'm satisfied with sticking to gender neutrality for now as my gender Identity feels very flimsy and with any more investigating it would probably crumble.

[@TroutBoneless]

There are some fantastic video essays on KZbin about VR and identity exploration. Glad to see you adding your voice to the discussion

[@nekopet6168]

I have the day off of work tomorrow and now I know where I'm going tomorrow in VRChat! Also, thank you so much for looking at things with such an open mind and showcasing them for us, Phia! You don't know how much this means to those of us who face issues with being hated on just for being trans. The world needs more people like you!

[@Juschlan]

Me at 4:40: "okay yes the number is rising, correct, now also cover the left hand statistic" Phia: *covers EXACTLY THAT!* Phia, great video! Thanks! I didn't know of this Trans Academy before.

[@Clairavoya]

10:53 I almost felt kind of bad when he got kicked, I've never seen a troll actually have a semblance of class before lol

[@DynamicEllie]

I really needed this today. My own mental health is at an all time low. The amount of trans hate in the world appears to be growing. People are becoming empowered by each others hate. The UK government is about to remove trans protections from the human rights act. Every trans video on KZbin is full of hate comments. It's really messing with my mental health. In fact, only 2 days ago I experienced some of the worst trans hate in VRC that I've ever experienced. It's becoming really depressing. Anti trans activists will say that we become more unhappy when we transition, without realising its them that causes that unhappiness. I was over the moon with my decision, until I was met with barrages of hate, every single day. To see a pro trans video, especially from a CIS ally is like a breath of fresh air. And your comments seem quite positive. Thank you for this Phia. Your timing couldn't have been any more perfect.

[@noraaaaaaa]

im with you. shit sucks right now, but im really thankful the vrc community at large has offered solace. we'll get through it. thats a promise

[@daunted2322]

You could think of yourself as not just part of X group, but as part of many many groups and interests, not all of your self worth has to come from a singular place, that saying about not putting all your eggs in one basket, it's better to develop a wide range of interests.

[@LethalShadow]

You probably are not looking for advice, but I will give you my 2 cents anyway, for you to do with whatever you see fit. I feel like actively looking for trans-related videos, and reading their comments, is self-sabotage. I don't think hate is growing, but if you seek out social media content specifically about those topics, you will run into extreme opinions. So my advice would be the same I would give literally anyone who is in a bad place mentally, who consumes a lot of social media: Avoid social media as much as possible, especially avoid divisive topics on social media. Cute animal videos are so much better XD As for the anti-trans activists comment you made. Let me say I am most definitely not an activist, and ideally I would want everyone to be happy, regardless of their beliefs etc. That being said, I think there is possibly truth behind their claims. Let me explain. At work I have met several people when they identified as one gender, and saw them go through the journey all the up to after transition to the other gender. This is only my anecdotal experience, but specifically regarding 2 people I consider my friends, they have definitely not become happier, and one of them appears to really be hitting a new low. Talking to them, their problems don't come from haters. I'm only saying this because I think it's a super complex topic and I feel like so much more honest research should be done about it. Pointing fingers and claiming "anti-trans people are the entire reason trans people are unhappy" seems supremely unhelpful in my opinion because the implication is that we don't need to look into it further to identify other potential problems we could resolve. Like I said before, I want everyone to be happy. I wish you the best. Look at more cute animal videos.

[@daunted2322]

@@LethalShadow 1000% It's like buying expensive headphones, and then going to reviews for confirmation xD you made your choice.

[@miyamotoobliteratesgeneric5235]

“Trans hate” also known as “people won’t bow to my delusions!”

[@SilverGamingFI]

As someone who's had voice dysphoria since I was 11 due to the deepness, body dysphoria for 2 years and gender dysphoria for 1 year, learning about Trans academy is a blessing. Happy to find this channel

[@itsLyxie]

Gotta thank you for videos like these, Phia. For some it looks like it's really hard to be an ally when in reality you can just give voice to the people that you are supporting and listen to their stories. As a trans person, thank you for your implication. I didn't even know it existed, so I owe this to you. ❤

[@XIVCOFFINXIV]

as a transgirl who loves vrhcat the vrchat community as large has been so sweet kind and ive met the most wonderful people there

[@miyamotoobliteratesgeneric5235]

A man*

[@Exocrotic-yn2ck]

Not for long or atleast not from me

[@benevans666]

Thank you sooooo much for this video, I have done a 48 hour play session in VR chat just so I can feel more my inner self, I'm trans and did not know about this world, when I can jump in I'm so checking this out as it will make me sooooo happy if they can fix my voice and I probably break down and cry for hours, they may have been able to help me more than the hole HNS or any professionals, thank you again and I am soo going to recommend this vid to others

[@spectenix]

I remember first coming out to my online friends. I was playing VRChat while we were in VC and I did the talk in an avatar I made. That fact that I was seeing myself in that avatar probably made it easier to come out by giving me the confidence I needed

[@SushiLotl]

i'll put here why i think trans people like vrchat: I think it's because, the same as furries, you can be anyone you wish to, even applies to genres that's just amazing

[@foxcannon]

I'm kind of a struggling trans person, and I think I'm definitely going to check this out when I get a computer that can handle VRChat haha, this video was so well made, you earned a sub!

[@LeafeMcGamer]

you're not the only one whose struggling being trans, so I'm here to tell you that You're an amazing and epic person that will be able to achieve anything in life!

[@flokistormborn4599]

Hey I just found your channel not too long ago and I just wanted to say I really appreciate you spreading a lot more positivity for different communities around VR chat or just online in general it's ungodly refreshing to see a positive change of pace keep on doing what you're doing and I hope you have a great career doing what you love

[@akira1086]

Amazing video, glad you're covering this and so supportive! I will however say one critique; the part about "trolling" feels a bit like it indirectly downplays the treatment trans people get online (unintentionally i assume, i know you mean well), trolling isn't the best wording to describe it, and the example given makes it seem very light and not a big deal. The reality is the treatment trans people get is far far worse than the example shown, often what we experience goes beyond just harmless trolling or mean behavior, it borders on, or goes into or past harassment. Of course, it's not necessary to cover the entire political landscape towards trans people right now, i get how depressing that can be (i hear about it daily at this point), but i do think there should be greater emphasis on the cruel and malicious behavior trans people face, even if in short, that "trolling" doesn't accurately encapsulate.

[@tonygamer4310]

How did I never know about the trans academy. VRChat is literally how I discovered I was trans, and I've been using it for that for the past nearly 2 years now, and I never knew about it until now Edit: 7:00 I feel that so much. When I realized I was trans, I was trying to train phantom sense, and my friend came up to me with an avatar with wings that messes with phantom sense weirdly on some people, and after messing with it for a while and trying it out, I was looking at myself in the mirror and I was like "well, I should probably switch back now" and then I realized that I didn't want to switch back. That avatar felt more comfortable to me than any other avatar I had used before, and more comfortable than my own body. It took me a while to fully figure out why, but that was the beginning of my journey

[@x_muffinya_x]

I'm always super anxious, but this looks like it could help a lot, I might try to give it a go. Thank you so very much, words don't convey how much this video helps and makes me feel less alone ♥

[@caiman2372]

Eat Healthier, drink more water G.

[@jibinwar]

Eeeee I’m in the background of a video 🥰 , Thank you so much for covering this 💚💚💚

[@jibinwar]

I remember joining Trans Academy randomly from one of my world creator friends on one of its first versions. That’s when I met and friended Tizzy, and they are so genuinely so lovely. I love how much the community has grown ❤❤❤

[@LittleSealPupper]

Didn't know egg cracking in VR was common lol. Not VR chat but recroom. Looked through my entire transition from identifying as female to identifying as male. I had created this really masculine avatar with a beard who was bald and wore a suit and had a fedora that matched it. I remember creating that character and just taking it all in. It was nice. Everyone calling me "he" and "him" also made me come to the realization that I was trans

[@-EK-]

I am not trans myself, but I have helped many trans people. When I was in school, I was allowed to represent the president of the student initiative, and I stood up for trans rights with a large group of other students. Many of my good friends are trans and very happy with their lives. I love that video, thanks Phia.

[@Exocrotic-yn2ck]

Women rights is way more important than this fake transgender thing

[@ElyseGiroux]

VrChat has been such an amazing way to express myself and voice train early in my transition

[@sixtypebeat]

as a trans girl who isn’t very much into games or anything of that matter. when i first tried out VRChat and was overwhelmingly met with soo many trans people, i think that’s what really pulled me in. being so connected to other humans who have experienced my life experiences, my childhood. it felt unreal. it made VR so much more real than i imagine it feels. those connections matter so much to me. people who are not trans, just do not understand it. it is truly a one in a million typa thing. it’s also very real, just incase someone reading this is uneducated or wtv

[@PunkySlush]

here before watching this, i got you- because you can be you without worrying about how you look versus what you think.

[@reyluna0]

I love that phia does these videos! It's Soo nice to see communities with a lot of unwarranted hate get positive coverage

[@AmataTai]

I was looking for a fun outlet to start getting social and getting back into vrc, and going to trans academy sounds blessed

[@GenerallyBananas]

thanks so much for this video, these are dark times for trans people, and seeing this pop up in my sub box really cheered me up

[@divinechannel3240]

Thank you for this vid and showcasing the Trans academy. I did knot know there was such a place in VR Chat and my have made me a little emotional to see how nice and accepting they are there, It's really nice to see and I'm very tempted to check out that place for myself now

[@xeldalachyrule]

I want VR so bad just to go to this academy! I had no idea this even existed until now!

[@_GhostToast_]

im glad you made a video on this, Vrchat is very dear to me for this very reason there are so many places where people can come together just like us trans people

[@kellym7354]

It's very cool to see popular VR KZbinrs talk about this.

[@williansnobre]

I like how they are so explain things in such a simple and easy to understand way, it is good for people who are not trans to understand and to people who are trans and struggling to understand themselves.

[@panintegral4571]

I honestly love this videos, it's like they're so well made it makes me happy

[@wurro]

the voice demonstration at 8:03 was actually so cool, really amazing to me to see all the different steps

[@kayleewoz]

The result that that person achieved is amazing! Their voice sounds so natural! I've been practising for a couple of years and still can't produce anything that natural. I sometimes think it has to do with the fact that some people inherently have voices that are better suited for doing this sort of thing, voices with better tonal quality and wider range (than me at least). I watch a lot of voice trolling videos (Druew, Matta, StrollingStu) and love what they have achieved (I don't really agree with trolling, but theirs is mostly light hearted), but can't seem to achieve anything even close. Anyhow, I am in awe of the lady that does the demo in this video !

[@wesleypatterson2284]

While I am not trans, my godsibling is, and through them I've met some of the kindest, most unjudging souls I've ever interacted with. I feel truly accepted by them in ways I feel with very few others. The trans community is truly beautiful and I pray that the day comes that society as a whole sees that as well. And to any trans people reading this; you are seen, you are loved, and you are whole

[@Jjjbbb5678]

Most trans people i know are bitter and envious people

[@caixiuying8901]

even as a not religious person, I appreciate this a lot owo

[@nightmareneon8263]

As a trans person, I often get asked in VRC why my voice is of a girl and when my avatar is of a boy, I tell them I have a high voice, just because I don't want them to call me a girl. This video is actually so informational and pleasant to watch

[@edmaniayt]

I'm am so glad to you decided to do a video on trans academy it's a great place and cominity!!! 😁

[@louloucaaa]

Im trans ftm and its always fun getting told im not a guy and getting called slurs by grown men in vrchat 😃👍

[@xeganxerxes4319]

Because you probably think you’re a gay dude which is homophobic to real gay men and lesbians. Disgusting heterosexual fetishising of homosexuals of the opposite-sex is the core of the trans movement 🤮 🤢

[@liamparkos7830]

@@xeganxerxes4319 how?

[@aussieseal9979]

​@@xeganxerxes4319 huh. Tick off

[@thebuilder5271]

@@xeganxerxes4319 mind your business James lmao. You’re pissing your pants because trans people exist. Embarrassing as hell 💀

[@xeganxerxes4319]

@@liamparkos7830 Being gay or lesbian always meant being same-sex attracted until trans ideologues took the word. Now it is considered transphobic for gays and lesbians to not want to date the opposite- sex.

[@KimOnJay]

I think this guy has a point 10:11 even tho I don't like trolls

[@Furin_]

I love when people talk about these topics! By making visible other people's struggles and experiences, you help grow a more kind and healthy community. I hope you continue to make this kind of content, Phia

[@h3lblad3]

About the left-handed analogy (is analogy the right word?), I wanted to point something out. In Latin, the word for "Left" is... "Sinister". Hence, when you're calling someone who is evil "sinister", you're calling them "left-handed". Or, to put it another way, "left handedness is evil, so if you are evil then you must be left-handed." It's an interesting little hold-over from the past. Also, just for reference, the Latin word for "Right" is "Dexter". When you're good at using both hands, you're called "Ambidextrous" meaning you have two right hands. (Ambidexter = right on both sides).

[@Dachusttin]

Sounds like such a good community wow

[@brave4you2]

I appreciate that. Its important to feel who you are and life that identity. Unfortunately my father and his friends are against lgbt for no reason and I got bullied because I had no problem with trans people and black people, most of my best friends are bi and get bullied to, stay strong❤❤

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

I am insanely impressed by the vocal feminization of the transwomen you interviewed, its been a huge struggle for me, and one of the core aspects of my own dysphoria ;_; Ive pretty much abandoned voice chat and even livestreaming because of it

[@JackieTheBastard]

Thank you so much for coming to the Academy and meeting everyone! Tizzy and the staff are the fucking best, and I'm so glad for all the new people who are gonna find a new place to belong because of this

[@nepherti]

Always great to see you touching on the various communities and subcultures that exist within VRChat, Phia. Big fan, keep doing what you're doing! It's making a huge difference in how people view this platform!

[@Cruz55360]

This was a really good video. Thanks for putting the time and effort into this.

[@itsvioneko]

Wow, it looks like such a wonderful community! I’ve only been in Vrchat a few times, because my social anxiety always stops me (can’t even talk to people in vr smh my head). I have my own avatar and everything, but I always can’t bring myself to actually go in a public world. Hopefully I’ll work up the courage one day, because I feel like I could really use some other trans people to talk to lol.

[@MxSlurry]

Being gender fluid, gender dysphoria is a big thing. Having mastered multiple stereotypical accents, I can just throw on an accent to portray my identity, it does get tiring in my vocal chords and it doesn’t come on automatically.

[@daunted2322]

What is wrong with your native accent that you must keep switching?

[@thebuilder5271]

@@daunted2322 changing accents is the easiest way to make your voice sound different probably

[@daunted2322]

​@@thebuilder5271 not all change is positive. Or even meaningful.

[@LyraXI]

I actually had no idea these sorts of spaces existed in VRChat. I'm trans myself and I haven't really used VRC since your 10k subscriber meetup, which was before I came out. I've had a lot of anxiety about getting back into VRChat so the fact that spaces like the trans academy exist has really made me want to get back into it. One of the main things stopping me has been my voice, and while I do voice train, I'm not at a point where I can sound like I want to consistently, so voice lessons in VR would be a big help to me. This video was brilliant and it's nice to see trans positive videos on KZbin by creators I've been watching for a long time. I just want to say thanks for being such an inspiration to me, PHIA.

[@archetypeknight771]

Gotta love that Phia cites research!

[@The_Droogle_That_Draws]

Woah I was not expecting to see tizzy in your video lol. I’ve known her for a few years now and I’m glad she’s getting some recognization(or I’ve been under a rock and had no idea lmao)

[@LeafeMcGamer]

I wanna visit trans academy but my vr controllers are dead battery :( Hopefully I can change them soon tho

[@emptiness.951]

I can’t afford VR unfortunately, nor would my parents allow it, but if I did, then I would definitely go to VrChat and then pick a nice girly avatar. Because you know what? I want to be me. For once, I just want to escape the harsh reality of how I look like in the mirror. This is why I desperately want VrChat!! (Sorry about the vent, just wanted to let it out)

[@ashball]

No you can always vent because you matter in the community too

[@emptiness.951]

@@ashball Aw tysm ^w^

[@sirdeadlock]

Very good. My one nit-pick is around 9:45. If people are struggling with false accusations; try to show what's actually true without naming the accusation at all. In this case, it might have been enough to say the community is friendlier and more welcoming than people assume and the people are trying trying to live happy and fulfilled lives like anybody else. It's part of the whole "don't think about a purple rhinoceros" thing. Throwing a "don't" or a "it's not true" won't take that purple rhino out of a person's mind. If they aren't paying close attention or are coming from a negative headspace it might even be the only thing they hear. It's true that it's important to call out bullies and be heard when harassment happens; there are effective ways to publicize those grievances so that they receive the most positive reception possible. But I liked this. Very good video. Very important topic.

[@user-zj1dq1rh6o]

8:07 that is exactly the explanation I needed, thank you very much

[@blingingjak1]

Wow, trans women here. Iv never seen any of your content nor used Vr chat, what a great video! You treated everyone with respect and kindness and showed real interest and respect to the trans community. Thank you so much for being a kind person, this video made my day and I want to check out more videos now. ❤

[@miyamotoobliteratesgeneric5235]

Man*

[@rysea9855]

VRChat is how I realized I'm trans, over a year ago now. The realization is there, but I haven't been able to do much about it. I did recently get a pc upgrade so I'll finally be able to play pcvr, so I will definitely check this trans academy out sooner rather than later. I'm doing much better mentally than a year ago, so I think it's about time to finally start working toward who I really want to be. All I want to say though, is thank you, for spreading awareness of this. I'm sure you're helping many trans people by making this video

[@Minifig3D]

i randomly ran into Tizzy and I can confirm that she is awesome. 👍

[@persona9670]

Hey Phia, I have a question about VR. Im getting my first headset soon for my birthday and not sure which model to get, do you have any suggestions?

[@doublelunch24]

8:09 gives me so much hope. Thanks for making this vid Phia 💖

[@DatBisa]

Well this isn't the TVRS video I expected to first show up in, but I guess I can't complain this is the one it happened in. 😅 Jokes aside, I really have to thank you for making this video. While the saturation of trans people in VRC is no secret to anyone, it's an incredibly important thing to be talking about and spreading awareness of, especially in a time where a lot of the real world is becoming more and more cruel towards trans people. I've been questioning for a while before, and Strasz' video essay on Gender in VRC is what kicked off my dive into VR ~5 months ago, but it's really hard to overstate just how much the immersive presence of social VR can do for someone trying to figure themselves out. I've lost track of the amount of times that I've fallen asleep in front of a mirror in Midnight Rooftop while just waving my hands around in front of my face with Leap tracking and thinking "Wow... This is- so... Nice? Do I want this? *What* do I want about this?" VRChat enables us to not only wear whatever clothes we want, wherever we want, but whatever *bodies* we want, and that's an incredibly powerful ability for self-discovery, even if you're not trans. I feel like it really is something that should be looked into more on a professional medical level, especially as the barrier to entry for VR keeps going down.

[@sephikirb]

I don't know why but this video made me cry, I'm not 100% sure about my identity yet but I want to experience this through vrchat so much, I wish I had a vr headset

[@patcatbatrat6693]

As a trans person being in a male avatar is really great escape from reality :)

[@areid1150]

Thank you so much for making this! ❤

[@emmerybunny317]

I'm trans feminine and this is so amazing I want people like me to just be themselves better without the hate thank you spread love and help the comunity making a better place

[@Cylitrix]

Yessu yessu!~

[@miyamotoobliteratesgeneric5235]

You will always be a man :)

[@flying_katekitty2177]

not gonna lie i got vr just so i can train my voice on vrchat and i gadda say WOW IT HELPED A LOT!!! Becose of VR im comfortable talking and comunicationg to people outside of text messages. Not to mention the amunt of great friends i have gotten

[@amplifyanon]

Thank you so much for this post! He changed my life 100%, because through him I really dealt with this topic and realized that I am transgender myself and that through further self-reflection I was finally able to admit it to myself. You kind of got the ball rolling with this post. :) Thank you so much Phia!

[@ShadowPaladin55]

A few of my friends are trans, but only one plays VRChat, so I am going to send her a link. It is up to her if she joins the VRChat Trans Academy. I personally am not Trans (or could be and just have no clue) but I would love to support the community because all of my closest friends right now fall under the Trans umbrella

[@nerdynanny]

I can tell this video was made with good intentions-- but at the same time there's still some things I gotta share: PLEASE keep in mind that Gender Dysphoria is NOT a requirement to be trans. A LOT of trans folk don't experience dysphoria and don't WANT surgeries. That doesn't make them any less trans. Also why-- would you include an interview with a troll? That's-- that kinda counters the point of this video. Trolls deserve to fade into obscurity-- not be featured in youtube videos. That's kind of poor taste. Please don't give hateful people a platform. Even if it is just to point out that the Trans community deals with them. Showcasing a troll on a channel like yours will lead to others trying to emulate that behavior in a desperate attempt for more attention. We have a phrase in the older trans VTuber community-- "Don't Feed the Trolls". Ignore them.

[@daunted2322]

I disagree, I think that seeing poor manners of people, is not something I would want to emulate, unless I already was that kind of person. Most of the video was preaching to the choir.

[@ashhowell2293]

Damn didn't expect to see my satisfactory avi ass at 7:37 Been in the group since close to the beginning of VRC groups and have enjoyed my time there, glad to see it covered

[@keeshuunedited5678]

I do wonder about the whole using VR avatar thing to align with your self-image. Since my emotions and certain personality traits get strongly influenced depending on the avatar I use. Like for example I use avatars that smile a bunch so I smile, since when I use ones that have a frowning/angry face, I start to feel negative towards everything. Of course, I've never had a very strong idea of my sense of self identity since I'm always trying to adapt to what life tosses at me so I might just be an exception because my mind just might want to always be changing. That said, I still assume that would be at least a little bit of influence on other people, or at least the ones that are effected by VR a decent amount. As for my experiences with the gender thing: Growing up, if people never saw my physical body, they often thought I was a girl because of the way I talked and how I sounded. My voice was a bit higher and softer than other people, and I didn't outwardly show that I was a big tough guy (though I kept trying to tell myself that I was). So I often got a little annoyed when people thought I was a girl over the phone (because grew up with the idea that gotta be big macho man) Though one thing that always shocked me is the change in how people treat you when they think you are a girl vs think you are a boy. The tone change in people whenever they realize I was a guy and not a girl was pretty huge. There was one time I was planning on doing a little joke with a friend on an old game, figured I'd make it a girl character because they'd never expect it. Though because of how I talked, a lot of people legit thought I was a girl, and it shocked me how much they just kept giving me stuff in the game. It just made me go "Am I playing the same game? Why is everyone so friendly? Surely people don't care about genders that much right?" Then cut to the future where I got into VR. It's not too uncommon for people that meet me for the first time think that I am a girl based on my voice + body language. In VR my voice wasn't as soft as it used to be either since working 60 hours at a job really roughed up my voice, but it's still softer than quite a few people's voices. Funnily enough I've had a few guys come up to me and say "I thought I was straight but you're the first guy I've ever crushed on/fallen in love with". Which also makes me wonder about how much of that is me, or being kind of feminine in some ways. While I always supported people for discovering who they are, and being themselves, I've always been too afraid of looking into the gender thing because I'm fine with the way I am now (mainly because I don't care). Though I've always worried that if I did try it, I'd just be entering a world of hurt for no reason. I do get the occasional looks from people, and some of the more "Gotta be masculine" sorta people getting irritated by some things I do/say because it seemed feminine, but it's just me being myself so I don't even register whether it's masculine/feminine. I can only imagine how annoyed people would be if I ended up really love identifying with the other gender and going with it even if I don't do anything to show it off. Just loving certain things can influence your behaviors without you realizing it sometimes. So all that said, I'm not looking into it. Just gonna leave it at the part where I used some very feminine avatars 'cuz I thought it'd be amusing, then going "Wait... wait a second. Do... do I actually like this!?" Then getting all nervous about it and never trying it again lol... That said, I might end up doing that. I was tired one day and wasn't thinking too much about anything, then something was said and my close friends were being very observant and realized that I might like it. So they are starting to nudge a little bit to get me to explore in a safe place =p

[@egangray5590]

I’ll be honest this video helped change my gamer views. I thought all VR chat people were horny scum but after this video showed how you used this platform to make a beautiful and kind community it changed my perspective. I’m glad places like this exist for the people who need them.

[@KaedeSayuriVA]

Hey! Thank you for offering me the chance to share my thoughts on this wonderful community! It was great working with you even if it was a little bit!

[@sueclover3451]

really good video! i find this so beautifl and i don´t know why i´m crying but ireally love it, that all this people can happy be there selfs. i love it!

[@FaustRoland]

Are there any places in VRchat for people with social anxiety?

[@keeshuunedited5678]

I think it's a little harder to make a world for that, especially since some trollish people would use that to be a pain because they want weaker targets since they can't handle tougher people. There's probably some groups for that though. That said though, I was a wallflower to the extreme when I first got into VR. Hiding around corner, going into other worlds to let my emotions calm down when I was new. Even was bad enough to get the muscles tightening up and all that sometimes. Now I can be in the center of the room and talk with people no problem. So I'll tell ya how I was able to get over that. What I did was gradual exposure therapy. Started off with Murder since it's a game world and I was used to video games. In that world, it kinda makes you be around people a lot, but you're not expected to talk to people 24/7, and it's easy to break off from other people at any moment since you can look for clues/whatever. With enough time, people usually get bored and conversations slowly start being made, and sometimes you'll get pulled off to the side to continue them, or even go to another world. Then eventually you'll got some good friends and you can join them, or if you're still too nervous and can't work up that courage yet, they can come to you in the meantime (just do try to be the one that eventually starts conversations). Now there's a lot of other game worlds and such that are probably good for that sorta thing. Among Us might be a night alternative, but I'm not sure since I know some people can get really nervous with the interrogation part of the game. Though if you can stick it out for long enough, you can probably be desensitized to that, so you'll be better off when people legitimately think you're doing something bad IRL. Also, will help you learn if someone is actually lying to you or not better. There's a lot of worlds that make it easier to get to know people people better and spark conversations like never have I ever, true or dare, and many more. Just keep in mind that people in public lobbies are more likely to be rude, since most people will usually be chill when they go into friends/private worlds. Also, if you're (or anyone else reading this) dealing with anxiety, make sure you're taking proper self care. Your physical body can trigger a lot of anxiety if you treat it wrong, you'd be surprised. 1. Plenty of sleep - Body + mind can't do stuff if it can't heal itself. 2. Exercising and stretching - Helps you get sleep, and if you keep it up long enough, is a massive confidence booster when you see your body change based on what you did. 3. Showering daily (or at least every 2 days) - If I don't shower for 3 days, I start feeling sluggish, and my emotions get all nervous. Showering does more than you'd expect. If you're feeling brave, take cold showers to give you that energy boost. 4. Diet - Fruits/veggies, even just a little goes a long way. Cut back on junk food. Going cold turkey is basically not gonna happen unless you make it impossible to have that junk food. So just cut back on the junk food. Caffeine is the major killer for me. If I have too much soda/chocolate, my body will have anxiety again, even if my mind doesn't care about anxiety anymore. Though if the body feels it, it'll influence the mind a bit. Don't have caffeine in the evening before bed, you're just asking to wreck your sleep schedule.