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! Thanks for watching my deep dives :)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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 💜

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 RU-vid 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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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 )

I'm TRANSformer, Autobot roll out

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

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.

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. ❤

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

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!

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

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

It's very cool to see popular VR RU-vidrs talk about this.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 ♥

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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❤❤

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

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

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

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.

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 RU-vid by creators I've been watching for a long time. I just want to say thanks for being such an inspiration to me, PHIA.

where can i find the 0:10 ponytail girl avatar like this ? D:

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

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

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

The camera sound at 9:50 killed me LMAO, I was loosing at the Haywyre quote lol. Caught in 4K.

Does anyone know what world appears at 11:14 with the gold detailing and the pretty dancer?

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!

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. ❤

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

Sounds like such a good community wow

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

this is the exact reason i want VR chat so bad, to be able to get that dream of living in a body i want, within a healthy way ofc, i understand doing something like that too much can worsen conditions when you come back to the IRL body. but i have dreamed of getting vr chat to feel like an actual woman, im already doing vocal training, and im so exited for when i can get my hands on a VR headset, although im not sure how soon thatll be at all. i wanna be part of this, this looks like such a great comunity 7 months later: christmas day, and ive gotten myself a VR and VR chat, im gonna be figuring shit out and im gonna see if i can join the world

Omg, I've met that troll! Recently, even! I know that person! xD That aside, though, thank you so much for making this video. I've been LOOKING for trans resources on VRC ever since I joined up last August, but I've never been able to find ANYTHING except for the LGBTQ Hangout, which is little more than a hunting ground for trolls. I eventually gave up trying to look because it seemed like there just... wasn't anything. I will absoLUTELY be searching this place up the next time I'm on VRC. I cried a little watching this video. It's so emotional and brings me so much hope to see something like this manifest.

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.

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

I love having the right body, just wish my voice was deeper. still practicing it.

I'm actually trying to keep myself from crying with joy learning about this! One of my biggest issues with VR is me actually being trans and feeling alone and left out, especially in vrchat. I'm actually happy that I didn't sell my oculus because I now have a chance to try out this world properly. Even possibly giving me the ability to find an avi that I actually like and identify either better.

I’m gender fluid and one time I was randomly getting hit with dysphoria really badly I hoped on to spend time with friends and being able to see myself as my avatar was so reliving that I actually teared up a little bit which is rare for me

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?

I keep forgetting to go on VRChat but it sounds really appealing as a trans person who sometimes can’t speak or otherwise do stuff bc of dysphoria.

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.

Thank you so much for making this! ❤