Hey there! I’m Renée, your go-to gender-affirming voice teacher. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s a tad more serious than my usual fare, but don’t worry—I promise to keep it light. So, you’re standing at a crossroads: one path leads you to modify your voice, and the other to, well, embracing a vow of silence. Dramatic much? Absolutely, but let's face it, sometimes the thought of never speaking again does seem more appealing than facing the daunting task of voice training.

The Downward Spiral of Positivity

"Stay positive! You can do it! I believe in you!" Sounds familiar, right? These are the well-meaning mantras we're bombarded with on our toughest days. And while I'm all for a bit of cheerleading, there are times when these positive platitudes can feel like someone trying to spoon-feed you sugar when you're craving salt. It's like, "Thanks, but can we be real for a second?"

I’ve been there, nodding along to encouragement, all the while thinking, "If one more person tells me to 'just keep swimming,' I’m going to morph into a land creature out of spite."

Enter: Spite, the Unlikely Motivator

Now, onto my secret ingredient—spite. Yep, you heard that right. It might not be the most orthodox tool in the self-help kit, but let me tell you, it's a powerful one. I’ve had my fair share of naysayers and transphobic comments thrown my way, telling me that what I do is "inauthentic" or "vain." At first, these comments stung. But then, something clicked.

I thought, "Oh, so you don’t think I should do this? Watch me." Every negative comment became a reason not to give up. If these folks wanted me silenced, I would make sure to be louder, prouder, and more present than ever. Spite became my motivator, not because I ran out of positive reasons to keep going, but because proving them wrong felt oh-so-sweet.

The Radical Act of Speaking

Let's talk about the act of using your voice. In a world that often wants to mute the diversity and richness of trans experiences, choosing to speak up is nothing short of radical. It's a declaration that you exist, that your voice matters, and that you refuse to be silenced by fear, shame, or bigotry.

My students always tell me about their first times using their chosen voice in public. They tell me that their hearts were racing, palms were sweaty, but the moment they speak and hear themselves, it's electrifying. That's the power of your voice. It’s not just about sounding a certain way; it's about being heard as the authentic you.

A Symphony of Voices

Here’s the thing: we need as many trans voices out there as possible. Imagine a world where every trans person felt empowered to speak up. Our collective voices could create a symphony so beautiful and diverse that it would be impossible to ignore. Your voice adds to that richness, contributing to a louder, prouder chorus of existence.

So, if you're finding it hard to motivate yourself for voice training, do it out of spite. Do it because someone, somewhere, doesn’t want you to. Every word you speak in defiance is a victory, a step towards not just personal affirmation but towards affirming our collective right to be heard.

In Conclusion: Do It Out of Spite

If you take anything away from this, let it be the understanding that your voice is powerful. Whether you're motivated by joy, pride, or even spite, what matters is that you keep speaking. Spite can be a surprisingly effective motivator, pushing you to prove wrong those who doubt or disdain.

And remember, you're not alone in this journey. Every step you take is a step towards a world where our voices aren't just heard, but celebrated. So, let's get vocal and maybe, just a little spiteful, but in the best way possible.

Here’s to finding your voice, to speaking up against the odds, and to doing it with a bit of sass and a whole lot of purpose. Let's show them what we're made of, shall we?