⚠️ A personal vent / reflection. This isn’t directed at anyone specifically, nor is it an invitation for debate, just something I’ve been feeling deeply lately.
When it comes to being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, know that you do not owe anyone an explanation.
You do not have to debate your identity, justify your existence, disclose every personal detail, or exhaust yourself trying to ease someone else’s discomfort just because they don’t understand.
People may have fears, questions, or beliefs they’re working through, and that’s theirs to navigate. It is not your responsibility to shrink yourself, over-explain, or put your life on hold to make others more comfortable.
You are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to keep parts of your life private. You are allowed to make thoughtful decisions for yourself without needing outside approval.
Disagreement does not have to destroy love, but love that requires constant explanation, defense, or self-erasure is not healthy love.
Your existence is not something you need to defend. 🌈
@MeggieEliseVA And for good reason!! Congrats!!! You did an awesome job. I was so excited for this to finally come out and it was sooo worth the hype 🔥
@micunninghamvo Yes this exactly!! Very well said. I love going to VOA - it reminds me that I’m just a human working with other humans to create some beautiful things for this world 💛
My advice for a lot of newer voice actors when it comes to the industry. Don’t try so hard to stand out.
Just do the thing.
There’s no crazy secret or any big stand out way of going about the industry. Just keep practicing, be present, make friends, and submitting auditions.
Your progress bar is not defined by any external timeline.
(Except perhaps death, and even then, the art you give to the world today will keep you alive in the minds and hearts of your audience long after you’re gone.)
@shanyouhandleit Friend! Try not to get discouraged!! You’re already talented, so keeping your skills sharp & staying immersed in the field is progress. Just by taking classes you’re putting yourself out there, meeting new people & expanding your network. Keep it up!
@jingledberries Better that you keep posting though! I’m on the other side of the spectrum on that - I just totally forget to post because it isn’t VO related haha