Charlie Peck from Uppsala recorded the higher register vocal part of the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Home” cover during the first day of testosterone treatment, and the lower register part nine months later. The video has been watched over 17,000 times on Youtube and has been picked up in multiple Swedish media outlets.
“A few people have given me really harsh comments, but they are so few that I can count them on one hand.”
Incredibly, it was the first time Peck had ever recorded a song. When he came up with the idea, he contacted a friend who is a musician in order to make it happen.
“During my own journey I benefitted greatly from other people's stories and progress. I wanted to find my own way to give back to others, to give people in the trans community hope that things can get better and life can move in the direction you wish it to.”
Overall he's pleased with how the video has been received, but did notice that some people seem confused about one point:
“I have noted that people think I was a different person before. I guess that's because I chose to sing to myself. Maybe it has sent the wrong message. I’m exactly the same person as before, I've merely shed coats.”
“I also use my previous name in the video. Some people have interpreted that as clearance to use my old name: it's never ok to talk to a trans person with their previous name as it can given them discomfort, I can't emphasize that enough. But overall, the reactions and feedback have been overwhelming and filled with so much love. I’m really grateful for that.”