What Is Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy? Say Goodbye To Vocal Dysphoria

Many individuals from the transgender and non-binary community experience a phenomenon called vocal dysphoria, wherein the person may feel psychological misalignment or discomfort because their voice does not match their gender identity.

Thus, gender-affirming voice therapy involves working closely with a speech-language pathologist or voice therapist to develop a voice that feels authentic and more congruent to one's identity.

What is it?

Gender-affirming voice training aims to empower individuals by helping them to express their genders with authenticity and bring out their true selves. It is one of the major ways through which gender and vocal dysphoria can be avoided.

Addressing vocal dysphoria through voice therapy can lead to improved mental well-being, greater self-confidence, and a sense of congruence between one’s voice and gender identity.

Another reason non-binary and transgender individuals pursue voice therapy is due to safety reasons. A 2021 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found that transgender people are more likely to be victims of violence by over four times more than cisgender people.

Dr. Ashley Davis, a speech-language pathologist with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says, “Voice therapy can be appropriate for nearly anybody, regardless of the individual’s age or where they are in the process of their journey. Voice therapy is a way to explore identity that can be as fluid as the individual as they discover their voice. Unlike surgery, the modifications in therapy offer a varied menu of options, so it’s a safe place to begin or return to.”

The Process

An article by the Mayo Clinic explains, gender-affirming voice surgery usually focuses only on changing pitch. For voice feminization surgery, the focus is to raise the speaking pitch. The surgery also reduces the ability to make a low-pitched voice. The surgery reduces the voice's loudness too. That may make it hard to shout or yell.
On the other hand, voice masculinisation surgery focuses on lowering the pitch of the voice. It does this by decreasing the tension of the vocal folds.

The process involves changing the pitch, resonance, intonation, and the way they articulate words, depending on the needs of the client. It also focuses on communication styles. For example, the way someone uses gestures or facial expressions, which can all contribute to how their voice is perceived. It is not only about sounding a certain way but feeling confident and at ease with one's voice.

Ongoing practice is usually recommended to maintain the changes that result from this therapy. Just like any skill, it gets better and more natural with consistent use.