5 Myths on Transgender Voice Therapy Debunked by a Voice Specialist!
If you are seeking to pass, you know that voice therapy is an essential part of the transition.
And I highly recommend and encourage seeking voice therapy at the beginning of the gender transition. This will save you time and frustration later on. Trust me! Not to mention you can engage in voice therapy before coming out.
With all the information on voice therapy, much misinformation still exists. Ranging from the myth that vocal surgery will fully feminize your voice to believing voice therapy takes just a few weeks to master!
To debunk the most common five myths on voice therapy, I sat down with speech-language pathologist Nicole Gress MS, CCC-SLP of Undead Voice Lab.
Given Nicole’s extensive experience among gender-diverse individuals, I asked her to share the top 5 misconceptions about voice therapy.
MYTH #1: VOCAL CORD SURGERY IS A QUICK WAY TO FEMINIZE MY VOICE
It's a common misconception that vocal cord surgery (either anterior commissure or cricothyroid approximation) will feminize a voice.
The only effect of these surgical interventions is an increase in pitch; even then, the results are unreliable.
Pitch aside, the characteristics focused on in voice feminization span a wide range from resonance and articulation to intonation and vowel placement.
While the pitch is important, it is only a piece of the pie.
MYTH #2: IT’S OKAY IF IT HURTS; THAT MEANS IT’S WORKING
Nope! Not at all!
Though transgender voice therapy isn't modifying a disordered voice, it is possible to cause vocal trauma due to DIYing the voice on your own.
Vocal trauma such as swelling, inflammation, and muscle fatigue of the vocal cords (yes, they are a muscle) can be felt as vocal strain.
MYTH #3: I CAN TRAIN MY VOICE ALL BY MYSELF, I DON’T NEED A SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
There is a multitude of free or paid resources available online.
Some of which are reputable and are research and evidence-based. While many aren't.
Most individuals will attempt to modify their voice independently before seeking out a professional.
By the time they get to a professional, 1 in 5 have a secondary voice disorder caused by the well-intended but sometimes misguided home practice.
Working with a professional is the most efficient, expedited way of feminizing or masculinizing a voice.
Not to mention, we are uniquely qualified to help guide your use of those techniques safely and effectively.
MYTH #4: GENDER-AFFIRMING VOICE THERAPY IS ONLY FOR TRANSFEMININE INDIVIDUALS
Not at all!
Though an overwhelming amount of my clients are seeking to feminize their voice, I have also worked with those who identify as non-binary or are looking to masculinize their voice.
The effects of testosterone on a voice result in the muscle mass of the vocal cords increasing and an overall drop in pitch. There are no similar effects of estrogen on the voice.
Though the pitch drops from testosterone, there are other characteristics that gender a voice.
Trans masculine and nonbinary individuals can benefit from working with a speech pathologist to create a voice that matches their gender identity.
MYTH #5: I CAN’T START WORKING ON MY VOICE UNTIL I’M READY TO START THE TRANSITION
Voice is an integral part of our identity.
Creating a voice that matches your gender identity can be hugely rewarding and can help with dysphoria.
Voice therapy takes time and effort and can be a long or a short road, depending on who you are.
Therefore, it is important to start early.
Since voice therapy can be practiced privately, many choose it as their first step toward transitioning.
BONUS MYTH: I HAVE TO FIND SOMEONE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO START VOICE THERAPY
Online voice therapy is an affordable, convenient alternative to in-person voice training.
Through an online virtual therapy room, you can access your voice therapist from your couch, after work, or on the weekend.
I hope these 5 Debunked Myths have shed some light on voice therapy for you. Most importantly, it encourages you to start early. Again if passibility is your goal. Voice therapy is an important part of the transition process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful!
You may also find the following helpful:
Your Gender is Not an Apology! 3 Steps Toward Self Acceptance.
2 Main Reasons Why Surgical Transition Alone Won't Make You Happy!