Embarking on the journey of trans voice training can be both exciting and challenging. This guide aims to illuminate the path for those who are just beginning to explore how their voice can reflect their true gender identity. Many individuals, like Rax, a journalist from Los Angeles, find that their vocal expression can create a disconnect from how they present themselves. Rax shares, ‘I can pass if I don’t talk,’ highlighting the impact that voice has on societal perception.
Similarly, Daniella Daedala, who began transitioning in while working in retail, illustrates the struggle of aligning her external appearance with her vocal presentation. Despite the discomfort of voice dysphoria, Daniella recognizes the necessity of speaking for both social interaction and professional growth. Unfortunately, her transition led to discrimination at work, further emphasizing the need for supportive resources.
Why voice training matters
For many trans individuals, achieving an unclockable voice can significantly enhance safety and comfort in public spaces. This is where voice training comes into play, offering a non-surgical approach to help individuals modify their vocal characteristics to better match their gender identity. Despite the desire for such training—85% of trans individuals express interest—access remains limited. Nicole Gress, a speech-language pathologist and founder of Undead Voice, notes that only 7% of the trans population currently has access to voice training.
The primary barrier to accessing these essential resources is often the cost. Private lessons can range from $150 to over $200 per session, while insurance coverage generally limits sessions to once a week, resulting in lengthy and expensive treatment timelines. This lack of affordability leads many to seek alternative resources, such as YouTube tutorials or community advice, to learn vocal techniques.
Diverse learning methods
Individuals like Oliver, a paralegal in Chicago, have turned to available online resources to navigate their voice training journey. He recalls being advised to adopt a different speaking style to avoid misgendering on the phone, although he admits that it doesn’t come naturally to him. On the other hand, musician Violet Stanza finds that her background in music has provided insights into concepts such as resonance and pitch, although she continues to refine her vocal technique.
Core components of voice training
According to Gress, trans voice training can be broken down into five key elements: weight, tilt, pitch, resonance, and dynamics. While many beginners tend to focus on pitch first, resonance is deemed the most critical aspect. Resonance is influenced by the size and shape of the vocal tract, determining whether a voice sounds fuller or lighter. By adjusting this internal configuration, individuals can develop a vocal tone that resonates more closely with their gender identity.
For transmasculine individuals, testosterone often simplifies the voice training process, as it naturally thickens the vocal cords, altering pitch over time. Rax, after initially struggling with voice lessons, observed improvements once he started hormone therapy. In contrast, trans feminine individuals may not experience the same vocal changes from estrogen therapy, as it does not reverse the effects of testosterone on vocal cords. This discrepancy highlights the need for tailored approaches in voice training.
Finding voice training opportunities
Finding accessible voice training can be challenging. Many individuals, like Chase from New York, have considered job changes solely to obtain health insurance that covers voice training. Rax, however, benefited from his employer’s health plan, which included voice lessons as part of coverage for medical conditions. This demonstrates the varying degrees of access to vocal training resources based on employment and insurance situations.
Organizations like Undead Voice strive to create more equitable access to voice training, offering programs that do not require insurance referrals. Their initiatives extend to marginalized groups, including incarcerated individuals, ensuring that more people can access the support they need. Additionally, you can participate in their free three-week “Jumpstart” program, introducing essential voice training concepts.
The choice to voice train
Ultimately, the decision to pursue voice training rests with the individual. Reya Flowers, an emo musician, exemplifies this choice, sharing her experiences of navigating vocal expression in various contexts. While she initially felt pressure to conform to a specific vocal style in public, she now embraces her full vocal range during performances. This illustrates how the journey with voice training can be deeply personal and varies for each person.
As we conclude, it’s crucial to recognize that vocalization is an essential aspect of identity for everyone, whether human or animal. As Daniella expresses, her next goal is to explore singing, emphasizing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of voice training.