Gender-affirming voice therapy – also known as voice feminisation, transgender voice therapy, or gender-diverse voice training – helps people develop a voice that aligns with their gender identity. For many trans women, trans men, and non-binary people, voice is a core part of gender expression and confidence. Therapy provides structured, evidence-based support to explore, shape, and maintain a voice that feels authentic and healthy.
What Does Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy Involve?
Gender-affirming voice therapy focuses on key aspects of vocal production:
- Pitch: Adjust the frequency of your voice safely to achieve your desired range.
- Resonance: Modify the brightness, depth, or fullness of your voice to influence perception.
- Articulation: Improve clarity, precision, and speech patterns to match your goals.
- Intonation & Prosody: Work on rhythm, emphasis, and melody for natural, expressive speech.
- Voice Masculinisation: Testosterone typically deepens the voice, but not everyone wants to take hormones. Voice training can masculinise the voice without hormones. If you have taken hormones, you may find difficulties with unstable pitch and resonance – voice training is very beneficial in helping you develop a more consistent, comfortable voice.
- Voice Feminisation & Glottoplasty: Some trans women explore surgical options like glottoplasty to raise pitch permanently. However, surgery is much more expensive and may require voice training both before and after to maximise results. Even without surgery, voice training alone is highly effective for achieving a feminine or gender-affirming voice.
Resources for Self-Guided Learning
- Books: The Voice Book for Trans & Non-Binary People by Matthew Mills and Gillie Stoneham – A practical guide with exercises for pitch, resonance, intonation, and more.
- Online Communities: YouTube tutorials and Reddit communities (e.g., r/transvoice, r/asktransgender) for shared experiences and tips.
- Apps: Voice Up – An app to analyse your voice, track pitch, and monitor progress over time, helping you practice pitch, resonance, and articulation at home.
Practical Tips for Daily Voice Practice
- Record Your Voice and Listen Back: Helps you track progress and notice changes in pitch, resonance, and clarity.
- Share with Friends You Trust: Getting feedback from supportive people can help you gain confidence and refine your voice.
- Use Apps for Feedback: Tools like Voice Up provide pitch tracking and exercises to guide your practice.
- Practice Little and Often: Short, consistent daily sessions are more effective than occasional long sessions.
- Gradually Increase Duration: Start with brief exercises and slowly lengthen practice sessions as your comfort, stamina, and control improve.
Who Provides Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy?
Gender-affirming voice therapy is delivered by qualified speech and language therapists (SLTs), typically with a background of voice, with specialist training and experience in transgender voice work. It is also sometimes delivered by vocal coaches who have a background in music.
Voice Training may also be available for free through the NHS via a referral from your GP to your local speech and language therapy department. Availability varies depending on whether a locally trained clinician experienced in transgender voice is available.
Can I harm my voice with self learning?
Some people worry about harming their voice during training, which can sometimes lead to Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Specialist speech therapists teach techniques to prevent strain and maintain a healthy voice while progressing toward your goals.
Finding Self-Learning Difficult or No NHS Access?
If learning on your own is challenging or NHS access is limited in your area, there is the option for private Speech Therapy
- ASLTIP – Find therapists with the necessary training and experience in gender-affirming voice therapy.
In the UK, some corporate or private insurance plans may also cover gender-affirming voice therapy, so it’s worth checking with your provider if you have access to employer health benefits.
Replicated with permission from: The Speech Network
