Beyond the Binary: How Gender-Affirming Voice Work Enhances Therapy for All Voice Users
Session Description
This session highlights how core strategies used in gender-affirming voice therapy—such as resonance training, inflection shaping, and voice-weight modulation—can benefit all voice users, not just those seeking gender-aligned communication. Drawing from extensive clinical training, the presenters will guide participants through experiential vocal tasks used to support clients of all identities, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, cisgender clients navigating vocal identity, and those recovering from vocal injury. The session emphasizes the clinician’s role in co-creating voice goals, developing embodied awareness, and using intentional vocal exercises to support voice diversity. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how gender-affirming voice strategies can strengthen their work with a wide range of voice therapy clients.
Reflection Questions
1. When you think about gender affirming voice work, what comes to mind? What do you associate with this work?
2. How do you relate to your own speaking voice? Where on the sliding scales of vocal elements does it fall?
3. Consider the five E’s: Educate, Explore, Exercise, Evaluate, Empower. Which steps do you feel most comfortable with? Which steps feel more difficult to you?
4. How can you use the principles presented today in your own clinical work?
Learning Resources
Gender Affirming Voice Resource List - A VoiceProEd resource dedicated to clinical and continuing education resources for voice clinicians in the area of Gender Affirming Voice Care
Renee Yoxon - Reference by Anna during this presentation, Renee is a gender affirming voice teacher and voice alteration expert.