What goes into gender affirming voice modification for non-binary clients?
All clients looking to align their voice with their gender come from different perspectives and arrive in therapy with different goals. For most clients, the goal is to find a voice that feels like home to them, and gives them the confidence and safety that they’re looking for. For transfeminine clients and transmasculine clients, the goal setting process can sometimes be more direct. They might come in with a target pitch range in mind, or even an example of someone else’s voice that they may want to model their target voice after. They might say “I want to sound like me, but more feminine/masculine.” For all clients, the individuality and uniqueness of their goals inform our work together. For non-binary clients, this remains true as well. Below is some information regarding gender affirming voice therapy but specifically with the non-binary client in mind.
What are the strategies?
The strategies used to adjust gender perception in voice can vary from client to client, however most of the time are focused around changing vocal pitch and resonance. Simply said, pitch indicates how “high” or “low” your voice is and depends on the amount of tension placed on your vocal cords. Resonance refers to the “filter” your voice goes through as the sound waves travel from your vocal chords through your vocal tract and oral/nasal cavities. Anatomically, AFAB individuals have smaller, more narrow vocal tracts leading to a “brighter” sound filter. AMAB individuals tend to have larger, longer vocal tracts which creates a “darker” and more rich sound filter. When considering the non-binary client, we first need to understand how their voice sounds at baseline, and what their ultimate vocal presentation goals are. For example, if they are coming into therapy with a “high” and “bright” voice, but don’t feel comfortable with the perceptually feminine qualities of that voice, we would work on balancing it out with lower pitch and darker resonance.
Based on research on pitch in isolation, the pitch range that is typically read as “androgynous” is somewhere between 150 Hz to 165 Hz (this can vary slightly depending on which body of research you are referring to). Resonance is less data driven, and relies more on ear training to hone into an acceptable position in order to align with a target pitch and produce optimal results.
What role do hormones play?
Non-binary clients who were AFAB may elect to participate in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which would permanently thicken the vocal cords and therefore lower their average pitch closer to a perceptually masculine level. This would not impact resonance, which could be modified through voice therapy. While testosterone allows for access to lower pitch ranges, this is not automatically utilized and needs to be trained. The non-binary client can decide which level of their new pitch range feels most aligned with their gender, and then combine that with a matching resonance. Non-binary clients who elect to participate in HRT with estrogen will not experience vocal changes as a result.
How do we measure success?
Success for all of our clients is measured by two factors.
Is the target voice healthy and sustainable?
Does the target voice feel aligned with the client’s gender and voice goals? AKA is the client happy and confident with their new voice?
If you are interested in participating in gender affirming voice, please reach out to us! We are always happy to answer any questions you many have about our practice generally, as well as questions that are personal to you. All our services are provided virtually for your comfort, convenience, and for maximal accessibility.
We look forward to helping you meet your goals!
