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Phoniatric intervention for voice feminization in a transgender person (MTF): A case study

Authors

  • Yolanda Cárdenas Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Universidad del Cauca
  • Claudia Campo Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Universidad del Cauca
  • Viviana Fernández Universidad del Cauca
  • Jorge Escobedo Universidad del Cauca
  • Jhon Inchuchala Universidad del Cauca
  • Juan Pablo Delgado Universidad del Cauca
  • Elder Joseph Ramírez Universidad del Cauca
  • Claudia Gómez Universidad del Cauca
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Abstract

The term transgender denotes a person whose gender identity (male-female) is different from their sex (men-women). A transgender person presents a contradiction between sexual identity and biological condition, because the latter is determined by certain given characteristics since birth. One of the most difficult issues is the feminization of the person’s voice (in the case if male to female), since it is perceived as being in the opposite end of gender. For this reason, usually male to female transgenders engage in vocal changes without appropriate techniques, resorting mostly to surgical procedures or hormonal treatments and ignoring speech and language therapy as an alternative to improve their vocal quality and social interaction. Therefore, the main goal of this work was to determine the effectiveness of the phoniatric intervention in order to produce the feminization of the voice in a transgender individual MTF. The methodology used is a quantitative, descriptive, using a longitudinal design of ABA reversion case study series. The intervention was structured in three main sections: initial evaluation, intervention and final re-evaluation. The results showed a significant variation in the acoustic perceptual qualities of the voice, with a more feminine voice involving modifications in the phonorespiratory pattern and in the posture. In conclusion, the phoniatric intervention was effective because achieved changes led to a more feminine voice.

Keywords:

voice , feminization , transgender , case study