Voice and Mental Health in Trans and Gender-Diverse People: A Necessary Dialogue

Abstract

The interplay between vocal production and perception involves complex biological, psychological, and social factors. For many individuals, especially those who are trans and gender-diverse (TGD), voice is a crucial element of gender expression and can significantly affect their communicative satisfaction and social integration. During their transition, TGD individuals may acknowledge their voice as a critical aspect of their identity, and a voice that does not align with their gender identity can hinder their social acceptance and overall well-being. On a positive note, the ability to align vocal characteristics with gender identity can lead to "gender euphoria," where individuals experience a profound sense of affirmation and authenticity. This alignment often involves vocal modifications through medical interventions (such as hormonal treatments or surgeries) and/or vocal training. Vocal training specifically helps individuals adjust their vocal attributes to match their gender identity in a way that feels both comfortable and genuine. Despite guidelines from organizations like the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) advocating for interdisciplinary affirmative care, there remains a noticeable lack of integration between speech therapy and psychological support. This essay seeks to address this gap by exploring how combining these fields can better support TGD individuals in their vocal and identity transitions.