First-Person Perspectives of Gender-Affirming Voice Feminization Training: A Mixed Methods Approach

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Gender-Affirming Care
• Voice Science

Background:

• Existing research on voice feminization primarily uses acoustic-perceptual measures.
• There is a lack of studies exploring client experiences and preferred methods in gender-affirming voice training (GAVT).
• Client-led outcome measures are crucial for understanding effective GAVT approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate client perceptions of GAVT for voice feminization.
• To identify voice feminization methods clients find most helpful.
• To evaluate client satisfaction and clinician inclusivity in GAVT.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data and follow-up interviews.
• Twenty-one individuals who underwent GAVT for voice feminization participated in surveys.
• Five survey participants were interviewed for deeper qualitative insights into their experiences.

Main Results:

• Clients reported satisfaction with GAVT and perceived clinicians as culturally inclusive.
• Oral/forward resonance work was identified as a highly beneficial voice feminization method.
• The frequency of oral/forward resonance practice did not correlate with post-training voice satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Clients found GAVT supportive of their voice goals, with oral/forward resonance being a key method.
• The study underscores the significance of incorporating client-led outcome measures in GAVT research.
• Client perceptions provide valuable data for refining voice feminization training strategies.