A New Perspective

Benvenuto, everyone!

This post will not be covering an experience with voice training someone, exactly. Instead, I would like to talk a little bit about why voice training is so important. I spoke with my significant other, Wiley Wiggins, about how the voice affects trans individuals. They, as a trans non-binary person, brought some thoughts to light that I would like to share here.

Wiley does not identify as either of the binary genders, male or female, hence the term non-binary. They use they/them pronouns, and generally steer clear of gender-specific honorifics like Ms., Mr., and the like (we joke about calling them “chef” so we can say “yes, chef” in casual conversation). 

They are AFAB, or assigned female at birth, and they have always been conscious of their voice. They have considered testosterone to deepen the voice, but they know that testosterone affects more than just the voice, and many of those effects are undesirable in their personal transition.

This brings up the concept of transition as per the individual. I’ve heard it explained that transition is not a to-do list; it’s a menu. Not every transgender person expresses exactly the same, and some things that are important to one person might not be important to another person. So for someone like Wiley who would feel gender euphoria with a deeper voice but not with facial hair, voice training becomes a very viable and desirable option.

For someone AMAB (assigned male at birth) who has already gone through the voice change, voice training is the only option in achieving a higher register. Once the voice drops, there is no way to reverse that change, regardless of hormones. This is a huge reason why male to female transition can be so dysphoric even in the late stages of a full transition.

When I asked Wiley if they felt the need to change the way their voice sounded was impacted by societal norms, they responded in a way that surprised me. They explained that, while social situations have some impact on the way they want their voice to sound, it was largely that they hear their own voice, and it’ s not the way they expect  their voice should sound.

As a vocalist, I understand the concept of being vocally aware. Speaking with a voice you feel is not yours seems almost like singing a technically and physically difficult aria at all times of the day. While the untrained ear may think it’s a gorgeous string of music, you’re constantly judging yourself for each breath, vowel, and dynamic.

Sometimes all it takes to understand something as complex as the transitioning voice is a new perspective and an open mind.

Cantare!