The Voice Tailor: An Interview with Speech Therapist Sherry Fu
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This article is part of the 61st issue of LEAP — Voices of Youth e-letter. Subscribe now.
For many transgender individuals, the issue of physical appearance might lead to daily challenges. However, the act of speaking becomes an invisible barrier in their lives as they often struggle with a voice that doesn’t match their gender identity. Some opt for surgeries to alter their vocal cords, while others choose voice therapy to adjust their vocal expression through techniques and practice.
Sherry Fu, a professional speech therapist with 18 years of experience in transgender voice therapy, recommends that transgender individuals try voice therapy before considering vocal cord surgery. This therapy can help clients better understand the kind of voice they are seeking.
Revealing Gender Cues in Voices
Pitch is a crucial factor in distinguishing male and female voices, and adjusting pitch is a primary goal in voice therapy. However, the details of voice therapy go far beyond pitch, which is not the sole criterion. Fu uses her voice as an example: “My voice is definitely not high, but you perceive it as feminine. Why? It relates to my intonation, posture, articulation, and choice of words.”
The point of resonance also differs: males typically resonate from the chest, while females resonate closer to the mouth and nasal cavities. Various subtle details influence the gender perception of a voice. “In training, we also consider laughter, coughing sounds, and overall movements. Is the person’s face tense? Facial tension affects speech speed and fluidity.”
Before learning techniques, developing sensitivity to sounds is essential. At the beginning of therapy, clients are asked to observe and document the quality and performance of voices they hear in daily life. Active participation and practice are crucial to strengthen vocal cords and integrate new techniques naturally.
According to Fu, most transgender clients respond well to therapy, changing their voice and becoming more confident in their daily lives. Post-pandemic, the team at Mackay Memorial Hospital studied the effects of short-term virtual therapy on transgender individuals, finding that transgender women achieved a more feminine voice and improved quality of life after therapy. [1]
It Also Requires Empathy in Voice Therapy
A speech therapist not only requires professional skills but also empathy to listen to clients’ expectations and struggles. “Some transgender women change their voices at their partner’s request, but this isn’t their own choice. If they break up, will they stop using that voice?”
Fu believes that understanding each client’s unique needs requires time and communication. The voice they practice must be what they want, not what others expect. A supportive environment is also vital for practicing and experimenting with their new voice. Transgender individuals vary widely in their backgrounds; some live openly in their identified gender and are able to freely explore their appearance and voice, while others remain closeted and face limitations if their families haven’t accepted their gender identity.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Without opportunities for self-exploration, transgender individuals might struggle to understand their desired voice. For clients who haven’t come out, Fu invites them to bring clothes they like, allowing them to enter the therapy room in their identified gender. In therapy, they practice not only voice but also hairstyles, postures, and movements. “Does the voice sound like someone they want to resemble? Does it match their appearance and personality? These are all considerations.” If they aren’t ready, they can change back before leaving. This process helps clarify their desired gender expression.
Fu emphasizes the importance of matching personality with voice. An unsuitable voice might cause feelings of discomfort and disconnection. Voices must also align with different roles. Fu recalls cases where transgender women balanced multiple identities. “They might be maintaining an authoritative voice at home as a father. Voice therapy provides methods to adapt their voice across different roles.”
Voice therapy is not just about techniques; it is a journey of exploring self-image and identity. Fu stresses that active participation is crucial: “You need to practice, listen to your voice, and express yourself with it.”
Conclusion
Throughout her career, Fu has witnessed many transgender individuals benefit from voice therapy by reducing anxiety and increasing confidence and satisfaction with their overall image. Changes in voice allow transgender individuals to align more closely with their gender identity.
Currently, there are still very few speech therapists that specialize in transgender voice therapy in Taiwan, mostly concentrated in major hospitals in the northern and central regions. The availability of medical resources is very limited, and not all transgender individuals can afford the time and financial costs of therapy. The development of transgender voice therapy in Taiwan awaits the collective efforts of more transgender individuals and healthcare professionals.
[1] Lin, C.-A., Chen, C. H., Tsai, M.-J., Hsieh, L.-C., & Fu, S. Voice Outcomes of Intensive Voice Feminization Therapy for Transgender Women Delivered via Telepractice: Pilot Study. Journal of Voice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.11.022
Also in This Issue: Wear Your Favorite Voice: Transgender Voice Therapy in Taiwan
Stella matches her voice to her gender identity by attending speech therapy sessions.
Author: Lin Hung-cheng
Freelance journalist exploring gender and public issues.
