1st Edition
Navigating Trans Voicing 50 Key Points to Support Students and Newly Qualified Speech and Language Therapists with Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy
This book is a resource for those new to the field of trans voicing. It summarises 50 key points needed to work collaboratively and effectively with trans and non-binary people, covering sections on:
• Trans cultural knowledge, sensitivity and awareness
• Vocal pedagogy and the therapeutic relationship
• Fundamental know-how and voice therapy principles and exercises in trans voicing
Written and developed by both a leading consultant speech and language therapist in trans voicing, and a psychologist and counsellor from the trans community, the book centres a unique collaboration of clinical and lived experience expertise and is deeply trans-affirmative in approach.
List of Figures
List of Tables
Foreword by Barbara Aster
Foreword by Megan Berrisford-Green
Acknowledgments
Introduction
You, the Readers
We, the Authors
Book Features
50 Key Points
I: Setting the Scene
1. The Non-Binary World of Sex
2. The Non-Binary World of Gender
3. Starting with You
4. Terms to Help and Guide
5. A Damaging History of Pathologisation
6. The Harm of Othering
7. The Power of Owning
8. Author Dialogue ‘Under the Microscope’
II: The Risks of Visibility
9. Coming Out & Safety
10. Transitions & Temporality
11. To Name Change or Not to Name Change?
12. Author Dialogue ‘The Dark Before Dawn’
III: Transphobia & Community Response
13. Widespread Erasure
14. Pride & Trans Joy
15. Author Dialogue ‘The Pearl in the Oyster’
IV: The Advocate Bridge
16. Life Commitment
17. Why Pronouns?
18. Actions Towards Allyship
19. Author Dialogue ‘Walking with and Taking the Hit’
V: Overview of Gender-Affirming Medical Interventions
20. Hormones & Surgeries
21. Author Dialogue ‘Please Listen to Me’
VI: Fundamental Principles of Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy
22. Vocal Journeying
23. Vocal Authenticity
24. Vocal Plurality
25. Vocal Collaboration
26. Vocal Pedagogy
27. Therapeutic Affirmations
28. Author Dialogue ‘Trans Voicing’
VII: The Therapeutic Journey & Relationship
29. Skills and Conditions
30. Know the Drama
31. Author Dialogue ‘In the Boat Together'
VIII: Orientation to Gender-Affirming Voice & Communication Therapy
32. Coaching Ethics
33. Your Voice Development in Action
34. Your Voice Expansion in Action
35. Author Dialogue ‘The Sphere and The Cube’
36. Motor Learning Principles
37. Practical Pedagogy
38. How to Coach an Exercise
39. Author Dialogue ‘Imposter Syndrome to Vocal Belonging’
40. The Initial Appointment
41. Author Dialogue: ‘Meeting the Client’
42. High-Bright-Thin Therapy
43. Low-Chest-Thick Therapy
44. Non-Binary Voicing
45. The A+B=C of Practice
46. Population Considerations
47. Author Dialogue ‘Outcomes That Matter’
IX: Summary – The Trans-Affirmative SLT
48. Professional Crisis?
49. Doing the Work: Affirmations & Learning Statements
50. Author Dialogue ‘Be the Future’
Appendix of Resources
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Matthew Mills (he/him) is cisgender and identifies as queer. He is a Lead Consultant Speech and Language Therapist and Head of Speech and Language Therapy service at the largest and oldest gender identity clinic in the UK (Tavistock and Portman Gender Identity Clinic, London) where he has worked since 2009. He is National Adviser in Trans Voice for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, and founder member of the Trans Voice Clinical Excellence Network (CEN).
Natasha Stavropoulos (she/her) is an openly trans female psychologist and therapist. Natasha is a regular educator and trans awareness trainer for speech and language therapists in practice and in training for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Clinical Excellence Network (CEN).
1) Dr Meg-John Barker, psychotherapist, internationally recognised author of How to Understand Your Gender and Gender: A Graphic Guide; and Life Isn't Binary
Navigating Trans Voicing is a stunning book which goes far beyond its remit of enabling speech and language therapists to be gender affirming in their practice. The fifty key points introduce the reader, succinctly and movingly, to the current state of knowledge about sex and gender, as well as to the current state of crisis around transphobic politics and gender-related care. Readers are taken by the hand through reflections on their own genders and voices, and through straightforward, gentle introductions to good practice. The open, vulnerable dialogues between the authors themselves really bring the material to life, and powerfully illustrate the kinds of practices they're suggesting. A wonderful book for speech and language therapists, and for anyone wanting to know more about the current state of gender, how gender relates to voice, and how to work in affirmative ways with trans and non-binary people.
2) Dr Alison Berner, Speciality Doctor in Adult Gender Identity, President of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
Congratulations to Natasha and Matthew on a book that is not only educational but inspiring and thought provoking. The authors’ discussion allows a level of vulnerability for the reader whether they are new to the space or a seasoned professional. With such succinct and vital background to trans health in addition to its core concepts, this is essential reading not only for speech and language therapists but for anyone working with the gender diverse community or even seeking to explore their own authentic expression through voice. Bravo!
3) Annie Morrison, voice therapist and teacher, author of The Moment of Speech
Surviving the storms encountered on your Odyssey across an often hostile socio-political sea and bringing back the Golden Fleece of authentic expression requires a new kind of compass - a paradigm shift. “Navigating Trans Voicing” is such a compass and Lode star for all of us embarking on this on this voyage.
4) Nazlin Kurji-Smith, Clinical Lead in Trans Voice and Communication, Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service, National Adviser in Trans Voice for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy
This is a text which is aimed at student speech and language therapists, those new to the field and those are drawn to discovering more about trans affirmative voice work. It is a perfect introduction to the principles and fundamentals of becoming a trans affirmative voice practitioner in the way it breaks down the key issues into 50 easy to digest bite sized pieces. Each point is filled with words of wisdom and experience and together they set the scene to give a thorough overview of what it means to be a trans affirmative speech and language therapist. Thank you, Natasha and Matthew, – this book will be of benefit to many as they start their vocal journeying.
