About Session
Interdisciplinary Management of Transgender Voice and Communication Style
Contribution by Swiss Phoniatric Teams at the clinics in Lucerne, Basel, Bern and Zurich in vocal-therapy, speech-therapy, gender adaption
This session aims to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective on the management of transgender voice and communication style. Voice transition is a complex process involving physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. Effective care requires collaboration across multiple specialties, including phoniatrics, endocrinology, speech therapy, and surgery.
The panel will address current best practices, challenges, and innovations in supporting transgender individuals in achieving authentic and sustainable vocal and communicative identities.
* Present evidence-based approaches to transgender voice care. * Highlight interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and therapeutic fields. * Discuss diagnostic and treatment pathways, including conservative and surgical options. * Explore communication style beyond voice, considering social and cultural factors.
Content
1. Welcome & Introduction (Alexios Martin, Lucerne and Eberhard Seifert, Bern)
2. Physiology
3. Diagnostics
4. Endocrinology
5. Conservative Therapies
6. Surgical Therapies
Trans Voice: New Paths in Voice Training and Therapy
Voice qualities ranging from very masculine, masculine, somewhat masculine, through neutral, to somewhat feminine, feminine, or very feminine—the spectrum of vocal colors is as diverse as the group of individuals this contribution addresses: trans people who, at different times and with varying resources (such as musicality), wish to begin or continue their vocal transition.
We approach voice therapy and training with trans individuals as an individual, creative, and deeply personal process. Each journey is unique and requires diverse strategies and ideas for implementation.
Despite the variety in therapeutic and training approaches, all individuals share the same overarching goal: achieving harmony between voice, gender, and identity—both in speaking and singing voice. But how is this possible? What methods can make this a reality?
Let us explore new treatment pathways and possibilities together.
