Self-Report of Voice Model Usage Within the Nonbinary and Gender-Nonconforming Populations

Abstract

Purpose: Nonbinary and gender-nonconforming identities are seeking speech-language pathology services more than ever; however, their needs do not fit into the current rhetoric surrounding gender-affirming communication modification. At present, there are limited peer-reviewed data, assessment materials, or evidence-based techniques to achieve a gender-neutral voice or communication style. In addition, what constitutes a gender-neutral voice is left to broad interpretation. This research note provides descriptive information on voice models self-reported by gender-diverse individuals. Method: Voice model data were obtained from a larger survey study assessing barriers to health care and voice dysphoria in nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals. Demographic information and continuous speech samples were obtained from publicly available resources. Acoustic information was obtained, edited, and analyzed in Praat. Results: Six respondents (five assigned female at birth, one assigned male at birth) reported at least one specific person they identified as having a voice they preferred or would like to model their own voice after, for 13 total voice models (10 cisgender, three transgender). Among the voice models, average fundamental frequency was 154 Hz, average range was 381 Hz, and average minimum–maximum measures were 85–466 Hz. Conclusions: Specific parameters that constitute a gender-neutral voice or communication style have yet to be determined. Individuals seeking to achieve a more gender-neutral voice may have varying interpretations of what they perceive as being gender neutral. Speech-language pathologists providing gender-affirming communication modification services need to take these factors into consideration when establishing a collaborative experience for nonbinary or gender-nonconforming individuals.