Singing Outside the Binary: Empowered Voice Training for Trans and Gender-Diverse Folks

One of the most beautiful things about the human voice is that it holds so much more than sound. It carries our emotions, our history, our identity. For many trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people, the voice can also carry pain—dysphoria, fear of judgment, or a feeling of disconnect. And it can also carry hope. Expression. Power. Joy.

As a vocal coach, my job isn’t just to teach technique—it’s to hold space for people to find and reclaim their voices. Recently, I completed a training focused on gender-affirming voice work—and it left me deeply inspired, humbled, and even more committed to creating an inclusive space for all singers, especially those whose voices haven’t always felt like home.

I’ve been a part of the LGBTQI+ community since my teens, and I’m proud to be involved in various queer spaces that center expression, creativity, and mutual support. I know firsthand how vital it is to feel seen, respected, and safe. This isn’t just professional for me—it’s deeply personal. When you work with me, you’re not entering a neutral space. You’re entering a queer-affirming, community-rooted space where your identity and voice are both welcome.

Why gender-affirming singing support matters

We’re living in a time where more and more people are exploring and embracing their gender identities—and with that comes the desire to explore creativity and self-expression. Singing can be a powerful part of that journey, but most traditional voice training hasn’t been built with gender diversity in mind.

That’s starting to change, and I’m here for it.

Voice doesn’t equal gender. And gender doesn’t equal sexuality. But for many trans and non-binary folks, voice is a huge piece of how they feel in their bodies and how they’re perceived in the world. So when someone wants to sing in a way that affirms their gender—or just feel safe and supported while singing at all—it’s not just about pitch or technique. It’s about connection.

What gender-affirming vocal training actually means

The course I took (taught by the wonderful Emerald Lessley) focused on understanding both the science and the emotional realities behind gender-diverse vocal needs. We covered what happens to the voice physiologically with hormone therapy, how to adapt training for different goals (like voice feminisation, masculinisation, or more fluid expression), and—perhaps most importantly—how to meet every student with compassion, clarity, and care.

Here are some things I bring into my coaching space:

🌈 I ask for and use preferred names and pronouns—and I always check in before we start.

🌈 I understand the impact of gender dysphoria (that deep discomfort when your body or voice doesn’t align with your gender identity), and I never push students into ranges or sounds that feel triggering or unsafe.

🌈 I tailor my approach depending on where a student is in their transition journey—if they’ve started hormones, how long it’s been, what their goals are.

🌈 I integrate Modern Vocal Training (MVT) methods with what I’ve learned about gender-affirming techniques, adapting them to serve each singer’s unique needs.

Some basics, if you’re curious about the science side

For transmasculine singers who take testosterone:

🌈 Testosterone thickens the vocal folds (lowering pitch), but the larynx (voice box) size doesn’t change.

🌈 This can lead to a unique vocal configuration—small larynx, thick folds—which requires a very individualised approach.

🌈 The voice can become unstable for 3 to 12 months after starting T. That’s a challenging but important time to train the voice gently to preserve flexibility.

🌈 Some singers lose high range, but it can often be rebuilt with the right exercises and care (if desired).

For transfeminine singers taking estrogen:

🌈 Estrogen doesn’t affect the voice’s pitch—so the vocal folds and larynx stay the same.

🌈 This means raising pitch and creating a more “feminine” sound involves training, not hormonal changes.

🌈 Common challenges include tension, vocal fatigue, and overcompensating in the higher range. So we work on releasing that tension and building a healthy head voice, chest voice, and everything in between.

For non-binary, genderfluid, or agender singers:

🌈 There’s no “one way” to sound. That’s the whole point.

🌈 I support exploration, play, and building tools for vocal flexibility so you can express yourself how you want—whether that changes daily or stays steady.

It’s not just about pitch—there’s a whole system at play

In MVT, we work across four main systems: phonation (sound production), registration (how your vocal registers connect), articulation, and resonance. Gender-affirming voice work touches all of these areas.

For example:

🌈 Phonation might be unstable due to hormone shifts or overworking the voice.

🌈 Articulation and resonance shape how the voice is perceived gender-wise—and we can adjust those with subtle, powerful techniques.

What matters is that the approach is personal. There is no formula, no cookie-cutter sound we’re chasing. We’re just making space for you to explore, express, and feel good in your voice.

If you’re trans, non-binary, gender-expansive, or just unsure—this space is for you

You don’t need to sound a certain way to sing.

You don’t need to fit into a box.

You don’t need to be “ready.”

I’m here to support you wherever you are—with gentleness, with science-backed tools, and with a deep respect for your voice and your journey. Together, we’ll work not just on technique, but on empowerment.

Voice your true self.

No matter where that self lives on the gender spectrum.