Welcome to The Equality Equation, our new community connection.
The Equality Equation is a place where we explore pathways to equity and inclusion for transgender individuals in Nova Scotia. I’m Veronica Merryfield, an Inclusion educator and facilitator with Simply Good Form Inclusion.
Lately, I’ve been receiving many questions about vocal feminization coaching. That is why this month’s first Equality Equation is ‘Vocal Feminization Coaching: A Path To Identity.’
This is a conversation that is becoming more vibrant. And, it’s an important one. It’s completely understandable how misgendering can hurt, especially when our voices play such a crucial role in our identities. Voice feminization and masculinization are significant aspects of many transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individual’s journeys.
I thought this would be a great first topic to dive into a topic focus on.
The Power of Voice
Have you ever stopped to think about how much your voice shapes your identity?
While there are various resources available online, having the support of a professional can make a world of difference. I remember how valuable my time with Romaine, my therapist, was. She guided me through exercises to keep my vocal muscles in tune. She helped me feel the actions of my voice in different parts of my body. She also shared wonderful mindfulness techniques. I stay grateful today, for her care and wisdom.
Romaine taught me:
- Exercises to keep my vocal muscles in tune
- Techniques to feel the actions of my voice in different parts of my body
- Mindfulness practices to connect with my voice
These sessions weren’t just about changing my voice; they were about connecting with myself on a deeper level.
For many transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, voice is a crucial piece of the gender expression puzzle. It’s not just about how we sound. It’s about how we’re perceived. It’s about how we interact with the world. Ultimately, it’s about how we feel in our own skin.
The Challenge of Misgendering
I’ve heard from some folks, that their primary care providers weren’t aware of available services. Unfortunately, some providers do not cover procedures. This can understandably lead to feelings of discouragement, considering the profound impact our voices have on our identities.
Let’s face it: being misgendered can sting. Whether it’s over the phone or in person, it can be painful to have your gender misidentified. This happens because of your voice, but you’re not alone in this experience.
The good news is, there are resources available to help you align your voice with your gender identity.
Hearing Speech Centres
Now, here’s where things get exciting for us Nova Scotians.
I’ve connected with caring speech therapists across Nova Scotia. I discovered one particularly compassionate speech-language pathologist through a different circle, and it was inspiring to learn about her skill.
Did you know that Nova Scotia Health offers inclusive speech therapy as part of their Hearing and Speech Centres network?
“We provide voice therapy for all Nova Scotians. For gender-affirming voice therapy, a doctor’s referral is not required. The local SLP can consult with our SLP who specializes in voice (located in Halifax) if assistance is needed.”
Here are the key points:
- Gender-affirming voice therapy is available across the province
- No doctor’s referral is required
- Services are covered by MSI (yes, it’s free!)
- There are 33 contacts at 24 locations from Amherst to Yarmouth
Explore: Find your nearest Hearing and Speech Centre here:
Your Voice, Your Journey
Remember, every voice is unique, and every journey is personal. Whether you’re just starting to explore voice feminization or you are well on your path, Nova Scotia offers support. This region has resources available for you.
For general questions, the contact details are
Tel: (902) 492-8289
Fax: (902) 423-0532
Toll Free: 1-888-780-3330
Email: info@nshsc.nshealth.ca
And to contact specification, find the details at https://www.hearingandspeech.ca/find-location
Transformative Voices
You may also want to check out our friends at ‘Find Your Voice’ Music Therapy and their program, which offers a wide range of therapeutic music experiences designed to help individuals express themselves creatively and find healing through sound.
They offer a trans-focused program, with support by the Mental Health Foundation Nova Scotia.
Share Your Story
We’d love to hear from you! Have you had experience with vocal feminization coaching in Nova Scotia? What was your journey like? Share your story in the comments below and let’s keep this important conversation going.
Stay Tuned
Next month on The Equality Equation, we’ll explore another community-relevant reflection. It will be transgender-inclusive and tackle the questions most important to you. Don’t miss it!
Remember, your voice is powerful – not just in how it sounds, but in what it says.
Keep speaking up for equality, Nova Scotia!
