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Voice Dysphoria: The Piece of Gender-Affirming Care That Parents of LGBTQ Teens Often Overlook
Description
SPECIAL GUEST EPISODE!
Contact Nicole and learn more about Undead Voice
Voice is more than sound.
It’s identity.
It’s safety.
It’s confidence.
It’s how we take up space in the world.
And yet voice dysphoria is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood parts of gender-affirming care.
In this episode, Heather sits down with Nicole Gress (she/they), licensed speech-language pathologist and founder of Undead Voice, the leading voice transition training company serving trans and gender-diverse individuals worldwide.
Nicole shares:
- Why traditional medical voice models often fail trans people
- How gender is actually perceived in the voice (hint: it’s not just pitch)
- What voice dysphoria can look like in youth
- The psychological impact of selective mutism and social withdrawal
- Why early voice training access can be life-changing
- What parents can say if they notice their child becoming quieter
Nicole also explains their groundbreaking Five Pillars of Voice method, a curriculum designed specifically for trans people, and how centering community transforms outcomes.
If you are:
- A parent or caregiver wanting to better understand your child’s experience
- An ally trying to support someone navigating voice transition
- Someone on your own voice journey
- Or simply curious about the intersection of identity, autonomy, and expression
This conversation will expand your awareness — and offer practical next steps.
Nicole’s free three-week beginner voice training program, Jumpstart, is accessible in all 50 states and globally, and runs throughout the year.
You can learn more and enroll here:
👉 https://www.undeadvoice.com/joinjumpstart
This program is open to trans and gender-diverse individuals of all ages and provides both skill-building and community support.
🎧 Listen to the episode
🔗 Share it with a parent, educator, or ally
📌 Bookmark Jumpstart for someone who may need it
Your voice deserves to feel like home.
And when we create safety for people to use their voice fully, everything changes.
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!
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