Transfeminine Voice Research Participant

The Stepp Lab at Boston University is recruiting assigned male at birth (AMAB) transfeminine individuals (transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary, genderfluid, etc.) who are unsatisfied with their vocal pitch to participate in voice research.  Participants must not have had any formal gender-affirming voice services. We're interested in satisfaction with pitch, gender expression, and how people produce speech. This in-person observational study consists of a single 1.5-2 hour session. In general, you'll be asked to say words or sentences, complete self-rating scales, participate in a trans-nasal exam, and complete a hearing screening. You will be asked to repeat most of the speaking tasks twice, once with your typical speaking voice and once where you're asked to match a self-identified vocal pitch that more closely approximates your gender-congruent voice. For the trans-nasal exam, a very thin tube with a camera at the end goes through your nose to look at your vocal folds. It doesn't hurt, but may be slightly uncomfortable at first.  The exam takes only 5-10 minutes. Compensation is $30/hour. Transportation is reimbursed.