Adrienne Hancock, PhD, CCC-SLP (The George Washington University)
Please give a short introduction to yourself and your work.
I am an Associate Professor and speech-language pathologist. My aim is to improve accessibility to evidence-based and culturally-responsive voice and communication services for trans and non-binary people who are dissatisfied with their current communication situation.
You were the guest editor for a special issue of Seminars in Speech and Language called Innovations in Voice Care for Trans and Non-Binary People. Can you share the story of how this issue came together?
It was important to have authors who could respect but also represent the populations covered in this Issue. Additionally, an issue with innovations should include our newest investigators (students, clinicians). I reached out to people I had seen present recently and/or had chatted with informally about their research or clinical approaches. There are not many (visibly) trans researchers and teachers to choose from - especially who are not already busy doing more than their fair share of educating others and were available to write an article in a few months. That's why the articles with guidance for teaching student clinicians and researching with trans populations came about. For innovations to continue, we need to increase and amplify these perspectives in the pipeline.
Can you discuss some of the innovations covered in the issue? What is on the horizon in this field?
I'm excited to see the large diversity of perspectives coming together - the collection of authors and topics in this issue clearly reflects that! Research and practice are being informed by non-medical disciplines such as linguistics and mental health and through sociocultural lenses of inclusion and justice. We are seeing more clinicians and authors with lived experience in LGBTQIA+ community. These movements coincide - not coincidently, in my opinion - with a shift in the direct goal of voice and communication services away from gender conformity and toward well-being. I refer to this as a shift from gender-centered care to person-centered care.
How is voice care important for trans and non-binary individuals?
I've heard a variety of answers to that question so it really depends on the person. Some people tell me that hearing their own voice makes them uncomfortable, distressed, even suicidal. Some say that how they sound influences their treatment from others - what type of job they can get, for example. For most people it is both - gender attributions from themselves and from others - that has them seeking information or services for voice change. Keep in mind that not every trans and non-binary person thinks about their voice, let alone feels the need to modify or expand it in some way. But everyone deserves the opportunity to make an informed decision for themselves.
What advice would you give to fellow SLPs, who may not be familiar with trans/non-binary issues, on providing voice care for those patients?
First, realize that there are specific issues that will be influencing your care and your client's wellbeing. This is not just-like care for cisgender people with voice complaints. Second, take responsibility for learning those issues - don't rely on your client to educate you, although forming a relationship in which they feel comfortable to correct or educate you is valuable. For example, consider minority stress impacts and trauma-informed care principles. Third, be prepared to navigate those issues with cultural responsiveness. This includes self-reflection and humility as you learn more about each person you serve.
