Transgender Singers
Communication is at the heart of what conductors, teachers, and singers do. Expression of gender in singing is an important topic that is gaining more attention. First, we need to distinguish between “sex” and “gender.” “Sex” is assigned at birth, while “gender” is self-determined by the individual (Hearns & Kremer, 2018, p. 5). Gender identity is “who I am,” gender expression is “how I show it,” and gender perception is “how I am seen” (p. 6). Voice teachers and conductors need to recognize their singers as individuals who do not necessarily fit into a binary (male/female) system of gender identity, expression, and perception.
As of 2014, roughly 1.4 million individuals in the United States ages 18 and over identified themselves as transgender (Flores, Herman, Gates, & Brown, 2016). Since younger adults are more likely to identify as transgender, this number is likely to increase over time. Moreover, this estimate does not include transgender adolescents. Thus, voice teachers and choral conductors are increasingly likely to work with transgender singers.
While the intricacies of gender eclipse the scope of this book, we encourage voice teachers and conductors to develop a practice of self-reflection and to familiarize themselves with inclusive language to respect and support the singers with whom they work.
Some of the additional topics related to transgender singers covered in Vocal Technique include:
As of 2014, roughly 1.4 million individuals in the United States ages 18 and over identified themselves as transgender (Flores, Herman, Gates, & Brown, 2016). Since younger adults are more likely to identify as transgender, this number is likely to increase over time. Moreover, this estimate does not include transgender adolescents. Thus, voice teachers and choral conductors are increasingly likely to work with transgender singers.
While the intricacies of gender eclipse the scope of this book, we encourage voice teachers and conductors to develop a practice of self-reflection and to familiarize themselves with inclusive language to respect and support the singers with whom they work.
- Avoid binary classifications--instead, use voice categories when referring to singers in an ensemble. Use “trebles/sopranos and altos” instead of “ladies/women/girls” and “tenors and basses” instead of “men/guys/boys”.
- Invite singers to share their gender pronouns and promote the use of those pronouns by other singers.
- Choose repertoire in consultation with the voice student, making sure to consider both the vocal range and gender expression of the individual.
Voice teachers and conductors who are working with transgender singers must educate themselves about special considerations for these individuals. Body-shaping garments, hormone replacement therapies, and surgeries all have a significant effect on the voice and the way people sing.
Some of the additional topics related to transgender singers covered in Vocal Technique include:
- Voice changing methods for transgender females
- Voice changing methods for transgender males