Hey there, I'm Renée, a gender-affirming voice teacher, and recently, I had an interesting question come my way during a TikTok live session. Someone in the audience asked me a rather common concern in the realm of voice training for transgender individuals: "Can trans voice training damage the vocal cords?" It's a question that often worries people, so today, I want to share my thoughts on this subject.

I should start by saying that the topic of potential vocal cord damage is a bit of a paradox. It's somewhat akin to asking whether running can damage your knees. I mean, yes, running can put a strain on your knees, but we still engage in it for the myriad of benefits it offers. Likewise, when we talk about voice training, there is an inherent risk, just as with any form of exercise. The key lies in understanding these risks and learning to use your voice in a way that maximizes the benefits while minimizing harm.

To put it in perspective, let's consider regular physical exercise. We all know that exercise is unequivocally good for our health, particularly our cardiovascular system. Yet, we also understand that pushing ourselves too hard can lead to injuries. Whether it's the excitement of your first day at the gym that leaves you unable to sit down the next day (trust me, we've all been there), or a strained muscle, it's clear that exercise can sometimes cause a bit of damage. But that doesn't mean we should avoid exercise altogether, does it? No, because we recognize the value in pushing our bodies to their limits, safely, in order to grow stronger.

Voice training shares a similar philosophy. When you first begin, there's a chance you might overdo it. Just as we often overexert ourselves during that initial visit to the gym, newcomers to voice training might inadvertently strain their vocal cords. It's easy to get carried away when you feel like you're making progress and you want to test the extent of your abilities. However, unlike lifting weights, the muscles responsible for controlling your voice are much smaller and require finesse.

So, the first rule in voice training is moderation. Start small and gradually build up. Remember that voice training is all about refining your fine motor control over these delicate muscles. Rushing into it can lead to strain and potential harm, which is precisely what we want to avoid.

Now, let's address the big question: Is it safe? Absolutely. It takes quite a bit to damage your vocal folds to the point where you'd be in danger of developing something like vocal nodules. You'd need to be using your voice intensively, such as performing six days a week on Broadway or continuously straining your voice by, for instance, chronic shouting or screaming.

Now, are there exceptions? Yes, of course. As with any activity, there will always be outliers. Some people may be more susceptible to vocal cord issues due to underlying health conditions. However, in my experience, these cases are incredibly rare. Most individuals who engage in transgender voice training responsibly and under proper guidance will not encounter severe vocal cord damage.

In essence, voice training should be seen as a way to safely explore and enhance your vocal abilities and expression. It's about building a voice that aligns with your identity and feels comfortable to you. You'll never feel any pain or strain with the right techniques and guidance.

If you're curious and have more questions about transgender voice training, I invite you to join me on TikTok every Monday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time. During these live sessions, we can delve deeper into this topic, and I'm more than happy to address any concerns you might have.

If you're ready to dive into your trans voice training, you can also check out the courses that I have available.

In conclusion, voice training for transgender individuals is not dangerous if done responsibly and with professional guidance. It's about self-discovery, empowerment, and aligning your voice with your gender expression. Remember, just like exercise, there's potential for harm, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, don't hesitate to embark on your journey to finding a voice that gives you gender euphoria!