Yeson voice feminization surgery

[Zoe Snow]

That's awesome, and your cat made me laugh.

[Alaia]

That's great news Jenny! Just don't strain yourself... I'd hate to see you hurt yourself after all you've achieved.

[Jennygirl]

That's great news Jenny! Just don't strain yourself... I'd hate to see you hurt yourself after all you've achieved.

As always I'm very careful I really don't sense any kind of strain though, there's barely even any air moving. It's just so good to know it's there!

Very excited to try to work that register into some speech mannerisms. I'm talking to my therapist about good speech feminization specialists in the area- going to start a more vigorous training regimen.

[kathyp]

            Well, Jenny I took the plunge as well and am booked for Yeson on September 17.
Your blogging made all the difference for me in my decision. Thanks again!
       Are you by any chance residing in SoCal? If so, I would greatly appreciate any Speech Therapists
referrals you may run accross. I must have contacted two dozen SP's and no one has any experiences with voice feminizations.
Kathy

[Lena from Kiev]

I'm talking to my therapist about good speech feminization specialists in the area

If you find a speech feminization specialist who knows why and how to elevate larynx, please let me know.

[Jennygirl]

            Well, Jenny I took the plunge as well and am booked for Yeson on September 17.
Your blogging made all the difference for me in my decision. Thanks again!
       Are you by any chance residing in SoCal? If so, I would greatly appreciate any Speech Therapists
referrals you may run accross. I must have contacted two dozen SP's and no one has any experiences with voice feminizations.
Kathy

Wow that is great! Congratulations Kathy!!

You will not be disappointed.

And yes, I live in LA. I'll let you know if I find one.

And Lena- definitely resonance is what I'm specifically looking for.

I'm pretty sure DeepStealth is actually located in Hollywood, so that may be a promising lead. Her voice is incredible, and judging by her videos she is a wonderful teacher.

I just have to get a little more un-busy with work. I've been going crazy with work recently. Making lots of money, but I've hardly any time for anything else. I've been wanting to make my 2 month interview video for Yeson, but I'm just too wiped out by the time I get home. Maybe this weekend!

Congrats again Kathy

[Carlita]

May I ask  you a question, Jenny? Well, probably a series of questions, actually ... 

I guess what I'm interested in is how you feel psychologically, now that your male voice isn't available. The normal male voice is kind of the sound of male privilege. it's more dominant than the female, much louder at a lower register, capable of sounding far more aggressive and fearsome. One of the things that female politicians and executives often find really difficult - and unfair - is finding a voice that sounds assertive, without coming across as shrill or screechy. It's much easier for a man to assert himself, dominate a conversation and still be accepted by the other people there.

When a man is under threat, or hyped up for combat his instinct is to roar, to give a show of strength. A woman's is to scream for help. (Obviously, lots of guys get scared and beg for mercy, and some women can sound plenty angry and aggressive when they want to ... but you know what I mean)

So do you feel weaker, or more vulnerable now?
Does your new voice feel feminine, pretty and completely wonderful? (You know I think it sounds great!!)
Or is it a little scary sometimes that you don't have that stronger, deeper, male voice in your locker any more?

[smile_jma]

Yay I booked my flight and hotel for my surgery! I am having it done on August 13th, less than a month!

I'm so excited!

Be aware...when you're here (Korea...) the weather will be dismal, OMG. Like, 90%+ humidity as well as being hot (90's F/mid 30s C). I don't know where you're coming from, but for some it can be excruciating if you're not used to it. Don't worry, everyone sweats, so there's nothing to hide/worry about. Wear thin clothing, if you can. Your body will thank you.

[Jennygirl]

May I ask  you a question, Jenny? Well, probably a series of questions, actually ... 

I guess what I'm interested in is how you feel psychologically, now that your male voice isn't available. The normal male voice is kind of the sound of male privilege. it's more dominant than the female, much louder at a lower register, capable of sounding far more aggressive and fearsome. One of the things that female politicians and executives often find really difficult - and unfair - is finding a voice that sounds assertive, without coming across as shrill or screechy. It's much easier for a man to assert himself, dominate a conversation and still be accepted by the other people there.

When a man is under threat, or hyped up for combat his instinct is to roar, to give a show of strength. A woman's is to scream for help. (Obviously, lots of guys get scared and beg for mercy, and some women can sound plenty angry and aggressive when they want to ... but you know what I mean)

So do you feel weaker, or more vulnerable now?
Does your new voice feel feminine, pretty and completely wonderful? (You know I think it sounds great!!)
Or is it a little scary sometimes that you don't have that stronger, deeper, male voice in your locker any more?

Haha, interesting question. I have definitely noticed some differences- that is for sure. These are probably the same things that other girls notice when they start using their feminine voice however they went about finding it.

People definitely pay attention less than they used to when I take issue with something (this one comes down mainly to interactions with friends). I get more of a "yeah you should just deal with it" kind of vibe which has been a little shocking at times and slightly aggravating on one occasion. But most of the time, friends talk to me much more gently than they used to. A lot of people have actually started to apologize when they cuss around me... That one really makes me giggle! And I love to giggle!

It's different at work too. I work in an area of the industry that is 99% males, in fact I have never met another female in my industry that does what I do (I am a freelance 2D/3D animator with a focus on programming to control complex animations in the field of motion graphics for film/broadcast). For example now, I am on a project with about 15 guys. Only a few of them know that I am transgendered because I worked with them before I started transitioning and they recommended me for this job. Regardless if they have told the rest of the team (and I don't think they have, there's no reason - nor do I care) everyone doesn't expect too much out of me which is SUPER NICE because I already expect so much out of myself. This results in them being pleasantly and extremely surprised with what I am able to bring to the table. I feel that ever since I started transitioning (and especially since my voice surgery), my clients have never been happier with me. It almost feels like a night and day difference. It's a little bit sexist, but to me it seems that a lot of people cannot believe that a girl would be so technically minded and it ends up being a good thing for me and women as a whole. Break down those gender barriers!

I built a particle system that "draws" out random circuit boards with streaks of lines and they all pretty much flipped. Not only was it great for the project, their thankfulness has been amazing. The other nice aspect is that before when I would do something like this I would be met with some amount of snickering or hostility- probably from other people feeling threatened or something or like I was trying to assert myself and show someone up. Now as a girl I feel that I am not seen as a threat... so I'm able to just do my job without a worry in the world (and I think I do even better work because of it). Competition in a creative workplace never worked for me, and I will not miss it.

I hope that answers your questions, thanks for asking- that was fun

[abbyt89]

Be aware...when you're here (Korea...) the weather will be dismal, OMG. Like, 90%+ humidity as well as being hot (90's F/mid 30s C). I don't know where you're coming from, but for some it can be excruciating if you're not used to it. Don't worry, everyone sweats, so there's nothing to hide/worry about. Wear thin clothing, if you can. Your body will thank you.

Thanks for the advice!

I am very, very used to that kind of weather though. It sounds exactly how it is here in Maryland during the summers. Today it's 97F with humidity bringing the heat index up to 110F. Ughhh.

[Jennygirl]

I have an appointment with Joanna Cazden in Burbank. My therapist recommended her and I'm going to give this a shot ... I think it will be worth it on many levels of psyche.

I'm fairly certain that my voice is already passing most of the time, but I feel that having some professional guidance will eventually make it so that I pass confidently ALL the time. At least that is the hope. It certainly can't hurt!

On her page, she mentions some key things I am interested in:
- resonance re shaping inside the throat
- speech activities like shouting and I'm assuming singing too
- adjustments of inflection, word choice, and body language

My first appointment is set for next Saturday, the 27th of July. I could have started this next week but I am too busy with work to make the trip to Burbank on a lunchbreak during the week. I'm very eager to meet her! Judging by the recommendation from my therapist and her webpage she seems very knowledgable.

[Carlita]

Haha, interesting question. I have definitely noticed some differences- that is for sure. These are probably the same things that other girls notice when they start using their feminine voice however they went about finding it.

People definitely pay attention less than they used to when I take issue with something (this one comes down mainly to interactions with friends). I get more of a "yeah you should just deal with it" kind of vibe which has been a little shocking at times and slightly aggravating on one occasion. But most of the time, friends talk to me much more gently than they used to. A lot of people have actually started to apologize when they cuss around me... That one really makes me giggle! And I love to giggle!

It's different at work too. I work in an area of the industry that is 99% males, in fact I have never met another female in my industry that does what I do (I am a freelance 2D/3D animator with a focus on programming to control complex animations in the field of motion graphics for film/broadcast). For example now, I am on a project with about 15 guys. Only a few of them know that I am transgendered because I worked with them before I started transitioning and they recommended me for this job. Regardless if they have told the rest of the team (and I don't think they have, there's no reason - nor do I care) everyone doesn't expect too much out of me which is SUPER NICE because I already expect so much out of myself. This results in them being pleasantly and extremely surprised with what I am able to bring to the table. I feel that ever since I started transitioning (and especially since my voice surgery), my clients have never been happier with me. It almost feels like a night and day difference. It's a little bit sexist, but to me it seems that a lot of people cannot believe that a girl would be so technically minded and it ends up being a good thing for me and women as a whole. Break down those gender barriers!

I built a particle system that "draws" out random circuit boards with streaks of lines and they all pretty much flipped. Not only was it great for the project, their thankfulness has been amazing. The other nice aspect is that before when I would do something like this I would be met with some amount of snickering or hostility- probably from other people feeling threatened or something or like I was trying to assert myself and show someone up. Now as a girl I feel that I am not seen as a threat... so I'm able to just do my job without a worry in the world (and I think I do even better work because of it). Competition in a creative workplace never worked for me, and I will not miss it.

I hope that answers your questions, thanks for asking- that was fun

Thank YOU for replying .. and with such wonderful, positive news.

Who'd have guessed that getting a girly voice would be such a great career move?! 

[Jennygirl]

Thank YOU for replying .. and with such wonderful, positive news.

Who'd have guessed that getting a girly voice would be such a great career move?! 

I think back to when I was presenting female and feeling locked into using a male voice. Whatever it was.. fear, feeling inexperienced, or just a chronic stigma of "stage fright" from early childhood... I am definitely moving past it's burden over my voice. It is a wonderful feeling. This week has been a testament to what this surgery has done for me in terms of my goals since starting transition.

Today I was talking to the art director who I have been working with consistently all day long for 5 days. Well, I had a moderate dose of caffeine today for the first time in 3 months.. and it actually made me TIRED. So much that I couldn't help but yawn during a conversation with him. I apologized and mentioned that I hadn't had caffeine in a while, and he asked why- if I was just trying to avoid it? I told him that I couldn't until now because I'd recently had a surgery, and he asked if I was okay. I said I'd had a voice surgery but my voice had been healthy to start with, and then I told him that it was voice feminization surgery. He looked confused.

I assumed that he had heard from my friend/coworker there (the guy that recommended me) that I was transgendered. Well, apparently he hadn't heard and when I said the words he almost jumped out of his seat. He apparently had no idea I am trans, and I really did believe it. Other than an odd feeling about outing myself, I felt utter elation! He actually congratulated me!

I guess overall I know that I pass with random people every time now, or at least I don't even think about it whatsoever. It's still a little different with people I see every day... I guess because I live and hang out with so many people that have seen me change through this whole process. So, I guess I am used to people knowing and I just assume they do after a while. I felt that I could pass easily on short term, but for some reason I felt that over long term I would do something that would cause me to be read.

The perception I have of myself through other peoples eyes is really starting to change, though. Today made a huge difference for me mentally. Being able to blend while interacting people is bar none the most exciting feeling I have ever felt. It's similar to the feeling I got when I first started to go full time... It's been allowing me to relax, to further explore my identity, and it also just makes me smile a lot.

Today was a really good day. Have a great weekend everyone!

[Shantel]

The perception I have of myself through other peoples eyes is really starting to change, though. Today made a huge difference for me mentally. Being able to blend while interacting people is bar none the most exciting feeling I have ever felt. It's similar to the feeling I got when I first started to go full time... It's been allowing me to relax, to further explore my identity, and it also just makes me smile a lot.

Today was a really good day. Have a great weekend everyone!

This is how the the realization of personal victory over previous self doubt and fears comes about, it's because you are out and mixing daily with everyday people, getting positive feedback which in turn is making you exude a more positive, self assured persona. It was the voice surgery that made it all the more possible, but aside from that this is the answer for so many of us who shrink away from contact with the everyday world and often remain cloistered in our more "T friendly" environments where no real growth can take place.

[abbyt89]

I think back to when I was presenting female and feeling locked into using a male voice. Whatever it was.. fear, feeling inexperienced, or just a chronic stigma of "stage fright" from early childhood... I am definitely moving past it's burden over my voice. It is a wonderful feeling. This week has been a testament to what this surgery has done for me in terms of my goals since starting transition.

Today I was talking to the art director who I have been working with consistently all day long for 5 days. Well, I had a moderate dose of caffeine today for the first time in 3 months.. and it actually made me TIRED. So much that I couldn't help but yawn during a conversation with him. I apologized and mentioned that I hadn't had caffeine in a while, and he asked why- if I was just trying to avoid it? I told him that I couldn't until now because I'd recently had a surgery, and he asked if I was okay. I said I'd had a voice surgery but my voice had been healthy to start with, and then I told him that it was voice feminization surgery. He looked confused.

I assumed that he had heard from my friend/coworker there (the guy that recommended me) that I was transgendered. Well, apparently he hadn't heard and when I said the words he almost jumped out of his seat. He apparently had no idea I am trans, and I really did believe it. Other than an odd feeling about outing myself, I felt utter elation! He actually congratulated me!

I guess overall I know that I pass with random people every time now, or at least I don't even think about it whatsoever. It's still a little different with people I see every day... I guess because I live and hang out with so many people that have seen me change through this whole process. So, I guess I am used to people knowing and I just assume they do after a while. I felt that I could pass easily on short term, but for some reason I felt that over long term I would do something that would cause me to be read.

The perception I have of myself through other peoples eyes is really starting to change, though. Today made a huge difference for me mentally. Being able to blend while interacting people is bar none the most exciting feeling I have ever felt. It's similar to the feeling I got when I first started to go full time... It's been allowing me to relax, to further explore my identity, and it also just makes me smile a lot.

Today was a really good day. Have a great weekend everyone!

I am so happy for you Jenny. I can relate so much to your experience with your voice and stage fright and I am so glad you found something that helped you. If I am half as happy as you are with the results at Yeson I will be absolutely thrilled.

[Shantel]

I am so happy for you Jenny. I can relate so much to your experience with your voice and stage fright and I am so glad you found something that helped you. If I am half as happy as you are with the results at Yeson I will be absolutely thrilled.

Hopefully you will share your experiences like Jenny has done!

[Antonia J]

Hopefully you will share your experiences like Jenny has done!

I am thinking the same thing!

[abbyt89]

I certainly will! I guess I can start a thread for my trip report instead of hijacking this one. I leave August 11th!!

[Jennygirl]

I don't mind either way. I wouldn't consider it hijacking at all.

The original post was more just about Yeson in general and didn't start out as a personal experience report... though it did eventually got to that point

Wow 3 weeks! It's going to fly by! I would recommend nixing alcohol, definitely no over the counter pain meds, obviously no smoking, and start drinking tons of water. And be very careful not to get sick! Maybe take some echinacea goldenseal and/or oil of oregano to fortify your immune system.

[abbyt89]

I don't mind either way. I wouldn't consider it hijacking at all.

The original post was more just about Yeson in general and didn't start out as a personal experience report... though it did eventually got to that point

Wow 3 weeks! It's going to fly by! I would recommend nixing alcohol, definitely no over the counter pain meds, obviously no smoking, and start drinking tons of water. And be very careful not to get sick! Maybe take some echinacea goldenseal and/or oil of oregano to fortify your immune system.

Thanks for the advice!

I rarely drink and quit smoking cigarettes before HRT. I also quit smoking weed when I scheduled my surgery to make sure that my throat is in the best shape it can be.

Getting sick is really my worst fear at this moment but I will hopefully be ok! I'm actually the healthiest I've ever been in my adult life and have been keeping up on my diet/exercise/vitamins. I've been taking lypospheric vitamin C but I'll look into those other supplements as well.