Hi girls, Roxanne again with another of her interminable questions.
I am beginning to ready myself for transition and my recently released need is running question after question through my novitiate mind.
Are any girls aware of speech pathologists in Sydney who effectively teach voice feminisation? I cannot deal with my yucky voice which is almost basso profundo, as they say at the opera.
I'm just preparing for my transition in a rush because I have made a VERY long overdue decision.
....Starting blocks..... 3. 2. 1..BANG!.. Goooooo!
Ciao,
xoxo,
Roxanne.
I saw a speech pathologist who worked with trans clients at RPA in Camperdown - but that was in 1990 and apart from not remembering her name despite how lovely she was I cannot even recall how I came to be referred to her (the referral meant it was covered under Medicare) but it was probably via my psyche at the time (who I also can't remember the name of). I wouldn't be surprised if they still provide the service out of RPA but you'd probably need a referral. The difference between 1990 and now though is that there are ton of YouTube videos with folks eager to share their tips. Still not the same as working one on one but it would be a start.
Thank you for the tips Grace, if it weren't for girls like you many of us starting out on our journeys would get miserably lost.
And yet I noticed that someone had commented on how happy you look in your profile pic and I can't but think that if more people were as helpful as you the world would certainly be a happier place.
Ciao bella,
xoxo,
Roxanne.
I've not done this yet and I've not looked into it seriously.
So, I'm not sure, but I think Nicola Kenney may do it.
http://www.speechtherapists.com.au/nicola-kenney/
Again, I'm not sure but I believe the RPA do offer help, but only help you if you're in their coverage area.
There's also some really good video's on YouTube to help with your voice.
Unfortunately I can't give you anything first hand but I have been given a list of four speech pathologists in Sydney that are happy to coach voice feminisation.
Cate Madill Speech Pathology in particular was highly recommended. Coaching for trans clients is listed as one of the services on their website, so I took that to be a positive sign. They appear to have numerous therapists and locations, so I'm not sure if this means the service has potential to vary.
I have made a first appointment but it's not until the end of this month, so I can't really provide any first-hand comments.
Let me know if you want the details for the others on the list too.
P.S. If you find a really good one, can you let me know too?
P.P.S. Are any Sydney ladies thinking about going to the ICLC fundraiser screening of The Danish Girl later this month? It looks like Cate McGregor will also be speaking beforehand.
Thanks again for your help Ms, however I live a lot further westward than the RPA'S coverage area (I have been there in an ambulance, long story) but the link is a great one. Youtube presentations are helpful like you always are Ms and I can help myself with me bloody (oops!) swearing like a...Where were we? Oh yes, that's right, time to get back "on point" as they say. ...ahem...
Claire I'm sorry to have to admit that because I am unknown to any transgender community I am not sure who either Cate McGregor or the ICLC is BUT a big thanks for letting us know about the highly recommended Cate Madill and for your offer to provide the names of the speech therapists on her website, especially as they profess to hiring their services to the transgender community. Wowee! However now that you have been thoughtful enough to provide this info I should be able to take it from there although I'm only speaking for myself obviously.
I did see Cate McGregor celebrated as a "transgender icon" on an excerpt from a Youtube presentation but that's all I know. Sorry Cate.
Ciao bella,
xoxo,
Roxanne.
Cate McGregor is in the armed forces and transitioned while on the job. In some ways, Roxi, her transition from within a very macho and masculine workplace kind of mirrors your situation. She copped a lot of harrassment but she must be pretty gutsy because she got through it OK. I heard her speak a few years ago, she's quite interesting but I'm in no rush to see her again. The ICLC is the Inner City Legal Centre.
Thanks again Grace.
Wow, so that's who Cate McGregor is? I've heard her being mentioned by various people from varied social strata and she has always made me feel amazed at her and happy that we are now living in a time during which she is being accepted by society. On a selfish note and since discovering current possibilities her mention has always made me dearly want to transition. In fact thinking about her right now I am feeling an overwhelming rush throughout my body that is causing me to cry out for changes. She is a powerful person for me to think of even though I have only heard her spoken of by non-transgendered people and have only seen the odd pic of her.
Now that I am opening my soul and my mind I think I had best see her speak, maybe at the ICLC Fundraiser or even elsewhere.
The music of this art,
the deep silence between the notes,
deafens me with endless love!
(sorry had to sing something by Nightwish because I am so moved. It's philharmonic "rock" that is lead by female vocals. By thinking of becoming me and having a feminised voice I am so very emotional that I had to sing and I couldn't think of a more beautiful voice!)
I'd best be quiet and get a Kleenex. I won't be so sappy then.