My voice has changed a lot because I have to constantly remind myself to elevate my larynx to cut my male resonance and to speak in a higher timbre by a couple of notes. I sing in the alto range now as well. Also my speech mannerisms have become quite naturally feminine.
There have been people I have spoken with who didn't recognize my face didn't recognize my voice either. But those were few. Most did recognize my voice, though they did mention that it was less masculine.
Though I had an incident just the other day that really threw me for a loop.
Pat and I were at one of the local bars, and I excused myself to hit the ladies room. It was a small one with just a couple of stalls.
I had just got in one and I hear someone else come in. She says "Are all these stalls taken?"
I reply "This one is taken!"
"Oh my God! Is that a MAN!?"
"NO!"
Nothing more is said and when I come out, I mumble something and hold the door of the stall for her. She makes eye contact but says nothing.
She may have been a bit drunk, and I may have been a bit lazy, and sounded like Bea Arthur on a bad day, but it just reminds me that I must forever be vigilant about my voice. No amount of estrogen is ever going to make me sound feminine. I knew this, and I thought I was better at it, but it will be a lifelong effort.
-Sandy
