Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders’ gender-affirming voice training group (GVT) seeks to help individuals in the transgender community explore ways to modify their voice and communication styles, thus affirming their identity in a safe and supportive environment. Voice can have an impact on how we define ourselves as well as how others view us. Notably, voice can be modified to create a valuable change in self and others' perceptions. The work includes different treatment strategies to reach an individual’s voice and communication goals. If you are currently experiencing anxiety over being misgendered due to listeners’ perceptions of how you sound or how you speak, the Hunter GVT group will work with you to access a voice that is comfortable and feels true to you.

What is the Hunter GVT Group and how does it work?

Hunter GVT Group is an 8-week program of a small group of young adults who identify as transgender. The group’s mission:

The Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders (HCCCD) offers a group program for participants who identify as transgender. This program will work on feminization and masculinization through modification of different areas of voice.

The Center maintains a safe, inclusive environment for clients, offering information about gender affirmation through voice treatment and education. Participants learn about vocal health and anatomy, as well as distinguishing characteristics of pitch, intonation, resonance, speech rate, and volume.

Sessions will be structured to include:

• Development of individual goals and objectives
• Opportunity for one-to-one training with a student clinician
• Practice skills in small group setting to promote generalization

The 8-week Hunter GVT Group is kept small (3-5 people) to facilitate participants’ growth and comfort.

GVT Group is run by graduate students enrolled in the Hunter College Speech-Language & Audiology Department master’s degree program and overseen by licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Please reach out with any questions!

Hunter GVT Group FAQs

Who can join?
Anyone 18+ years of age who self-identifies as transgender.

How often does Hunter GVT Group meet?
Hunter GVT Group is an 8-week program that meets once a week.

How big is Hunter GVT Group?
It's a small group of 3-5 persons.

Is my privacy safeguarded?
Privacy is respected and required of all parties involved: group members, clinicians and clinical educators alike. The Hunter GVT Group and its activities are conducted in a friendly safe environment, without judgments or bullying.

Where does Hunter GVT Group meet?
Hunter GVT Group meets in person at The Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders (HCCCD) located in the North Building of the Brookdale Health Sciences campus of Hunter College on East 25^th Street.

What goes on at the meetings?
Each meeting is designed to help participants' progress as well as share about their growth and experiences.

Must I attend every meeting?
Participants are committed to an 8-week program. In order to obtain maximum benefit, individuals must attend each meeting.

What is the cost?
Hunter GVT Group is free to participants.

How do I join?
Contact us at: hcccd@hunter.cuny.edu

For other speech and hearing services:
Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders
425 East 25^th Street
Rm N133
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-481-4464
Email: hcccd@hunter.cuny.edu
Web presence: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/comsc/SLPA-clinic