Meet Jade
Jade's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Jade (she/her) is a trans woman who is working hard to overcome significant barriers to living authentically. Despite challenges with discrimination, unemployment, and underemployment, Jade remains determined to pursue voice training as a way to address her voice dysphoria and feel safer and more confident in her daily life. Living at home with her parents, who have become more supportive over time, provides some stability, but financial limitations have made accessing gender-affirming care difficult.
Voice dysphoria and embarrassment about training in the presence of her family have created mental blocks for Jade, and executive dysfunction from autism and ADHD adds another layer of struggle. Access to regular voice coaching with an instructor would provide her with the structure and support she needs to overcome these challenges and train consistently. She hopes to achieve a voice that feels affirming in time for her family reunion, where she can speak as herself and feel truly seen.
Jade describes the thought of having a voice that aligns with her identity as life-changing: “Everything fits in place and just works.” This opportunity would not only help Jade feel more at ease in her own skin but also allow her to interact with others with newfound confidence and joy as she continues building a life where she can fully embrace her true self.
Jade's timeline
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Award Granted
December 1, 2024
Jade was awarded a Thrive Fund award!
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Jade get the care they need and deserve.
About Voice Therapy/Vocal Training
On average, it costs $1,750+ for Jade's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Voice therapy or vocal training helps trans individuals modify their vocal pitch, resonance, and speech patterns to better align with their gender identity. This non-surgical approach can be used by trans femme, trans masc, and non-binary people.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
For trans individuals who experience dysphoria around their voice, daily interactions can be distressing and lead to avoidance of communication. A voice that doesn’t align with their gender presentation can result in misgendering and discrimination.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
While some insurance plans may cover voice therapy, many do not. Private sessions with licensed speech therapists can be expensive, and affirming providers may not be available locally, especially in rural areas.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Voice therapy can improve confidence, reduce dysphoria, and help trans individuals feel more authentic in their daily interactions. This often leads to better mental health and increased participation in social and professional environments.