Meet Kelly
Kelly's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Kelly (she/her) is a resilient two spirit trans woman who has overcome incredible challenges since a near-fatal car accident in 1988. The accident left her with severe injuries, and after years of surgeries and recovery, she is upright and mobile, but these experiences have shaped her life in profound ways. Relying on SSA for her living expenses, Kelly is maintaining stable housing, though her limited income leaves no room for savings, especially as costs continue to rise.
Kelly is seeking support to access voice training, a crucial step in aligning her external presentation with her true self. Despite her efforts to learn independently through online videos, she has struggled to make progress. Her naturally deep voice contrasts with her feminine self-image, creating a barrier to fully embracing her identity. Voice training would not only help her feel more confident but is also a prerequisite for vocal cord surgery, which her doctors have recommended as a next step.
Kelly’s journey reflects her strength and determination. With access to professional voice coaching, she believes she can take a significant step toward living more authentically, boosting her confidence, and matching her voice to the woman she truly is.
Kelly's timeline
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Award Granted
December 5, 2024
Kelly was awarded a Thrive Fund award!
Grant details
$2,500 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Kelly get the care they need and deserve.
About Voice Therapy/Vocal Training
On average, it costs $1,750+ for Kelly'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.