Meet Mandy
Mandy's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Mandy (she/her) is a transgender woman of color determined to build a life where she can fully embrace her authentic self. While she has worked hard to provide for her educational and housing needs, accessing gender-affirming medical care remains a significant challenge. Without the financial means to pursue care like voice training or save for future surgeries, Mandy experiences anxiety that impacts her focus and well-being.
At her small workplace, Mandy faces the added worry of coming out to her coworkers, fearing potential discrimination in a team of only four people. Despite these concerns, she remains committed to her journey. Access to voice training through the Thrive Fund would be a transformative step for Mandy, providing her with the tools to align her voice with her identity and helping her feel more confident in both personal and professional spaces.
With 12 months of voice lessons, Mandy envisions a future where her voice matches her outward appearance, giving her the confidence to express herself fully. This care would not only improve her quality of life but also empower her to focus on other goals, such as saving for future surgeries and embracing her identity without fear. Voice training, for Mandy, is more than a skill—it’s a step toward living a life of authenticity and joy.
Mandy's timeline
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Award Granted
November 26, 2024
Mandy was awarded a Thrive Fund award!
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December 18, 2024
A payment has been made to Mandy's service provider!
Grant details
$1,200 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Mandy get the care they need and deserve.
About Voice Therapy/Vocal Training
On average, it costs $1,750+ for Mandy'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.