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Meet Quin

Quin

Quin's story

Thrive Fund recipient

Quin (she/her) is seeking support to work with a gender-affirming vocal coach to help her build confidence and align her voice with her true self. She has previously taken free lessons and hopes to continue with 1-on-1 sessions to address specific vocal properties related to gender affirmation. These lessons would provide critical feedback and guidance to help her develop her authentic voice.

Quin's financial situation has made it challenging to prioritize her vocal training. She is currently supporting herself and her disabled roommate on a limited income. With her job under constant strain due to a difficult and unstable work environment, she has little room in her budget to save or invest in her transition needs.

She shares, "I'm hoping consistent practice over a few months with lessons/guidance from a teacher will help me make progress & build confidence in what could be my actual speaking voice so talking isn't something so shameful."

Access to this opportunity would be transformative for Quin. Vocal training would not only help her navigate her workplace with more confidence but also give her the tools to reconnect with her family, who have struggled to accept her identity. By building a voice that feels authentic, Quin hopes to make speaking less of a source of shame and more of a way to express her true self. With consistent practice and guidance, she looks forward to finding her voice—both literally and figuratively—and embracing the woman she is.

Quin's timeline

  • Award Granted

    December 30, 2024

    Quin was awarded a Thrive Fund award!

Grant details

$550 towards gender-affirming care.





About Voice Therapy/Vocal Training

On average, it costs $1,750+ for Quin's 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.