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. 2025 Aug 8.
doi: 10.1007/s10508-025-03196-1. Online ahead of print.

An Evaluation of the Prevalence and Efficacy of Gender Affirmative Vocal Therapy in Poland

Krzysztof Dąbrowski  1 , Scech Marcin  2 , Philippa C R Wheble  3
Affiliations

An Evaluation of the Prevalence and Efficacy of Gender Affirmative Vocal Therapy in Poland

Krzysztof Dąbrowski et al. Arch Sex Behav. .

Abstract

The voice is one of the most important factors influencing gender and cultural identity. Voice problems and disabilities are common in the transgender community. This preliminary research investigates the prevalence of voice problems in transgender people who have completed or are in the process of completing gender reassignment in Poland. The aim was to describe the scope of challenges faced by the transgender community and to assess whether gender affirmative vocal therapy improves outcomes during gender transition. A questionnaire was distributed through secure social media forums to gather anonymized data. The questionnaire explored demographic details, self-perception, societal perception, and voice quality perception. Out of 200 responses, 21 confirmed participating in gender affirmative vocal therapy. Ten elements of voice quality perception were significantly improved in the gender affirmative vocal therapy group compared to controls (p < 0.033). The study showed a significant impact of societal and self-perception on voice quality perception. It is crucial for health and well-being that people who undergo gender reassignment have access to gender affirmative vocal therapy.

Keywords: Gender dysphoria; Gender reassignment; Transgender; Vocal therapy; Voice; Voice disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: There is no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: Since this study is based solely on an anonymous questionnaire and did not involve a direct interaction with a patient, nor any intervention in their well-being, the Bioethics Committee approval was not required. The Committee has been informed about the study being conducted, all in accordance with Medical University of Warsaw Bioethics Committee standards. All the participants have signed an on-line consent form.

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