The Gender-Affirming Voice Program

The Gender-Affirming Voice Program at Russell Sage is for gender-diverse individuals who seek to modify their voices to match their identities. Starting in the spring semester 2025, the program will take place on a weeknight on our Albany campus.

Our Philosophy

We provide participants with the opportunity to explore their voice and communication goals in a safe, welcoming small group environment.

In This Section

Program Structure

Modeled after the longstanding program at The College of Saint Rose, sessions will be two hours long, and each semester will include 10 sessions. The program allows participants to explore aspects of voice, like pitch, inflection, resonance, articulation, and loudness.

Broader aspects of language and communication are also covered, with attention to language and nonverbal communication. Finally, we attend to behaviors such as coughing, sneezing, and throat-clearing, because these often affect listener perception of gender.

Services Provided

The voice program includes a variety of activities:

  • Check in and mindfulness
  • Vocal warm up
  • Small group activities that promote the exploration of voice and communication
  • Gratitude

Program Direction and Information

If you, or someone you know is interested in the program, please contact:

Jack Pickering, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Director of The Gender-Affirming Voice Program
[email protected]

We will get back in touch with you to set up an individual meeting and a tour to determine if this program is right for you.