Voice Recognition

There’s no denying the inevitable, right?  I know you agree.  Even if you don’t the inevitable will intrude upon you as if welcomed with open arms.  You can run but you can’t hide.  You know it’s true no matter how virulently you refuse.

“Are you trying to pour acid on my parade?”

No, I’m not trying to ruin whatever you are enjoying.  I have been charged with reminding you of the obvious.  There’s no need to thank me.  Reading the posts is thanks enough.  Okay let’s shed the frivolity and move to more germane topics such as voice recognition.

Before you ask, permit me to assure you this is not a technology column (or row for that matter if you are into spreadsheets).  Voice recognition hits close to home for those of us who venture into public venues.  In order to dispel rumors, this girl gets out to straight places – Hello!  Why wouldn’t I?  There’s no better practice than living life.

Back to voice recognition.  Even for those or us who pass as well as most CIS girls, the bugaboo is the voice.  Only a select few have the voice to match the body, the sachet, the non-verbal gestures, etc.  Others of us need to work with professionals to identify the voice that fits us comfortably while living within the safe limits of vocal chord range.  If you are using unproven methods for voice adjustment be careful not to damage those purveyors of sound.

“How do you know it’s the voice that gives you away?” 

Excellent question. I’ve been the happy recipient of plenty of “ma’am” references, addressed as “miss” and smiles and warm advice on clothing while shopping in malls, boutiques, free standing pad sites, thrift stores, etc.  I’ve been engaged by CIS women of all ages in casual conversation without a hint of suspicion.  My voice can be passable but not consistently.  I know it has betrayed me on occasion.

Why?  Because I’ve seen the reaction, verbal as well as non-verbal.  I may be ditsy but I’m not dead!

Anyway, thanks a to dear friend and awesome girlfriend I have the privilege of participating in a transgender speech therapy course.  I completed the second evaluation today and received good news that I qualified, YAY!!!  I have my first  homework assignment; to train the vocal chords without damaging them.  The therapist is a sweetheart; welcoming and supportive.  I am looking forward to learning, practicing and learning more. This is the last threshold for my going full-time once I disclose to my youngest boy.  Regardless of the outcome (I believe he will accept because he is loving, understanding and more empathetic than any male has the right to be) I am in the passing lane.

Right… no left.  Never pass on the right unless the left lane is occupied by someone making “the eventual left”.  I’m passing mile markers and slow moving vehicles that cast a momentary shadow across my path.  This too shall pass.  No wait, I’ll pass them!  See I told you I was ditsy!

Have a wonderful day.

Love and hugs, Nikki DiCaro