BU LGBTQIA+ Scholar Series—Your voice on T: A presentation and discussion on the anatomical, acoustical, and self-perceptual effects of exogenous testosterone on speech production

Featuring:

- Cara Stepp, Professor, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Sargent College; Professor of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering; Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

- Allison Aaron, Doctoral Research Assistant in the STEPP LAB and Student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Sargent College

Currently, gender-affirming hormone therapy with testosterone (T) is the default treatment for voice masculinization for trans and gender diverse (TGD) assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. However, there is very limited evidence about what specific voice changes individuals can expect on T and when those changes might occur. Researchers from the Stepp Lab, Cara Stepp (Principal Investigator) and Allison Aaron (Doctoral candidate), will present background information and preliminary findings of an ongoing longitudinal study. Preliminary findings will include anatomical, acoustical, and self-perceptual changes in TGD-AFAB adults who are taking T as part of their normal clinical care over the course of one year.

The Scholar Series, a signature program of the LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff, is a monthly, facilitated virtual space where BU scholars showcase their recent LGBTQIA+ scholarly research. This year’s Scholar Series theme is Meeting This Moment.

Open to all BU faculty, staff, and students.

Sponsored by the LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Sargent College