This experience is a FREE, active, hands-on, safe, guided and supported experimental space for adult learners/participants to explore and practice gender-affirming voice and communication techniques. Weekly topics will be introduced and practiced under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Conn (a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Associate Clinical Professor). Speech-Language Pathology graduate student clinicians will also work with participants during this process.
Currently, we are looking for interested folx for Winter and Spring terms for 2024. Sessions are typically Tuesdays or Thursdays in-person. Occasional zoom meetings can be arranged, but in-person is the expectation.
Topics:
The focus of the Gender Communication Lab is on exploring, practicing and incorporating voice and communication styles and techniques to achieve a comfortable and congruent connection between gender identity and presentation in a SAFE(R) SPACE. Goals may focus on:
Voice (pitch, resonance and breath support)
Intonation/Inflection
Language usage
Pronunciation
Word choice
Communication & Discourse styles
Non-verbal communication
Time Commitment:
The Gender Communication Lab operates Winter and Spring terms on Thursdays. We ask that participants commit to attending all 9 sessions for the term. Sessions will be meeting at Portland State University.
Winter (January - March) or Spring (April - June)
Location:
The Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Clinic at Portland State University
University Center Building, Suite 430
527 SW Hall Street Portland, OR 97201
Phone: 503-725-3070
Email: sphrgcl@pdx.edu
Begin by completing the PSU Oregon Scottish Rite Speech & Language Clinic Contact Form! Select the option "To learn more about our gender-affirming voice and communication services through our Gender Communication Lab." Once we receive your form, we will contact you to set up an intake and information meeting (usually via zoom or phone).
*We highly value emotional and mental health supports for our clients. However, we are not trained mental health counselors. We ask that all participants have pre-established mental health support systems in case crises emerge during this process of discovering new avenues of communication.