In an unprecedented move to improve the quality of voice care for the transgender community, world renowned laryngologists and voice surgeons have come together to establish the International Association of TransVoice Surgeons.
The first of its kind, the association will focus on standards, training and research in the field for gender affirmative voice to fuel progress and improvement in this emerging specialism. The association was formed in Berlin, Germany, the birthplace of Wendler Glottoplasty, the most popular method of voice feminisation.
Chadwan Al Yaghchi, a leading specialist in this field in the UK, has been appointed board member and treasurer of the association. He explained: “Voice is such an important part of who we are, how we see ourselves and how we are perceived by others. For those who transition, being mis-gendered due to how they sound can be incredibly dysphoria inducing. Gender affirmative voice surgery can play a significant role in altering how we sound and therefore how we are perceived. Together with voice therapy it can be life-changing.
“Being together with my esteemed peers at the formation of the International Association of TransVoice Surgeons is a significant recognition of just how important this work is, ensuring we are able to work collaboratively in placing the needs of the trans community at the very heart of our specialism. I am absolutely delighted to be part of this association and look forward to the progress we will make as a collective towards the very best care for this patient cohort.”
Founding members include leading phonosurgeons from around the world. Alongside Mr Al Yaghchi (UK) these include: Antonio Ballestas (Colombia), Hakan Birkent (Turkiye), Juan-Carlos Casado (Spain), Ahmed Geneid (Finland), Markus Hess (Germany), Hyung-Tae Kim (South Korea), Dirk Mürbe (Germany), Nupur Kapoor Nerurkar (India), Marc Remacle (Luxemburg), James Thomas (USA), Kursat Yelken (Turkey).
The inauguration was attended by Professor emeritus Juergen Wendler (Germany), who pioneered the Glottoplasty technique.
For further information, interviews or images please contact Aby Hawker, TransMission PR, aby@transmissionpr.com, 07795593706.