Altamira Fulton, a vocal coach in Chicago, is helping trans and gender-expansive individuals find their voice through her studio, Vocal Team. Fulton, who has been providing voice training since 2024, uses techniques such as messa di voce exercises to help her students change their voice to reflect their gender identity.

Vocal Training as Self-Defense

Fulton describes voice training as a form of self-defense, allowing individuals to navigate everyday situations with confidence. Her students, including Sophie Barry-Hinton and Thaleia Minar, have seen significant improvements in their voices and overall well-being.

Fulton’s approach focuses on teaching skills rather than trying to change her students’ voices. She emphasizes that there is no such thing as an inauthentic voice for a trans person and that her goal is to help them find their desired voice.

Community Resources

Vocal Team offers a range of resources, including a scholarship fund, free workshops, and online tutorials. Fulton also partners with organizations like Brave Space Alliance to provide accessible voice training to the trans community.

As more trans and gender-expansive individuals move to Chicago seeking safety and acceptance, Fulton is dedicated to providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.