This service is for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary people.

You must register for all three sessions of this series- you do this by purchasing ONE OF EACH TICKET TYPE.

About the sessions: The Affirmation Station is collaborating with The Courageous Space to host a gender-affirming voice and communication group for people 16 years and older. It doesn’t matter where you are on your voice journey, come along and have a bit of fun while:

learning the basics of gender affirming voice and communication
connecting with others in a group setting
practicing your authentic voice and growing in confidence

We will be hosting three sessions to explore vocal and communication techniques aimed at achieving a brighter vocal resonance. Our journey will focus on supporting you in understanding, exploring, and practicing your authentic voice in a supportive and affirming environment.

Session One: We will explore gender identity and expression, cover the fundamentals of vocal production, including key anatomical influences on the voice and beginner vocal exercises to strengthen it. Additionally, you'll learn how to care for your voice during practice.
Session Two: We'll build on the exercises from the first session and address/troubleshoot any challenges or differences you've encountered during your practice.
Session Three: We'll discuss how to generalise bright vocal resonance, recap previous lessons, and troubleshoot any ongoing differences or challenges. We'll also explore additional resources to support you moving forward in your ongoing vocal journey.

About the facilitator: Shevaun (She/Her) is a Melbourne based Speech Pathologist from The Courageous Space. She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), a member of Speech Pathology Australia, and The Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH). Shevaun is a neurodivergent speech therapist and a dedicated ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, providing support to people of all ages. She has experience working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities and is passionate about providing gender-affirming voice and communication support to trans, gender diverse and non-binary people. Shevaun is dedicated to fostering a holistic, person-centred approach, integrating gender and neurodiversity-affirming, mental health and trauma-informed practices that celebrate and acknowledge human diversity.

About The Courageous Space: The Courageous Space, is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting young people and adults who are gender and neurodiverse. We have an established clinic in Brisbane and late last year, we expanded our services in Melbourne, providing Speech Therapy out of Sum of Us Therapy Hub in Yarraville.

We are a private multidisciplinary practice welcoming those searching for acceptance, support and affirmation. Focusing on support within the LGBTIQAP+ and neurodivergent communities, The Courageous Space wishes to foster authentic

relationships with you to breakdown worries and earn trust. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is our priority. More than anything, we hope to affirm people for who they are and not what society depicts them as. We are passionate about fostering understanding and affirmation within the gender and neurodiverse communities, and we believe that collaboration and partnership are essential in achieving these goals.

Refundable deposit:
There is a $15 refundable deposit for this session, and as long as you either attend the session or cancel more than 1 day in advance, you will be refunded this cost. If you do not cancel with at least one day's notice, or you do not show up, you will be charged the $15. If you are committed to coming to the session but the $15 fee poses a financial barrier, please contact us at affirmation@tgv.org.au.

Covid safety:
We acknowledge that COVID-19 has an ongoing impact on all members of our communities, especially our immunocompromised and disabled communities.

Below are the strategies we are implementing at every in-person event or gathering to increase our COVID-19 safety and build a culture of community care.

- Free N95 and K94 masks are available and wearing is encouraged - let’s keep each other safe!
- Doors and windows will be opened when suitable
- Hand sanitizer
- Air Purification

What can you do to increase COVID-19 safety at our events?

- Complete a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test prior to attending any of our events.
- Feel like you are coming down with a cold or flu? Please stay home and cancel your booking by emailing us.
- Bring your favourite mask to wear! (If wearing a mask is accessible for you)