Nazlin Kurji-Smith
24 ottobre 2025
10:15 AM
Session summary
Voice is a fundamental part of our identity, yet many people feel disconnected from their authentic vocal expression due to societal pressures, past experiences, or internalized expectations. This interactive workshop offered for Safer to Be Me Conference 2025 invites you to explore and embrace your authentic voice in a safe, supportive space. Led by specialist speech and language therapists from the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service and the Tavistock and Portman Gender Identity Clinic, this session will provide practical skills for voice exploration, presence, and vocal confidence. We will examine how factors such as gender identity, cultural expectations, and personal history can shape our vocal expression and discuss ways to align our voice with our true self. Through guided vocal exercises, you will discover new ways to access and use your voice with greater ease and authenticity. Rooted in vocal teaching and pedagogy, this session is suitable for anyone looking to strengthen their vocal presence or explore their vocal identity. This workshop sets out to equip you with tools to speak with confidence, authenticity, and impact. This isn't about sounding a certain way its about feeling safe enough to sound like you. This workshop is designed for anyone seeking to explore their voice, whether they are trans and non-binary individuals navigating voice changes, professionals looking to communicate with greater confidence, or those simply interested in self-expression. No prior experience is necessary only a willingness to explore and experiment in a non-judgmental environment. By the end of the session, you will leave with practical tools for vocal expression.
Biography
Nazlin Kurji-Smith
Naz is a Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist and facilitates individuals discovering and sustaining their authentic, confident voice. Naz works with trans women, trans men and non-binary people at all points in their journey to find voice and communication parameters which are congruent with and affirming to their identity. She is a National Advisor for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in Trans Voice, a founder member of the Voice Clinical Excellence Network and a member of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
Sarah Hay
Sarah is Advanced Speech and Language Therapist. Before Sarah joined the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service she worked for many years Hospital in Glasgow where she specialised in Voice, Trans and Gender Diverse Voice, Dysfluency and Upper Airways Disorders. Sarah loves empowering clients with the tools and knowledge to understand and modify their voice. Sarah has a particular interest in Autism and ADHD.
Matthew Mills
Matthew identifies as queer, gay and cis-liminal. He is a Lead Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at the Tavistock & Portman Gender Identity Clinic, London where he has worked since 2009. He is a National Advisor for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in Trans Voice, ex officio President of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists (BAGIS) and a founder member of the Trans Voice Clinical Excellence Network. He is co-author or four key texts for gender diverse clients and speech and language therapists in voice and communication therapy and vocal peday rights activist, HIV survivor and advocate for trans rights.
