The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist when Working with Clients Who are Transgender: A Guide of Gender Identity and Cultural Competency

It is within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist to work with a client who is transgender for voice. However, regardless of the setting, a speech-language pathologist is likely to encounter a person who is transgender on their caseload. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association mandates that all of its members be culturally competent when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds, including those from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. This thesis pulls from sociological, linguistic, and queer theory literature to provide an in-depth understanding of identity, gender, and transgender identity formation. With this nuanced understanding of these topics, the thesis explores the practical implications to cultural competency, and voice and communication therapy. Additionally, this thesis reviews current topics for debate in Gender Spectrum Voice and Communication therapy