Underexplored Queer Voices: Constructing Transfeminine Identities in Toronto English

Abstract

This research project will investigate whether there is phonetic variation within the transfeminine communities based on the sexuality and gender presentation of the speaker. Here, gender presentation refers to an individual’s expression of their gender identity, which often manifests through clothes, hairstyles, makeup, but the voice can also be used as a resource to express one’s gender presentation. This expression is often either an expression of femininity or masculinity; however, some people also try to express more of an androgynous or neutral gender presentation. To investigate these issues, there will be an examination of specific phonetic variables. The phonetic variation being examined in the present study will be the center of gravity for /s/, as well as the F1 and F2 formants for five vowels, which are /ɑ/, /æ/, /ɛ/, /i/, and /o/. First, an examination of the phonetic variation based on the speaker’s membership in broader social categories, like sexuality, will be examined.