Question:
I’m a 16 year old male, my voice is very high and tithers at the end of some words in a sort of drawl which, for lack of a better word, makes me sound “gay.” Sometimes when I speak my voice is extremly soft and high and I cannot be heard, especially in noisey classrooms. I dread being asked to speak or read out loud. Will my voice deepen as I age? Am I a late developer? Is there any way to lower my voice?
Answer:
I suspect your voice is still in the process of changing; a doctor is the best person to determine where you are in that process and can recommend whether or not work with a voice therapist is indicated. During puberty the voice is very vulnerable and it’s important not to stress it by forcing it. The voice can always be worked with to sound in it’s proper range, and if it is meant to sound lower, you can definitely achieve that.
I have heard hundreds of gay men and there is no one vocal timbre that applies to them; as an identifier this does not communicate much about the voice. It is very sad to live in a culture of cruelty, whether it is because one is a late bloomer or because of sexuality. Work with the guidance counselor at school to get support for yourself as well as from your teachers. This situation will pass and you can definitely develop a strong, beautiful voice with which to speak your gifts into life.