He goes on to state that “BYU did not require its Department of Communication Disorders to end all voice and communication services in its Speech and Language Clinic for transgender clients” but rather, that “going forward, BYU’s clinic will not provide gender affirming voice services.”
This distinction places BYU’s institutional values over the values of trans lives and effectively ostracizes trans students by removing access to a service that is fundamentally necessary for the trans community. Because of this policy, three transgender students were cut off from services without reasonable notice. Cutting off treatment completely and without notice is unethical. And unlike BYU, Christ went out of his way to gather lost sheep.
Sadly, this is just the latest development in a history of transphobia not just within BYU culture, but society overall. Transitioning is a life-giving practice which allows trans people to align their internal gender identity with their external gender expression, and we wholeheartedly believe transitioning should be a protected practice not only under ASHA’s Code of Ethics but also all other state and federal non-discriminatory laws.
The OUT Foundation is committed to serving the transgender students and alumni of BYU. We have partnered with Rocky Mountain University’s Center for Communication Disorders to provide free, gender-affirming therapy to any transgender students or alumni seeking to align their voice with their preferred gender. If you are a trans student or alumni interested in taking advantage of these services, apply at our website here: https://www.theout.foundation/genderaffirming-speech-therapy
Consider becoming a monthly donor to help sustain these and other life-saving services here: https://www.theout.foundation/donate