Kentuckians seeking gender-affirming voice support can access a free, three-week virtual training from Undead Voice, a queer-owned company that partners with local nonprofits, including the Louisville Pride Center, to help residents begin or deepen a voice transition. The Jumpstart cohort is open to all ages and identities and provides a structured on-ramp without referrals, waitlists or travel. 

Founder and CEO Nicole Gress, a licensed speech-language pathologist, launched Undead Voice after seeing traditional clinic methods fall short for trans clients. 

“Think of a time when you heard yourself on a voicemail and thought, ‘No way that’s what I sound like,’” Gress said. “For 85% of our community, that disconnect happens every time they speak—and they often don’t have a reliable way to change it.” 

Jumpstart offers three live classes covering vocal health and Undead Voice’s five core skills OF vocal weight, tilt, resonance, pitch and dynamics along with session recordings, expert coaching and a simple practice plan participants can use immediately. After the cohort, every participant receives a $1,000 tuition credit toward Undead Voice Lab, the company’s lifetime-membership program with unlimited coaching and self-paced courses. 

Nicole Gress

“We’re offering Jumpstart at no cost to any trans or gender-diverse person who needs it for at least the next five years,” Gress said. “All participants get $1,000 in tuition assistance if they want to continue in our full program.”   

The model is designed to close access gaps. Post-program surveys show 91% of attendees reported increased knowledge, 93% greater vocal confidence and 88% reduced dysphoria.

“Referrals exist; qualified providers often do not,” Gress said. “That’s why programs like Jumpstart and Undead Voice Lab are essential—because we fill the gap that traditional care can’t.”   

Gress emphasizes that voice transition is behavioral training, not hormones or surgery. 

“Voices don’t have gender—people do,” she said. “Our goal isn’t to ‘feminize’ or ‘masculinize’ anyone; it’s to help you build a voice that actually sounds like you, whether that’s brighter, darker or fluid.” 

Undead Voice also works on the culture around trans voices. “It’s not enough to help someone build an affirming voice if they don’t feel safe and comfortable using it,” Gress said. 

The company offers allyship education for for employers, healthcare providers, parents and caregiver  so people can use their voices without fear of misgendering or harassment. 

Cost assistance is built in. The $1,000 Jumpstart credit cuts tuition for Undead Voice Lab by half, with additional payment plans and need-based scholarships available year-round. “We believe in economic justice and community care,” Gress said. “To date, we’ve awarded $1.4 million in need-based scholarships and scholarships are always open.” 

How Kentuckians can participate

• Enroll in Jumpstart: Learn more and register for an upcoming three-week cohort. 
• Apply for scholarships: Need-based assistance is available 24/7. 
• Partner to host a cohort: Kentucky nonprofits, community centers, schools and health systems can co-host a no-cost Jumpstart with co-branded outreach and a post-cohort impact report. 

For Kentuckians navigating hostile policy climates or long medical waitlists, Jumpstart provides a practical, immediate way to build an affirming voice and a path to continue with sustained coaching and community.