FREE THE VOICES: VOICE, DIVERSITY, AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE AGE OF AI

In an increasingly digital world, voice plays a crucial role not only in communication but also in the construction and negotiation of social identities. However, voice-based discrimination remains a persistent reality, particularly affecting the LGBTQI+ community. Voices that do not conform to dominant social norms often face prejudice and microaggressions, leading many individuals to alter or hide their authentic voice.

At LLYC, we have developed the study “Free the Voices”: Voice, Diversity, and Technology in the Age of AI” to delve into key points regarding voice as a crucial element in the construction and negotiation of social identities, vocal diversity as a source of discrimination, and technology as a tool that can either perpetuate this discrimination or revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world and see ourselves represented in it.

Our analysis has led to the creation of the groundbreaking project, ‘Free the Voices‘, the world’s first diverse synthetic voice bank. In partnership with Monoceros Labs and their innovative product Fonos, this initiative aims to not only raise awareness about voice-based biases but also to actively reduce them by promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of vocal diversity.