After a breakup with his boyfriend, journalist David Thorpe went on a journey of self-discovery and curiosity regarding his voice and why some men, mostly gay, have effeminate voices. In his first documentary, Do I Sound Gay?, which expands to more theaters this weekend, David visits and interviews various coaches, a few linguists, family, friends, and LGBTQ celebrities providing an audience with a snapshot of this complex issue. This is a very interesting documentary because I never liked my voice and had to overcome a speech impediment throughout childhood. I had an opportunity to speak with David Thorpe over the phone to discuss personal challenges in making his first documentary, what self-realization he found to be most unexpected, and what he wants viewers to take away from watching Do I Sound Gay?
One notion that needs to be straightened out about Do I Sound Gay? is the fact that many people could relate to this documentary whether they are gay or not. Many people do not like the sound of their voice. This truth ranges from minor annoyance to genuine anxiety. Somewhat, but not really, similar to the documentary Unhung Hero about comedian Patrick Moote coming to terms with his own penis size, it requires a lot of confidence to make a documentary about your own voice. David Thorpe does a great job of confronting issues of sexuality, identity, and self-esteem throughout its brisk running time.
Do I Sound Gay? is now playing in select theaters and on VOD.