Spotlighting Trans, Nonbinary and Gender Non-Conforming Artists: A Selection
Music has always been a home for the outliers—for those who live in the margins, whom society at large is uneasy to accept. Although transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming musicians have always existed, widespread societal prejudice has often kept them from being open about their identities.
We’re fortunate that today there are immensely talented working artists who openly identify as trans, NB, or GNC—or else eschew categorization entirely. Throughout my personal identity journey, I have often found clarity and fulfilment in these musicians’ work. It’s crucial that we not only pay attention, but support and embrace these people with the courage to embody what they believe in. And in that spirit: a selection of songs by trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming artists whose music runs the gamut in terms of sound and genre, but shares an undercurrent of beauty wrought bright by truth.
“Man to Man” by Dorian Electra
In this catchy, synth-loaded track by genderfluid musician Dorian Electra, the common heteronormative understanding of masculinity is cracked open and reformulated entirely. Using the language of men inciting a fight (“so you wanna get down in the parking lot / so you wanna act tough but I know you’re not”), Electra keenly cuts into the ego and bluster of such encounters and uncovers the softer desires so often at their center. Rather than expend the time and effort to craft a wearying mask of strength and violence, Electra sings to us, men might find a more rewarding brand of power by building genuine love for each other.
“Moonrise Kingdom” by Angel Haze
Growing up, rapper Angel Haze was the first person I ever heard of existing in defiance of the gender binary. I had long loved the sometimes ferocious, sometimes achingly tender tone of xer music, and the revelation of one of my favorite musicians identifying as agender introduced me to an entirely new concept, a novel way of being. This track off of Haze’s 2015 album, BACK TO THE WOODS, is a lyrical, stirring appeal to the inner child, laced through with fairytale imagery and references to popular films.
“Don’t Shoot“ by Shea Diamond
Soul singer and trans rights activist Shea Diamond tackles police brutality and gun violence towards Black and brown trans people in her powerful latest single. Belting out lyrics like “we're living in a world but it can't take truth / they say they don't see color but the bloodstains show the proof”, Diamond holds the institutions inflicting violence on her people sharply to account. Featuring unbelievable audio production and Diamond’s glorious, honeyed voice, this track will stay on your mind for a long time to come.
“Infatuation“ by SOPHIE
If you know anything about indie pop, you’re probably familiar with SOPHIE, who has made a name for herself throughout the past decade both as a producer and an innovative artist in her own right. For a great portion of her career, SOPHIE was an anonymous creative spirit. In 2017, though, she shed that secretive aura to release music in her own name, revealing herself to the public as a trans woman and artist. “Infatuation”, from her debut album OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S INSIDES, is a wonderful example of the kind of dreamlike, sensual experience she’s so adept at shaping into music.
“Manic Depression” by Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers
Well-known as the frontwoman for the punk band Against Me!, trans musician Laura Jane Grace’s new project is called Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers—certainly an eye-catching band name. In this track from their album Bought to Rot, mental illness takes center stage as they delve into the minutiae of living in the throes of manic depression. While electric guitar riffs build steadily in the background, Grace’s vocals croon “‘cause I can’t help what my head is telling me / I can’t stop myself from listening” with a compelling, mournful affect that effortlessly draws attention.
“Perfect” by Ah Mer Ah Su
Hailing from Oakland, California, Ah Mer Ah Su is a musician whose star is quite rightfully on the rise. Her debut album Star, released in 2018, was named one of the Top 20 LGBT Albums of the year by Billboard, and in the years since her work has only become more imaginative and striking. I have a special affinity for this track from Star because of the hypnotic quality of Ah Mer Ah Su’s velvety vocals combined with heavy synth and devastatingly soft lyrics: “I close my eyes and sometimes I find a place where / perfect doesn't matter / deep in my mind / a spot where I am divine and perfectly flawed”.
“Oração” by Linn da Quebrada
Linn da Quebrada is a massive name in Brazilian music, and the rest of the world has been waking up to her in the last few years as well. Fusing rap, hip hop and funk carioca, Quebrada’s music is magnetic and danceable, while her message is one of equality and social justice. “Oração” is a beautiful, sweeping track where Quebrada highlights the hypocrisy of the prejudiced alongside the importance of trans people to the fabric of the world we live in. The music video is also worth a watch, featuring heartfelt visuals of a community draped in white, coming together under a stunning, sunlit haze.
“Warrior Heart“ by Shawnee
If, like me, you weren’t aware of award-winning musician Shawnee until now, this is a great time to get acquainted with her vibrant body of work. A Mohawk artist who identifies as two spirited, Shawnee has a truly stirring musical presence, and she knows that what she has to say matters. “Warrior Heart” is a song from 2017 that she released specifically to empower indigenous youth across Canada, who are at great risk for suicide. The song’s sales contribute to indigenous communities, and not only is this piece noble in intent, it’s a genuine stunner of a ballad, where Shawnee unleashes the full force of her powerful vocals.
“I Hear Them Calling” by Rae Spoon
Rae Spoon is something of a Canadian icon, as a musician, author, and the owner of their own indie record label, Coax. They identify as nonbinary, and though their music over the course of their career has varied in genre from folk punk to indie rock and more, it’s always found its focus on themes of acceptance, honesty and going against the grain. In the music video for this track from their 2016 album Armour, Spoon collaborated with other LGBTQ youth to create a response to unjust laws limiting how transgender people use bathrooms. “I could stay underground”, Spoon tells us, “but I want to sing / I want to live like this / I want to live like this / I want to live like this all the time”.
“Miracle“ by Tunde Olaniran
Upon discovering Tunde Olaniran’s body of work, I was immediately struck by the marvellous joy that pervades it. A Michigan-based artist who identifies as gender nonconforming, his smooth, bell-like voice and the creative percussion that marks his music enchant you even when the topics Olaniran sings about are weighty. “Miracle” is an exhilarating, rhythmic ode to his own brilliance and to that of his audience. “Can’t forget that I’m a miracle, it’s true”, he sings, “don’t you forget you’re a miracle too”—and it’s damn near impossible not to believe him.