Transgender Musicians: Breaking barriers in a predominantly cisgender, heteronormative industry Introduction
The saying ‘music is universal’ speaks true when we discuss how many people, including transgender people, connect with music and use it as an emotional outlet (Nichols, 269). Music and the composing of one’s own songs can allow for one to express feelings and create an identity for themselves through their music (Nichols, 262-279 and Drake, 1-31). YouTube is an innovative way to support their desire to create their own music and be seen and heard in a genuine and respectful way (Horak, 572- 585). Music is a beneficial factor in helping one find community and self-expression (Nichols, 262). As a result, more transgender people need to be seen as public figures in order to create tolerance and a more welcoming society (Mclntyre, 19-32).
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However, there is very little research on transgender musicians or transgender people seeking to enter the music industry. Why is it difficult for minorities such as transgender people to enter the music industry? What are the reactions of transgender musicians to being marginalized? How can music become a more open and welcoming space for transgender musicians? One may examine the reason of transgender musicians’ hardship entering the music industry to be the failure of finding recognition of cultural identity in the existing mainstream
In society, people have an issue with things that are different. Individuals want to know who a person is and what they are all about. When human beings cannot figure out what a person is they become confused and often times angry. If a person does not fit into any gender category that someone is familiar with that person becomes an outcast. Being a part of a group is essential in society and those who do not are made to commit societal suicide. If a person is not part of society it is extremely difficult for that person to be able reap the important benefits of society. These individuals are forced to belong to a group that shares the same experiences and lifestyle choices. In this essay, I will be discussing this idea in the form of a documentary called Southern Comfort. It is based on transgendered living in a rural area in Georgia. I will discuss summary, main points, and the importance of cohesion of gender.
Laverne Cox is a prominent actress and advocate for trans rights, most recently gaining attention for her role in the Netflix original show “Orange is the New Black”. Cox plays a transgender prisoner named Sofie, who throughout the course of the show faces bigotry and cissexism from her peers as well as the prison staff. The role gained attention for being one of the first prominent trans characters to be played by a trans actress in a way that accurately demonstrates the difficulties trans individuals face. Though recent years have seen an increase in trans awareness, there is still a distinct disconnect in the communicative cultures between trans and cis speakers when it comes to the subject
Leonard, Marion. Gender in the Music Industry: Rock, Discourse and Girl Power. Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing Company, Aug. 2007.
Caitlyn Jenner, twice an Olympic triathlon athlete, was given the ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Caitlyn now blazes new trails. For so long, she lived a life that her family and society expected of her: a loyal, loving son and father, and outstanding sportsman before her transformation. Her newest role as an advocate for the transgender community may become one of her greatest roles. Presently, Caitlyn Jenner’s purpose is to promote sexual diversity, differences, and respect for all human beings. As I watched Jenner accept her award, I reflected back on my understanding of transgender.
Leonard, Marion. Gender in the Music Industry: Rock, Discourse, and Girl Power. Aldershot, Hampshire, England: Ashgate, 2007. Print.
Furthermore, the article clarifies that many transgender people experience a stage of identity development that aids in helping them better understanding their own self-image reflection, and expression. More specifically, they reach out to professional...
Over the course of this paper, we will take a comprehensive look at information regarding the transgender community issue in reference to four key sociology concepts. First, we will review information highlighting how transgender people come to the forefront of the public eye as well as the bathroom uproar continuously sweeping the nation. Next, we will examine the facts showcasing how transgender people go against the social norm of associating gender with a person’s given birth sex. Thirdly, we will review information showcasing the cultural inconsistencies throughout the nation when it comes to the acceptance of transgender people. Fourthly, the material will showcase the actions transgender people must face in several states throughout
The music industry is a multibillion dollar industry that spans across all races, genders and genres throughout the world. New musical boundaries are being tested across all of these areas each year. However, one would argue that just testing the boundaries are not good enough and that major changes regarding diversity in the music industry should be made that address all inequalities. Research shows that many organizations and industries have addressed the issue of diversity; however the music industry has not done enough to expose its listeners to all of its diverse facets. This paper will explore diversity in the music industry as it pertains to race, gender and genre.
When two people are in love and plan on having a family, they look to the future and look at all the wonderful events to come. Yet, they do not think of any negative outcome that may lie in the future. No one likes to think that something different or unexpected can happen to his or her family, but rather image and focus on the great future that is yet to come. However, It seems that people are encountering more conflict with their gender identity and not only the individual but the families as well. This paper will point out how having a child who is gender confused suffers as much as the parents. It is hypothesized that parents who have a transgender child have a hard time accepting the child for who they are because of the negativity that
Gender is a social construct that humans use as a method of distinction between the two biological sexes. The separation of the two sexes into separate distinct genders creates expectations for how each gender should look, behave, and preform their assigned gender. Our understanding of gender and gender binaries influences our understanding of music, how it’s preformed, and who is preforming it. This essay will examine three songs: “Be Your Bro” by Those Darlins, “Lola” by the Kinks, and “Boys Wanna Be Her” by Peaches. Frist I will analyze the lyrics and their connection to the theme of breaking or adhering to gender binaries. Next I will analyze the performance and sound of the music and discuss its contribution to how gender is represented and preformed.
I chose the topic of transgenderism. Transgender is when an individual tries to switch genders. Transgender comes from the Latin words trans, meaning “across.” Transgender literally means “across gender.” Many trans-individuals decided later on in their lives that they want to switch genders, and other people argue that they were born the wrong gender. Trans-people experience many difficulties throughout their lives. Switching genders makes their lives more challenging, because of many reasons. Their lives are more challenging because of their religion, whether or not they are accepted. The military is very strict, and will not accept trans individuals whatsoever. Insurance companies sometimes will not accept them as well. Trans people are not always accepted by certain occupations. Growing up in schools, trans people are all treated differently regarding to which bathroom/locker room to use. There is a huge debate whether or not trans students are even allowed to participate on sports teams, and if they are, which team to be on. Other obstacles such as birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licenses are all major issues as well. Trans people have to decide if they are willing to come forward, and say ‘This is who I am.’ But before trans-people can come out to other, they must come out to
Living life as a transgendered person is not easy. There are very few times when someone comes out as transgender and their lives are still relatively easy to manage. There are a copious...
In the United states during the 1920’s, or roaring twenties, through the 30’s was a time of vast African American musical and artistical expression. This movement called “The Harlem Renaissance” gave way to new ideas about homosexuality and transgenders. This movement was also, “Marked by the attitude that homosexuality was a personal matter”(Gibson 52). In other words, they thought that being gay, lesbian, or transgender was a personal choice and should not be against the law. Although a lot of attention was being given to gays and lesbians during this time, not much was written about transgenders until later on in
Statistically, 0.3-0.5% of individuals in the United States (approx. 700,000 people) identify themselves as transgender and global estimates provide similar percentages (Gates, 2011). Studies conducted regarding transgender individuals show that this class of people suffer from unusually high physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, as well as discrimination in housing and employment (Patel, 2013). Patel (20...
We, as human beings, should be involved in the idea of supporting rights and equality for transgenders because they are one of us no matter what they believe. It definitely matters to the audience to aware of since discrimination against transgender is still a susceptible issue, not only defense against gender minorities, but also against human rights generally. If we do not start correcting this problem, our family members or children may experience the unavoidable consequences of it themselves in the future. We need to fight to protect the rights and safety of transgender nonconforming students to be treated with respect at school as well as their parents.