Big Mood: Making Our Own Doors Towards an Equitable Trans Future
Music has been and will always be about liberation. It is the single most extraordinary form of art that enables us to heal because it encapsulates so many different artistic mediums, whether through visuals, dance, movement, or voice. Regardless of gender, race, ability, age, or any identifier, music resonates with us all and creates the space for us to experience healing and liberation. For me, it has been essential to my survival and my dreams.
I still remember being a child hearing Mary J. Blige for the first time and the freedom I was given to dream of abundant possibilities. I saw somebody who actually looked like me — Black, strong, and powerful, with unapologetic lyrics and a story of redemption. This liberating marriage or interdependency between Black women artists and the trans and queer artists contributes to their success, including all of us fans who admire (or stan) and honor them.
It’s essential to Black culture.
The groundwork has been laid by so many. We can take it back to The Weather Girls and how their singing with my personal Queen of Disco, Sylvester, really elevated the impact of their influence and impact. Oh, how they beautifully mixed gospel with disco pop. It’s just something only Black women, Black trans women, and Black folks could do and have done — and it’s what enables us to celebrate where we are today.
Fast forward to today, where I and so many other Black trans, queer, and femme-presenting people like me are in these relationships with Black women pop stars and their fandoms. Whether it be from Donna (Summer), Patti (LaBelle), Aretha, Mariah, or Rihanna (a never-ending list, really) — it is undeniable how much of an impact we have had in their commercial success. From inspiring entire genres (hello, house music), being the artists to define iconic looks to the vernacular used, we’ve been part of it all. And, yet, so often it is not Black trans and queer people who profit economically. Sure, our souls may be fed, but that doesn’t put food on the table.
That is until Beyoncé released her Renaissance album this summer. The first time I heard it, I was stunned by Beyoncé’s deliberate recognition and inclusion of our community’s history and its paved work. DJ and producer Honey Dijon, who co-wrote and produced the song “Cozy,” noted the milestone in an Instagram post: “To share my Chicago house music roots and Black queer and trans culture with you and the world is profound and emotional.” The song also sampled New York City nightlife and drag queen legend Kevin Aviance, trans icon Ts Madison, and Big Freedia, who cultivated the underground genre Bounce Music. Bey rightfully noted, “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”
Not since James Brown’s “Say It Loud” and Nina Simone’s “To Be Young, Gifted & Black” have we seen such affirmation. As the founder and executive director of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, I aspire to a future where our humanity as Black trans people is not only affirmed but is on the receiving end of financial profits that, for several reasons, have been kept from us for too long.
To achieve that, we must invest in Black trans artists to provide them with resources and tools to cultivate their craft. Our recently announced Starship Artist Fellowship is one way to do that. Named after one of my favorite songs, the 1970s R&B song “You Are My Starship” by Norman Connors, this six-month fellowship will provide five emerging artists with a monthly stipend along with tools, resources, and a paired mentor to further their craft in one’s medium of choice. With the support of their mentor, the artists will work to create pieces that reflect their vision for “A Black Trans Renaissance” to be shared at a final showcase event in NYC. Our goal with this fellowship is to empower Black trans creatives and provide resources to ease the burden of transphobia experienced in artistic spaces.
As we celebrate LGBTQ History Month this October, I’m very excited to honor those honoring us through their art and music. Our Marsha P. Johnson Institute team is hard at work to heal, develop transformative leadership, and promote our collective Black trans power. Music and the arts have shaped who I am, so I’m incredibly grateful to launch this new fellowship and to support emerging Black trans creatives. I hope you apply. Applications are open now; apply before October 28th.
Credits:
Creative Director, @otheezycreatedit
Stylist, @otheezycreatedit
Hair: @brianChrist0pher
Makeup: @armandogarcia
Photographer: @joycevisuals
