Five Trans and Non-Binary Music Icons You Should Know

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With it being Pride Month, it is the perfect opportunity to recognise the talented transgender and Non-Binary artists within the music industry. Now more than ever, it is vital that a safe space is maintained for these artists, and that music is judged on its quality rather than the characteristics of its creator. I’ve compiled a list of five musicians who identify as transgender or Non-Binary, who deserve a spotlight for the art they have created.

Ezra Furman

Ezra led the rock band Ezra Furman & The Harpoons from 2006 till 2011. Since then, their career has gone from strength to strength. A high point for me is the 2018 record ‘Transangelic Exodus‘, which is full of intricately crafted tracks. In addition, ‘Suck the Blood from My Wound‘ has remained one of my favourite songs since I initially heard it years ago, particularly for its lyricism. Ezra is still actively making great music, with her latest record ‘Goodbye Small Head‘ released in May this year. I’ve always admired their candid approach to music. I feel she can deliver huge amounts of authenticity and emotion, making it clear that this is an artist with a true passion for what they do.

Cavetown

Cavetown (whose real name is Robin Skinner) garnered a cult following through internet fanbases and sub-cultures, often involving Queer youth. Their hit ‘Boys Will Be Bugs‘ amassed quite a lot of attention through the early days of TikTok. I think this song lent itself well to the style popular amongst Queer and alternative youth at the time. Cavetown’s tracks have a knack for being memorable. Every song I know by him is distinct and not easy to forget. The riff in ‘Devil Town‘ juxtaposes the softened vocals in an effective way that I’ve always taken note of. They’re supporting emo rock band Pierce The Veil for their UK and European leg of their tour later this year.

Jinkx Monsoon

After winning season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jinkx has gone on to have an impressive career. The performer, whose real name is Hera Lilith Hoffer, has ventured into acting with a stunning Broadway debut in 2023. Jinkx has released two studio albums, titled ‘The Inevitable Album‘ and ‘The Ginger Snapped‘. I’ve always appreciated her humour, and after discovering her through her drag performances, I was blown away by her incredible vocal abilities. Jinkx came out as non-binary in 2013 and uses she/her pronouns. She has recognised herself to be under the transgender umbrella since her teenage years.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras is a German singer-songwriter who has made a monumental impact on the music industry, paving the way for trans women thereafter. Since her first single release in 2017, she has moulded a career that includes some impressive feats. She was the first openly trans woman to gain the number-one spot on the American charts and receive a Grammy. This came as a result of Petras’ feature on Sam Smith‘s 2022 global hit ‘Unholy‘. Kim’s career continues to blossom as her next single ‘Polo‘ is expected on 27th June. It shall be the first preview of her upcoming album.

Bambie Thug

Bambie Thug is an Irish singer-songwriter who has the ability to blend genres masterfully. They take influences from dance, Hyperpop, rock, and metal. They’ve also been noted as taking inspiration from artists such as Nina Simone, Led Zeppelin, and Britney Spears. This varied mix of influence has been coined as ‘ouija-pop’ by the artist. In 2024, they performed their track ‘Doomsday Blue‘ for Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song secured Ireland its best result in the contest since 2000, despite receiving mixed reviews from viewers. However, Bambie has taken the criticism and harsh comments like a professional and continues to master their nuanced sound.

Conclusion

Many argue in a perfect world, great music is universally enjoyed and the personal lives of the artist shouldn’t matter. In short, great music should stand on its own merit. However, others argue that art, and the artist who makes it, are inextricably linked. Their story, their struggles, and their self-identification are therefore important contexts. For many artists who identify as trans or Non-Binary, they feel a responsibility to champion this underrepresented group. They fly the flag loud and proud, as the personal brand and community they cultivate morphs into one of love and radical self-acceptance. 

The LGBTQIA+ community in music houses a big beautiful spectrum of underrated artists. In today’s streaming era where there’s so much music dropped daily, it’s harder than ever for artists to get mainstream recognition. Make sure this Pride Month you explore trans and Non-Binary artists, who can open your eyes and ears to a new way of thinking about self, sex, gender, love, and life. You may even discover your new favourite artist.

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