Here at pointblank, we fully support the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community is filled with talented musicians that have been breaking barriers in the industry for years. You may know of SOPHIE, the famous transgender artist, or Kim Petras who just made history at this year’s Grammys. The LGBTQ+ community is only thriving and growing stronger. They are also currently facing many obstacles and it is important that we show our support and help raise up the community today and always.
With that being said, here are 10 transgender artists you should be listening to all year long:
Kim Petras
Kim Petras is a German pop singer and songwriter who first gained attention for her debut single, “I Don’t Want It at All,” in 2017. She has since released several other popular songs and collaborated with other musicians in the pop industry.
In addition to her music, Petras has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, and is known for her outspokenness about her experiences as a transgender woman. She publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16 and has been an advocate for transgender visibility and acceptance ever since. She has been a featured speaker at events such as the 2019 Billboard Pride Summit and has spoken out against discrimination and violence against the trans community.
Petras is widely regarded as one of the most successful transgender musicians in the industry today, and her music has been praised for its catchy hooks and upbeat, infectious energy. Some of her most popular songs include “Heart to Break,” “Malibu,” and “Do Me.”
Petras just made history at the Grammys with Sam Smith for their song “Unholy”. The duo took home the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, becoming the first trans person to win a Grammy in this category.
SOPHIE
SOPHIE (Sophie Xeon) was a Scottish musician, producer, and DJ who was known for her innovative electronic music. She first gained attention in the music industry for her 2013 single “Bipp” and went on to release several other critically acclaimed songs and albums, including “Lemonade/Hard,” “Product,” and “Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides.”
In addition to her music, SOPHIE was known for her avant-garde fashion sense and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of gender norms and expectations. She publicly identified as a transgender woman and often used her music and art to explore themes of identity, gender, and sexuality.
SOPHIE was tragically killed in an accident in January 2021, and her death was widely mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike. In the wake of her passing, she was celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to the music industry and her unwavering commitment to being true to herself and her art.
Wendy Carlos is an American composer and electronic musician who is best known for her pioneering work in electronic music and for her contributions to the development of the synthesizer. Carlos was born in 1939 and began her career as a composer and musician in the 1960s.
One of Carlos’s most influential works is the 1968 album “Switched-On Bach,” which featured electronic renditions of pieces by the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The album was a commercial and critical success and helped to popularize the use of the synthesizer in popular music. Carlos went on to release several other influential albums and continued to experiment with new sounds and technologies throughout her career.
In addition to her music, Carlos is also known for her gender transition. She publicly came out as a transgender woman in the early 1970s and has since been an advocate for transgender visibility and acceptance. Despite facing discrimination and stigma because of her gender identity, Carlos has remained committed to her art and her passion for music.
Worthy
DJ Worthy is a DJ and producer who is closely associated with the Dirtybird Records label. They are known for their blend of tech house and bass music, and has released several tracks on the Dirtybird label. Worthy first connected with Dirtybird Records founder Claude VonStroke in the early 2000s, and has been a part of the label’s roster ever since. In addition to their solo work, Worthy is also one half of the duo Worthy & Option4, who have released several tracks together on the label. Some of DJ Worthy’s most popular tracks on Dirtybird Records include “The Hype”, “Dirtybird Bbq”, “Handle It”, and “Keep Me Up”.
Arca
Arca (Alejandra Ghersi) is a Venezuelan electronic music producer, singer, and DJ, who is known for her experimental soundscapes and avant-garde approach to music. She has been a prolific collaborator with other artists, including Björk, FKA Twigs, and Kanye West, among others.
Arca’s music often explores themes of gender identity, queerness, and the body, and she has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She has publicly identified as non-binary and has used her music and art to challenge gender norms and expectations.
Arca has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Xen,” “Mutant,” and “Arca,” and has been recognized for her innovative approach to music production and performance. In addition to her music, Arca is also known for her visual art and her work as a fashion model. She has been featured in several high-profile fashion campaigns and has used her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Honey Dijon
Honey Dijon (born Honey Redmond) is an American DJ, music producer, and fashion icon who is known for her work in house music and her dynamic live performances. She was born in Chicago and began her career as a DJ in the 1990s, playing at underground clubs and parties in the city.
Over the years, Honey Dijon has become known for her unique style, which blends elements of classic Chicago house music with more contemporary sounds and influences. Her music has been released on several labels, including Classic Music Company, Defected Records, and Toolroom Records, among others.
In addition to her music, Honey Dijon is also known for her work as a fashion icon and a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She has been featured in several high-profile fashion campaigns and has used her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.
Honey Dijon is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative DJs in the industry today, and her music and activism continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
DJ Sprinkles
DJ Sprinkles (real name Terre Thaemlitz) is an American DJ, producer, and activist who is known for her work in deep house music and for her commitment to social justice and equality.
Thaemlitz was born in Minnesota and began her career as a musician in the 1980s. Over the years, she has released several critically acclaimed albums and has become known for her unique approach to deep house music, which often incorporates elements of ambient and experimental music.
In addition to her music, Thaemlitz is also a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. She has been a critic of the mainstream music industry and has called for greater representation and visibility for marginalized communities, including transgender people and people of color. She has also spoken out against discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community and has worked to promote greater awareness and understanding of gender and sexuality issues.
DJ Sprinkles is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the underground house music scene, and her music and activism continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
Frances Forever
Frances Forever (real name Frances Garrett) is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Massachusetts. She has been praised for her unique blend of indie-pop and folk music, as well as her introspective lyrics and powerful vocals.
Frances Forever first gained attention with her viral hit “Space Girl,” which has been streamed millions of times on Spotify and other platforms. The song, which features a catchy melody and a playful, retro-inspired production, has been praised for its clever lyrics and relatable themes.
Since the release of “Space Girl,” Frances Forever has been featured in several prominent music publications and has been named an artist to watch in 2021. She has also released several other well-received singles, including “Paranoia Party” and “Ocean In Gold,” and has been praised for her unique voice and songwriting talent.
With her captivating music and growing fanbase, Frances Forever is poised to become one of the breakout stars of the indie-pop scene in the coming years.
Juliana Huxtable
Juliana Huxtable is an American artist, writer, performer, and DJ who is known for her boundary-pushing work in a variety of mediums, including poetry, performance art, and electronic music.
Huxtable was born in Texas and studied at Bard College before moving to New York City, where she became involved in the city’s vibrant art and nightlife scenes. She has become known for her performances, which often combine spoken word poetry, music, and video projections to create immersive and challenging experiences for audiences.
In addition to her performance work, Huxtable is also a respected DJ and producer. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Bloodsick” and “Falling Free,” and has become known for her experimental approach to electronic music.
Throughout her work, Huxtable has been a vocal advocate for the rights of transgender people and people of color, and has used her platform to raise awareness of issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity. She has been featured in several high-profile art exhibitions and has been recognized for her innovative and boundary-pushing work in a variety of mediums.
Mykki Blanco
Mykki Blanco (real name Michael David Quattlebaum Jr.) is an American rapper, poet, and performance artist who is known for his boundary-pushing work and his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Blanco was born in California and began his career as a performance artist in New York City, where he quickly gained attention for his provocative and experimental work. He later transitioned into music, releasing his debut mixtape, “Mykki Blanco and the Mutant Angels,” in 2012.
Since then, Blanco has become known for his unique blend of hip-hop, punk, and electronic music, as well as his powerful and thought-provoking lyrics. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Charli XCX, Blood Orange, and Madonna.
In addition to his music, Blanco has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility and has spoken out about the challenges facing queer artists and performers in the music industry. He has also been open about his own experiences as a queer artist and has used his platform to raise awareness of issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity.
Blanco is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and important artists in contemporary music, and his work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.
These are just a few examples of the many talented transgender musicians who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Make sure to support transgender musicians as well as the community as well.
To donate to help the transgender community head here. There are many other organizations that raise money for the LGBTQ+ community as well. Use your voice and help make a difference. All lives including trans lives are worthy!
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Wendy Carlos