by Mark Van Streefkerk
Happy Trans Day of Visibility!
TDoV is a day to celebrate the brilliance and joy of trans and gender-expansive communities. Trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-expansive people have been breaking barriers and soaring to new heights over the past few years, yet the greater visibility of trans people has been twisted into a political wedge issue, galvanizing national efforts to limit trans rights as well as an increase in hateful rhetoric and transphobic violence.
In the midst of ongoing oppression, the brightness of trans joy can’t be dimmed, including new wins locally. Recently, Washington became one of seven states to make LGBTQ+ (as well as other marginalized and underrepresented groups) curriculum mandatory in public schools. Other recent wins include local trans Black-led organizations the Lavender Rights Project and the Trans Women of Color (TWOC) Solidarity Network each securing spaces in Seattle for supportive housing.
Curious about trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive identities? Start with this guide to being a good ally from the National Center for Transgender Equality.
If you’re looking to support trans and BIPOC-led organizations in the Seattle area, check out: the Lavender Rights Project, which provides legal and social services to Black trans communities; UTOPIA Washington, a Kent-based organization that creates ecosystems of care for Black and Brown 2SLGBTQIA+ (two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) communities; Queer the Land, a collaborative project for the self-determination of QT2BIPOC; and TWOC Solidarity Network. (TWOC Solidarity Network is seeking volunteers specifically for architectural design, construction support, landscaping, web design, and more to help build up the House of Constance.) Also, see The Emerald’s Guide to Supporting Local and National Trans Community Organizing.
The Emerald recently chatted with a few local trans-fronted bands for TDoV. Read on to hear what they had to say about trans joy and community.
Gender Envy
Archie (drums) and Cass (vocalist) play in Gender Envy, a five-piece punk band. Listen to their music on Bandcamp or Spotify. If you’re in Tacoma, check out their TDoV show at the Spanish Ballroom with Skyscape Paradise, Jack Jay & Band, and Sticks & Bones.
Upcoming shows are: April 5 in the U-District, venue TBA; April 20 at Big Mario’s Northlake Tavern; April 26 at Southgate Roller Rink; and May 25 at Northwest Folklife.
The Emerald: What do you find liberating or joyful about being a visible trans person?
Archie: My connection to my community is extremely important to me as a visible trans person. Of course, I feel so happy and grateful to be able to feel like I am living my true self and feel comfortable in my skin since I was able to transition, but my joy also comes from showing other people like me that hope is real and they are not alone in their struggle. My coming out journey was not easy, which is a situation I know many other trans people can relate to, but that is exactly why I value building relationships and creating spaces for joy as we fight collectively towards liberation.
Cass: Visibly I would say I appear more dykey or butch, so my experience is a bit different. What I find liberating is that I am not seeking permission from other people anymore. Growing up I spent so much time and energy trying to make myself more girly to fit in, and the conscious choice to do what I want and fuck the rest has brought me so much clarity. You get so much time back when you stop censoring your own gender expression.
What do you want allies to know about how to support trans or gender-expansive people right now?
Archie: I think that allies should acknowledge their position as allies and center the experience of trans and gender-expansive people when entering or engaging with our communities. I think it’s very important to be self-aware and understand the space you take — this could be in a positive or negative way. Sometimes the best thing an ally can do is to take up space when there is danger present and use their privilege, and sometimes the best thing is to just step back. I also think it’s important for everyone to understand that trans people are not a monolith, and many of us have many other intersecting identities that vastly change our experiences within the system. Just listen to people and don’t be full of yourself, we can tell. Also, don’t be fucking racist.
Cass: Allyship is a practice and not an identity. To practice allyship, start having uncomfortable conversations. Correct people who misuse pronouns, raise your voice of discontent when someone is being transphobic, talk to people about anti-trans policies and legislation in your state. Cherish your trans friends, and confront your own prejudices so they don’t have to.
What words of encouragement or support can you share with the trans and gender-expansive community?
Archie: LET’S FUCKING GO TRANSGENDERZ!!!!!!!! I love being trans and I love trans people. Fuck the transphobes, fuck the TERFS, they hate us because they’re jealous that we know who we are — and they ain’t us — !!!!!! You don’t have to pass and you don’t have to do anything else but be you. We’re gonna survive this, we are gonna live forever, and they cannot destroy us. I fucking love you. I love you so bad. Special shoutouts to my T-GIRLS of color, Black and Brown TRANSWOMEN/FEMMES are the true backbone of the queer community and you are all so beautiful.
Cass: Playing with Gender Envy, I was surprised by how many trans people showed up to our gigs. It was groundbreaking to me to see how many we are. There are so many people by your side, who are going through what you go through. (Or they have already, or they will!) People will always be mad, because we challenge rigid gendered systems that confine and restrict, and proud people in pain are embarrassed. They envy our freedom! So hey, rub it in their faces. You’re in good company.
Seaside Tryst
Seaside Tryst is a deliciously synthy indie dance band that debuted its full-length album Different Places last fall. You may have caught them at the recent Freakout Weekender in Belltown. Follow the band on Instagram and head to its upcoming shows on April 21 at Barboza, April 26 at McCoy’s Tavern in Olympia, and May 3 at Funhouse.
The Emerald got the opportunity to chat with Seaside Tryst crooner Avery Kanode.
The Emerald: What do you find liberating or joyful about being a visible trans person?
Avery: As the local music scene has been waking back up, it’s been encouraging to see so many trans musicians playing out and playing well for music lovers. Being able to find each other — and see each other out in real life — while having passionate conversations about art and why we love it feels amazing. Like being able to stretch after a long car ride, just the right amount of head rush.
What do you want allies to know about how to support trans or gender-expansive people right now?
Avery: If you want to support trans artists, go buy some art/music/donate to a fundraiser right now. While our album is conveniently available on Bandcamp and streaming, we would also direct you to Ball of Wax Quarterly’s Volume 70 edition, which features trans and gender-nonconforming artists from all over the PNW, spanning many genres, including some of our favorite musicians gigging right now.
What words of encouragement or support can you share with the trans and gender-expansive community?
Avery: There are many things that you can do if you want to. You can start a band. You can start taking hormones. You can probably do both if that’s what you want. You will have to start, though. And I bet you can.
Mark Van Streefkerk is a South Seattle-based journalist, freelance writer, and the Emerald’s Arts, Culture, & Community editor. He often writes about restaurants, LGBTQ+ topics, and more. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter at @VanStreefkerk.
