Although we support and promote the queer community all year round at GIHE, we acknowledge Pride as a chance to celebrate LGBTQI+ joy and achievements, how far we’ve come, as well as a protest and the need to continue to push for acceptance. With this in mind, this year it felt more resonant than ever to highlight the Trans community. At a time when their rights are being further questioned and curtailed, we want to not only show our support and draw attention to the need for change, but to celebrate Trans Joy and creativity. Our co-founder Tash Walker expands:
We can’t ignore what is happening in the world right now when it comes to trans rights and inclusion, right the way down to our younger trans siblings. As public support for trans people feels ever questioned here in the UK, at Get In Her Ears we want to create a space that centres TRANS JOY in all its beauty, through the music we play. It can be so easy for our ears to focus on the hate and transphobia, but a moment to turn the volume up on the joy is so powerful and when you look for it, it’s everywhere.
Only four months ago, when I was at the Brihanna Ghey vigil E J Scott a trans archivist was handing out packets of sweets, and saying “have a little bit of trans joy”. Recently I was interviewing Professor Stephen Whittle (co-founder of Press for Change who lobbied the Govt to bring about the Gender Recognition Act) – during that interview, I asked him what joy meant to him and he said “I feel trans joy, I really do” and it made us both smile so much.
So let’s focus on and create the space to include trans voices because the global and UK negativity is so loud, but joy is always louder and lasts longer. One of the biggest forms of ‘activism’ is to live your life as yourself (if you feel safe to do so), so we want to uplift and create a space for us to hear trans people and their joy. Hear that not only is there such a thing as trans joy but that if we all listen, as a society, push back to make that space bigger and bigger, until it becomes a part of all of our lives through acceptance and liberation, it will bring us all joy too.
Remember the lengths the LGBTQIA+ communities have come, but more importantly, how far we still have to go. The LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies need to stand strong and united with each other, but especially the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. So wherever you are, at whatever Pride you are supporting this summer, spread the word and make it known – equality is for everyone, but most importantly, trans lives matter, trans kids deserve to be trans adults. No-one is equal until we are all equal.
Our 2023 Pride playlist includes tracks by some of our favourite trans, non binary and queer artists, as well as a few songs voicing support/rage on their behalf. Read about our choices below, and then hit play for the perfect soundtrack for London Trans Pride weekend!
Jackie Shane – ‘Any Other Way’
We’ve played Canadian soul-singer Jackie Shane multiple times on our GIHE radio show, included her on many a playlist and we’re certainly not stopping now. Jackie was a pioneer for transgender rights in the ’60s & ’70s, a time when being your true self was not always welcomed, or accepted. (Tash Walker)
Ma Rainey – ‘Prove It On Me Blues’
This 1928 song by Ma Rainey, who is unarguably the mother of blues, is possibly one of the first references to queer lesbian culture. Ma Rainey, a queer woman sings, “Went out last night with a crowd of my friends. They must’ve been women, ’cause I don’t like no men.” An essential to any LGBT+ playlist. (TW)
Shea Diamond – ‘I Am Her’
As early as transgender singer Shea Diamond can remember, she identified as a girl – and was punished for it. At age 20, she robbed a convenience store at gunpoint – desperate, she says, to fund her gender-affirming surgery. Behind bars (in a male prison), Diamond found her voice as a songwriter, and wrote this track ‘I Am Her’. I just love its poignant, soulful groove. (Mari Lane)
Beverly Glenn-Copeland – ‘Africa Calling‘
I have always loved Beverly’s music and I am so excited for their forthcoming album, this is the first new music we’ve had from them in 20 years. He is such an incredibly talented artist, a true icon. A Black trans electronic music pioneer! (TW)
Le Tigre – ‘Viz’
I can’t really put into words how life-affirmingly wonderful it was to see Le Tigre live at the Troxy last month, so I’ll leave my general gushing about that to another time. However, a particularly special moment of their set was JD Samson singing this – calling on queers of every kind to dance / march / rage in joyous unity to raise visibility, so that everyone can be free to live life as their true selves. (ML)
Hercules & Love Affair – ‘Blind’
Taken from their self-titled album released in 2008, the same year I attended London Pride for the first time, this is without a doubt the theme tune to me fully embracing my sexuality, feeling proud of who I was and strong enough to come out happily in all aspects of my life. (TW)
Planningtorock – ‘Transome’
I have Tash to thank for introducing me to the sounds of Planningtorock. Watching them perform songs from their Powerhouse album at Southbank Centre back in 2019 was such a joyful and moving affair. Tash & I even joined in the stage invasion! This track ‘Transome’ is a total bop. It’s a sultry, playful celebration of what it’s like to truly be feeling yourself, and that’s what Pride is all about. (Kate Crudgington)
SOPHIE – ‘Immaterial’
This track is taken from SOPHIE’s debut album and I love it. A pioneer of experimental music, often the producer behind so many other amazing tracks, remixes and artists. Described as disorientating latex pop which I think sums up my first experience of seeing SOPHIE live – intense at its best. (TW)
Mykki Blanco – ‘Free Ride’
This is a song from an artist who I feel needs no introduction, a queer pioneer who is doing amazing things for LGBTQ+ rights as well as being open about their positive HIV status. Mykki Blanco is also such an incredible artist and their music is just oh so gooooood. (TW)
HUSK – ‘Let’s Get Married’
The latest single from Manchester based trans masculine non-binary artist Husk, ‘Let’s Get Married’ offers a synth-soaked anthem, oozing a joyous groove and colourful uplifting allure. In HUSK’s own words, it’s a “sickly sweet, tongue-in-cheek tale ripped straight from a rom-com storyline of being hopelessly, head over heels in obsession after ‘all of 3 days’ of meeting your new one-true-love.” Donate to their top surgery revision fundraiser here.(ML)
Tokky Horror – ‘Toilet’
Electro punks Tokky Horror have a reputation for being a TOTAL force of nature when they perform live, and they’re dedicated to creating safe spaces to mosh for women and LGBTQ+ folks at their gigs. This track ‘Toilet’ is a blend of drum & bass beats, manic riffs and surprisingly vulnerable lyrics, inspired by producer Zee’s own experiences of finding their feet within queer activist scenes in music and further afield. (KC)
The Crystal Furs – ‘Gay Bar’
A catchy rendition of the Electric Six classic by Pacific Northwest queer indie poppers The Crystal Furs. Described by the band as a ‘sapphic tale of lust’, it’s the perfect addition to any dancefloor! (ML)
Touch Excellent – ‘Record’
This tenacious anthem from Touch Excellent takes aim at the failures of the healthcare system when it comes to treating women, non-binary and transgender folks. Fuelled by the Dublin-based band’s collective anger and own experiences, the track is a brief but powerful blast of attention-grabbing pop punk noise. Playfully self-describing themselves as “Ireland’s most transgender band (surely)”, Touch Excellent create raw, frenzied, politically-driven cacophonies that are designed to dismantle the systems that oppress us. (KC)
Chroma – ‘Woman To Woman’
An impassioned call to arms in support of all people of minority genders, I can’t get enough of Welsh rockers Chroma’s immense, fierce energy. Calling out those who call themselves feminists whilst actively oppressing others, it blasts out the poignant message that “Trans Women Are Women” with a searing urgency. I can’t wait for Chroma to headline for us on 8th September at Shacklewell Arms – catch them live before they hit the stadium opening for Foo Fighters next year! Tickets here. (ML)
Problem Patterns – ‘Terfs Out’
“LGB is nothing if not for the T / So show up with some real solidarity” – Belfast Riot Grrrls Problem Patterns hitting the nail on the head with this total punk banger. We love everything that the band represent and how vocal they are about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Their most recent single ‘Letter Of Resignation‘ is all about celebrating queer joy and ally-ship, too. I can’t wait to hear both these tracks live again when Problem Patterns headline for us on Friday 17th November at the Sebright Arms. Grab a ticket here (KC)
Trap Girl – ‘Diva’s Inferno’
Fresh from signing to Kill Rock Stars, LA punks Trap Girl have just announced the release of their upcoming new EP, Diva’s Inferno – out on 14th July. Intent on bringing “visibility to what it is to be trans, big, brown and glamorous” (Candace Hanson, Razorcake Magazine), Trap Girl offer perfectly powerful raging anthems with an impassioned queer energy. Listen to the EP’s title track here (it’s only on Bandcamp, so we’ve included 2020 single ‘Transwomen and Chokeholds’ on our Spotify playlist). (ML)
Petrol Girls – ‘Fight For Our Lives’
Featuring inspirational activist and DIY punk Janey Starling, ‘Fight For Our Lives’ offers a resonant call to arms to reclaim control over our own bodies and unite in coming together to fight against the confines and dangers of this damaging patriarchal society and create a safer world for all marginalised groups. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis – as with every track on last year’s Baby album, it’s an utterly necessary listen from Petrol Girls. (ML)
Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Huge’
Channelling the mindset of a child with ADHD, trying to make sense of a locked down world, ‘Huge’ is propelled by a chaotic energy, rippling with fizzing hooks as the swirling power of Jemma’s truly distinctive vocals soars. Building with a sparkling psychedelic allure to an immense, colourful cacophony, it showcases the raw emotive majesty that this innovative artist is able to create. (ML)
Ezra Furman – ‘Forever Sunset’
Taken from last year’s All Of Us In Flames album, this track exudes such a delicate grace and beautifully raw emotion that it gives me goosebumps on each listen. Coming out as a trans woman in 2021, Ezra Furman shared a picture of herself with her child, with the accompanying message: “I’m telling you I’m a mom now for a specific reason. Because one problem with being trans is that we have so few visions of what it can look like to have an adult life, to grow up and be happy and not die young. When our baby was born I had approximately zero examples that I had seen of trans women raising children. So here’s one for anyone who wants to see one. I’m a trans woman and a mom. This is possible.” (ML)
Bitch Hunt – ‘Identity Clinic’
It’s no secret that I’ve been a super fan girl of First Timers alumni Bitch Hunt for a few years now – I just can’t get enough of their gently empowering, cathartic energy and scuzzy punk-pop. This track seems particularly poignant right now, as trans youth are faced with increasingly long waiting times to access the healthcare and support that they urgently need. (ML)
Um Jennifer? – ‘Girl Class’
The brand new single from NYC duo (and fantastically named) Um Jennifer?, ‘Girl Class’ is a perfect slice of fuzzy lo-fi punk-pop. Of the track, they explain: “‘Girl Class’ was born out of craving community within trans girlhood. It’s about unbecoming and becoming; being molded by expectations of femininity. Ultimately, it’s the realisation that despite the noise, there is no one way to be a girl.” (ML)
Ethel Cain – ‘American Teenager’
This euphoric pop gem from Ethel Cain sits in contrast with her darker, more cinematic sounds, but I still love it. She’s such a sophisticated, altruistic storyteller, something which is perfectly showcased on her debut album Preacher’s Daughter. Everyone needs a bit of Ethel Cain in their lives. (KC)
Nina Keith – ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’
A comforting, gentle reminder to let go of negativity and doubt, I love this soundscape from LA-based trans artist, producer and composer Nina Keith. Featuring the vocals of indie pop artist Barrie and composer and musician Qur’an Shaheed, ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’ is a considered, delicate blend of lilting electronics, fragmented voices and crisp production, all of which melt together to create an exquisite, emotive listening experience. “Lately the more I wear the turmoil of my life on my sleeve the more often I find myself in conversations with strangers and loved ones that reach a similar end,” Keith explains about the context of her track. “This song is sort of a small prayer in lieu of words I can never seem to speak in those moments. Divorce your husband, start an onlyfans, borrow friend’s hormones, take them for fun, sell your stuff, buy rare beanie babies with the money, whatever you have to do. There is only so much time left.” Love it! (KC)
Chuck SJ – ‘F2shapeless’
Chuck SJ and their full band The Rose Quartz Rebellion played for us supporting pink suits at The Shacklewell Arms last month, and it really was such an honour to host them. Uniting the crowd in a sense of euphoric queer joy, the set reflected on themes of Transness and finding your place in the world with a deep cathartic energy. This track stood out as particularly poignant – just listen to it for yourself and you’ll see what I mean. Truly heart achingly beautiful. (ML)
Anohni – It Must Change
‘It Must Change’, the beautiful first single from ANOHNI’s sixth studio album – a statement that we all should listen to in light of what is happening in the world, but specifically here in the UK when it comes to trans rights. Anohni has released this song under Anohni and the Johnsons, a nod to the origins of her music, the band named after LGBTQ+ rights activist and pioneer Marsha P Johnson. ‘It Must Change’ is a song with hope embedded for a better future. (TW)
Listen to our Pride Playlist below!
Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too
Get In Her Ears 