Kim Petras recently made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Grammy for Best Pop Duo Performance. Amazing, right?
This milestone got me thinking about other MTF transgender singers who deserve recognition.
In this blog post, I’m excited to share 10 incredible trans singers and their top music videos that you should definitely check out.
But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to honor Wendy Carlos, the first trans woman to win a Grammy back in 1970.
Although Wendy isn’t a singer, she’s a trailblazer in electronic music, known for her iconic scores for films like A Clockwork Orange, Tron, and The Shining.
Take a look at her interview above, then enjoy the music videos below!
1. Kim Petras
Kim Petras is a German pop singer-songwriter who gained prominence through her singles “I Don’t Want It at All” and “Heart to Break.”
She became one of the youngest people to undergo gender confirmation surgery at the age of 16 and has since become an outspoken advocate for trans rights.
Kim Petras made history in February 2023 by becoming the first openly transgender artist to receive a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Unholy” with Sam Smith.
2. Breanna Sinclairé
Breanna Sinclairé is an American opera singer who made history as the first openly transgender person to perform with the San Francisco Opera.
She trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and she was the first transgender person to perform the National Anthem at a professional sporting event.
Breanna has also been recognized for her activism and advocacy for the transgender community.
3. Lucia Lucas
Lucia Lucas is an American-born opera singer who made history as the first transgender opera singer to come out publicly in 2014.
She has performed with major opera companies, including the English National Opera in London, the Met Opera in New York, and the Deutsche Oper Berlin in Germany.
Lucia has been praised for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her dedication to advancing representation of transgender people in the arts.
4. Shea Diamond
Shea Diamond is an American singer-songwriter who gained attention for her soulful and poignant music, including her debut single “I Am Her.”
She grew up in a tough environment and spent time in prison before turning her life around through music.
Shea has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been recognized for her activism.
5. Teddy Geiger
Teddy Geiger is an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity in the mid-2000s with hits such as “For You I Will (Confidence)” and “These Walls.”
In 2017, she publicly came out as transgender and has since been an advocate for trans visibility and acceptance.
Teddy has also co-written songs for other artists, including Shawn Mendes and One Direction.
6. Laura Jane Grace
Laura Jane Grace is an American musician and activist who is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk band Against Me!.
She publicly came out as transgender in 2012 and has since been a vocal advocate for the trans community.
Laura Jane Grace has been recognized for her songwriting and her contributions to the punk music scene.
7. SOPHIE
The late SOPHIE, whose full name was Sophie Xeon, was a Scottish musician, producer, and DJ who was known for her innovative electronic music.
The Grammy-nominated singer and producer also graced the cover of OUT Magazine as “Artist of the Year.”
SOPHIE was an influential figure in the music industry and was recognized for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. She tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 34.
8. Ah-Mer-Ah-Su
The Oakland-based songwriter Ah-Mer-Ah-Su (also known as Star Amerasu) is an American singer-songwriter and producer who creates music that blends elements of pop, R&B, and experimental electronic music.
She has been recognized for her unique sound and her advocacy for trans and gender non-conforming people of color.
9. KC Ortiz
KC Ortiz is an American rapper and songwriter who gained attention for her powerful and socially conscious lyrics.
She has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ and feminist issues and has worked with various organizations to promote social justice.
Ortiz has also been recognized for her activism and her dedication to creating positive change.
10. Anohni
Anohni is a British-American singer-songwriter who is known for her haunting and ethereal music.
She rose to prominence as the lead singer of the band Antony and the Johnsons before embarking on a successful solo career.
Anohni has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Additional Mentions
I’ve received some great suggestions for additional MTF transgender singers to add to this list. You’ll find their names and videos below. (Keep the suggestions coming, ladies!)
Jordan Gray
Mina Caputo from Life of Agony
Who are YOUR Favorite Transgender Singers?
As you can see, there are so many amazing MTF transgender musicians and singers who deserve recognition. I hope you enjoyed the list and music videos above.
Now I’d love to hear from YOU. Who are your favorite transgender singers? Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
Venus de Mars has been around since the 1980s, and founded All The Pretty Horses in 1993. She has toured nationally and internationally.
https://atphband.com/
Here’s a lot of us.
Isabella “Bunny” Bennett of Steam Powered Giraffe
Reade Wolcott of We Are the Union
Em Foster of Nervus
Connie Sgarbossa of seeyouspacecowboy
Ashanti Mutinta of backxwash
Ada Rook/Devi McCallion of Black Dresses
Patricia Taxxon
Laura Les of 100 gecs
Penny Parker (youtuber)
Sadie Switchblade of G.L.O.S.S. and Dyke Drama
Faye Fadem of trust fund ozu
Adria Stembridge of Tears for the Dying
Jayne Country (punk singer from the 70s)
Evan Greer
Cher Strauberry
Alyssa Kai of Cutting Room Floor
Evelyn Ryan of HappyHappy
Emma Grrl of She/Her/Hers
Mila Jam
Queen Zee
Skylar Conover
Ramona Barton of Peach Rings
Lena Raine of videogame music (Minecraft, Celeste)
Wow, this is an amazing list! Thank you for sharing!!
My lame claim to fame is that Kim Petras spoke to me on Instagram once before she went super famous.
The artist that comes to mind is
Alexandra Hamer she has two albums out. Her first album Anachronique is steampunk theamed. Her second album is All of Us and Everything.
Pour moi c’est Rupaul, même si chanteuse n’est pas sa principale activité.
Although not transgender, the most amazing male with a female voice was Jim Bailey. He considered himself an “illusionist” and certainly not a drag performer. His performances as Judy Garland, Peggy Lee and Barbra Streisand are simply incredible. I have his record album from 1973 (which dates me!) and it passes the test of time. Just wonderful.
I like Kim Petras
I am a singer, songwriter and producer myself but I thought Id mention a fellow melbourne singer and electronic artist.
JUNE JONES https://g.co/kgs/xPZvYh
Mine is saintergo.bandcamp.com