Oh, Young Lion.....
For me, Sade has always been the epitome of cool. Always. Her music is so smooth it almost makes me wish I was with someone tall, buff and handsome when I listen to it. The lyrics have always been great, also. But it's been years since she's put out anything. But now the wait is over. This song (Young Lion) is her homage to her son @izaaktheo. And he's got something to say about his parent accepting and supporting his journey:
“I think that a song where a parent apologizes for misunderstanding their child can hold immense significance for the trans community,” he says. “For many individuals who are transgender, coming out can be met with misunderstanding and, at times, rejection. … I hope the song can offer a sense of comfort, validation, and a feeling of being seen and understood.”
Because on top of being a new song, Young Lion is part of a fantastic compilation that groups artists like Sam Smith, Andre 3000 and many, many more. That compilation is called TRANSA, a ' spiritual journey celebrating Trans people'. And if you think that's not needed now you have not read of the full-on attack Trans people are suffering in all fronts. From the See You Next Tuesday politician Nancy Mace Grace to the threat of Mango Mussolini literally kicking all Trans people from the military.
The producers’ decision to bring straight and cis musicians together with queer, trans, and nonbinary artists on TRANSA isn’t just about fostering collaboration within the music industry; it’s also about building bridges into the wider cultural conversation, creating space for greater understanding, empathy, and political change. “We wanted identities of all kinds represented in this project. Because we wanted as many people on the outside to be able to see themselves in this journey,” Reid shares, noting that one of those cis collaborators, Alan Sparhawk of the band Low, said he learned so much about gender and transness from the queer artists who worked on TRANSA — an experience the legendary 55-year old indie musician holds dear.
So, you may say you do not 'care' about Trans people, but remember they first came for women's reproductive rights and you did nothing because you are not a woman, now they're coming for Trans people's rights and you'll do nothing 'cause you're not Trans. So gird your loins, hunny. Because YOU are next. Gay rights will be next in the chopping block and we will need to fight.
Now I'll get off my soapbox so you can go and buy the album @transa wherever you buy your music (I got it on iTunes because of course I did). It's forty six songs (!!) and a journey worth taking. Recommend.
So what are you waiting for?
XOXO
P.S. Thanks, @Upton, for reminding me of this!
Love Sade too. "Young Lion" is terrific and so is the video! Thanks for making me aware of the new Transa music project. I see that Sam Smith sings with beloved Canadian singer-songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland. I saw him perform (long before his transition) in 1982 at a Women's Music Festival in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Typo alert -- "Nancy Grace" should read "Nancy Mace."
Big says, Not that Nancy Grace is much better; does a more judgmental "journalist" exist??? LOL
Deletexoxo
Love Sade also!!
DeleteSuch a great song. And her VOICE! And Transa is fab. I got it as soon as I knew about it.
And thanks about the Grace/Mace typo alert! As Big says, they're both trash but we need to be accurate.
XOXO
I think seeing her in a lounge setting would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteOMG
DeleteCan you IMAGINE?? I'd faint.
XOXO
If you don't care about trans people, you don't care about people, so sit down, STFU and get out of the way.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Absolutely agree.
DeleteXOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteTrans people are people and deserve the same respect and kindness we show to our loved ones, because they also are loved.
As you said, they are the current front line and we have to put a stake in the ground and say “NO FURTHER!”
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
Of course they deserve respect and to be left the fuck alone!
DeleteThey're the new scapegoat of the bigots. Ugh.
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteAlways liked the tone of her voice. What an amazing project. And, yes, buckle up because it's going to be a long, hard war.
Can you believe I have gay friends who voted for The Felon and don't think he and his bunch are going to do any of the things they're threatening? I can't wait to tell them, "We told you; we warned you time and time again. So, now you can just STFU cuz I don't want to hear your whining." .... Is that too harsh?
XOXO
Oh, Sade is fab.
DeleteAnd I love, love, love this project! So courageous. Allies are needed.
And nope. That not even as harsh as it should be. They deserve it.
XOXO
Thank you for doing this. I think it's an important artistic statement... TRANSA. And for Sade to bare a part of her life and process in this way... it gives one hope, that others will come to a similar understanding. It's not easy being green. Gay folk know this. We grow up with the label of 'other'. For the transgender community - it's an even steeper climb. I think love is something that is not in short supply... we simply must be more generous with it.
ReplyDeleteOMG
DeleteThank YOU, Upton! I had almost forgotten about it. Your reminder came at the right moment (and we both had Sade in our blogs!). I love this project. I bought all the songs as soon as I could.
And yes, we do need to give MORE love...
XOXO
The last thing I recall from her was Smooth Operator!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Mads.
DeleteYou have got to get more of her stuff. So sultry!!
XOXO
This brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful to listen to. Powerful lyrics. Wow!
ReplyDeleteSame.
DeleteVery heartfelt and a huge statement from a parent.
XOXO