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.”

@rollingstone

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 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.

@them

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!