‘Trans people are just trying to live our lives’: ‘Transa’ event at the Getty celebrates trans art

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Last fall, when the expansive album “Transa” was released, Massima Bell – a musician, model and activist who played a role in its assembly under the Red Hot organization’s guidance – considered it an essential step in preserving the history of one of society’s overlooked groups, terming it as an act of “creating an archive.

In essence, Bell notes that throughout history, the trans community has been denied the chance to develop a unique perspective on our own identity. This understanding has essentially been suppressed due to the rigid gender construct that originated during the Victorian era and has persisted in the Western world.

The album titled “Transa” boasts 46 tracks, contributed by around 100 artists, including numerous trans and nonbinary musicians as well as renowned figures like André 3000, Jeff Tweedy, Clairo, and Perfume Genius. This compilation aims to share heartfelt narratives about experiences and allyship so they can be preserved and appreciated for generations to come, as Bell explains.

Some standout tracks from the album include:

1. The dreamy folk-pop collaboration between Teddy Geiger and Yaeji titled “Pink Ponies”.
2. A rendition of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U” performed by Lauren Auder, along with Prince’s former bandmates Wendy & Lisa.
3. Allison Russell and Ahya Simone’s interpretation of the trans pioneer Jackie Shane’s song “Any Other Way”.
4. A ghostly cover of Sylvester’s popular disco tune “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Moses Sumney and Sam Smith.

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Later, we find “The Young Lion” by Sade – a poignant piano melody where the renowned soul singer petitions her son for forgiveness, as she confesses her late understanding of his unique gender identity.

In a popular song titled “Transa,” Sade expresses, “It’s clear you’ve carried such a heavy burden / You may have felt isolated and lost in your struggle / The deep sorrow and agony / I wish I had realized this sooner.” This paraphrase retains the original sentiment while using simpler language to make it more accessible.

On Saturday, several artists associated with the project will animate its archive at the Getty Center through a full-day “Transa” event, which includes screenings of films, art exhibits, and a concert. The concert will showcase live performances by Geiger, Devendra Banhart, Dirty Projectors’ David Longstreth, and other artists.

As a movie critic, I’ve been privy to the remarkable journey of Red Hot, a non-profit organization that has consistently proven its cultural clout. They first burst onto the scene during the AIDS epidemic, masterfully orchestrating “Red Hot + Blue” – a chart-topping compilation album featuring stars like U2, Sinead O’Connor, and k.d. lang reinterpreting Cole Porter’s timeless tunes.

Following this success, they continued to captivate with a series of benefit albums that explored various genres, from country music and alternative rock to the soulful rhythms of Fela Kuti and the psychedelic harmonies of the Grateful Dead. Now, their latest venture is nothing short of a takeover, further cementing Red Hot’s status as a cultural powerhouse.

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Last year, during an interview with The New York Times, Red Hot’s co-founder John Carlin drew a parallel between current attacks against transgender individuals and the way people living with AIDS were treated in the ’90s. He explained that their project “Transa” aims to ensure that cultural conflicts are being addressed from all perspectives.

Although advertised as a celebratory event, the Getty occasion is indeed described explicitly in this manner. Geiger, a trans individual who has made a name for themselves in their own music career, songwriting, and production work with artists like Pink and the Chicks, expresses that “Transa” represents the notion that trans lives, often politicized, are not merely about struggle but rather encompass much more.

Singer and actor Sumney, known for his roles in “MaXXXine” and “The Idol” on HBO, has been contemplating a timeless statement by Nina Simone regarding an artist’s responsibility – to mirror the essence of their era.

Sumney expresses doubt, stating, ‘I don’t entirely concur.’ He believes an artist’s role is to mirror the individual, suggesting, ‘Isn’t it possible to simply tell stories?’ Frequently, he notes, individuals from marginalized groups are asked to represent their entire identity. However, this expectation restricts them from expressing themselves individually.

According to Bell, “Transa” holds a significant promise, both in its testimonies and in creations like André 3000’s 26-minute psychedelic jazz journey. This promise offers a glimpse into our collective freedom and the inner light within us all. In simpler terms, as an activist, Bell expresses that transgender individuals are simply trying to live their lives with dignity and self-expression.

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2025-09-05 13:34