Transgender Flag (2018)Leeds Museums & Galleries
Over the past few years, transgender musicians have been getting the recognition they deserve for their incredible talent. Despite often being overlooked, let's celebrate some of the most influential from history to today.
1. Jayne County
Born in 1947, Jayne County is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer whose career has spanned six decades. County is known for her outrageous stage antics and specializes in challenging norms and provoking reactions.
LIFE Photo Collection
County has been hugely influential with a number of legendary artists, including David Bowie, the Ramones, Patti Smith, Pete Burns, and Lou Reed count her as an inspiration.
2. Wendy Carlos
Wendy Carlos is an American musician and composer best known for composing the movie scores for Tron (1982), The Shining (1980), and A Clockwork Orange (1971).
Wendy Carlos - Switched On Bach (1968)Bob Moog Foundation / Moogseum
In 1968, Carlos released an album of synthesized Bach pieces called Switched-On Bach. The album was an success and earned her a Grammy in 1970, making Wendy Carlos the first transgender musician to win the prestigious music award.
3. Shea Diamond
A singer, songwriter, and transgender activist, Shea Diamond was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1978. Heavily influenced by Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, Diamond’s songs have a raw power that’s impossible to ignore.
Kim Petras performs - Capital Pride concert 2018 by Ted Eytan
4. Kim Petras
In 2023, German artist Kim Petras became the first trans singer to win a Grammy. Petras won her award for her performance of Unholy, a song created in collaboration with British singer Sam Smith.
5. Laura Jane Grace
Laura Jane Grace is the founder, lead singer, and guitarist of the U.S punk rock band Against Me! Grace moved to Naples, Florida, at the age of 12, becoming one of the first prominent transgender punk rock musicians.
All OutThe Index Project
Learn more about inspirational women in arts and culture.
