True Names Album Raises Money for Trans Youth
Matt O'Connor of Tuxis Giant explains how they put together True Names, a comp album that raises funds for the Trans Youth Emergency Project. True Names features artists like Remeber Sports, Squirrel Flower, and more.
It's no secret that trans kids are under attack, and Matt O'Connor (of Tuxis Giant) and their partner Jenny Ruenes are doing their part to protect them. As the brains behind Queens, NY's Worry Bead Records, the pair have brought together artists like Remember Sports, Squirrel Flower, 2nd Grade, 22° Halo and Pink Navel for True Names, a benefit compilation to raise funds for the Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP).
“Cruel laws banning best-practice gender-affirming care have passed in 25 states across the country – and as a result, thousands of transgender youth and their families are being forced to travel extreme distances and take on significant expenses just to get the care they need," explains the TYEP.
"The Trans Youth Emergency Project is here to help families navigate this complex and exhausting maze, offering logistical and financial support. Our team provides 1-on-1 custom patient navigation services and supports families of transgender youth with emergency grants to help them travel out of state for care.”
The album title True Names is a nod to Ursula K. LeGuin and the system of magic in her classic Earthsea series. To know your True Name is to know yourself. And to share your True Name is an extreme act of vulnerability and courage.
We spoke with Matt, who is trans and non-binary, about the project.
How did you choose the artists to invite on to this compilation? What is it about these artists that speak to you?
The artists on this comp are all friends and peers from my life in music. I've been playing in bands around the Northeast USA for 10 years, and I've gathered an amazing community in that time.
What was the most exciting part of putting this comp together? What was challenging?
Exciting: Hearing the many unreleased tracks from artists I love. Challenging: SO many emails.
I know the answer may be a bit obvious, but why did you choose to make a compilation fundraiser?
The threat to trans children is glaring, and the need for action is immediate. This felt like an opportunity to do some good amidst all the horror we're seeing.
How do you help make space for queer artists in your work?
As a nonbinary trans person myself, I try my best to show my full identity in my work. It's a scary thing to do, especially these days. But vulnerability is freeing, and the effects can ripple across your community.
What else would you like music fans to know about Worry Bead Records?
We have a new album coming out this summer -TuxisGiant's You Won't Remember This. If you like the songs on True Names, you may like that too.
