Shane Ivan N.

My first major opportunity transgender artist was at LA Pride and surpassed anything I had experienced before. Previously, I had only performed at small clubs, so playing to such a massive crowd was a completely new and exhilarating experience. As I stood on stage, I witnessed people genuinely connecting with the music I had crafted in my bedroom and the dance routine we had practiced in a parking lot. In that transformative moment, I realized that I wanted to aspire for more, not just for myself but for all trans masculine individuals. I understood the importance of breaking free from limiting beliefs and recognizing that we are capable of achieving remarkable things. When I saw the logo I had created displayed on a gigantic 20 ft screen, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. I recalled the pain and struggles I endured during that period of my life. Reflecting on those challenging moments, I wished I could have shared with my younger self the incredible progress that has been made since then. In the past, we walked in darkness without any representation in the mainstream. But now, there are opportunities and visibility for individuals like us that we could only dream of back then.

To be honest, I consider myself fortunate, as the resources available for trans masculine individuals are practically non-existent. We encounter substantial challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare, securing employment, and navigating numerous other aspects of life. It's disheartening to witness individuals with sizable followings who are still struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities like rent. It's crucial to understand that social equity and financial equity are two distinct matters. In a patriarchal society, most trans masculine individuals are compelled to construct their own support systems in order to survive. This reality highlights the immense barriers we face and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and systemic change.