Op-Ed By Neverending Nina
As we celebrate Trans Day of Remembrance 2024 I wanted to remember this trailblazing music icon Jackie Shane and why I am glad to be walking fiercely on the path she helped pave. Her 2017 best historical album Grammy nomination for (Any Other Way) album at the 61st Grammy Awards, where she made history by being the 1st Black Trans Woman to do so in that category was a groundbreaking achievement in a lifelong adventurous career. As one of GLAAD’S EMEI performing artists visiting the great city-state of Nashville, TN for Nashville Black Pride 2024, I had the honor of going to the monument of Jackie Shane. As I was headed to the site, I started to reflect on what her life was like way before there was a certain level of freedom of identity and how I’m thankful for what she did for me to exist in the expansion of freedom I have from her life and artistry. I was filled with emotions because I am living in my dreams and excited for them because of her.
No plaque, chart placement, or accolades can compare when you realize your divine destiny. Jackie recognized at an early age that she identified as a transgender person and because of her family foundation particularly her mother and grandmother, she was allowed the space to express who she knew herself to be. The brave boldness to live authentically not just in the color of her skin, but also something deemed as “other” regarding her gender identity was a heavy crown to wear during her lifetime beginning in the 1940s. She didn’t let that stop her and she used that to fuel her ambitious mindset to accomplish her dreams. That power and authority of her personhood sits at the center of my story because as a powerful Black Trans Woman, I too have had to secure my foundation of self-identity so that no one could deny me of my own knowledge of who I am especially as an artist.
Being in her hometown performing at Nashville Black Pride, where I’m sure if she were alive and wanted to, she would’ve headlined, fuels the connection of why I continue to show up as an artist representing the Trans community in the music industry. “Any Other Way”, her iconic classic hit embodied the essence of soul that only she could deliver. This song showcased why her voice was a shining star in the industry that tried their best not to let her shine, yet she prevailed in her own way the Jackie Shane way.
The relevance of Jackie Shane’s Story can be seen throughout the many Black trans artists who are ever-expanding representation such as Jaila Simms, Teyana Trendz, Shea Diamond, Fatima Jamal, M.J. Rodriguez, Alexandra Grey, Baddie Brooks, Angelica Ross, Ms. Boogie, Mila Jam, Ahya Simone, Miss Mojo, 2AM Ricky, and me to name a few. All of us shine brightly in the most eclectic ways because Jackie Shane existed.
Me and 2AM Ricky (a popular Black Trans Masc artist), who recently made history by reaching top#3 on iTunes electronic charts with their massive hit “Move”, have a song collaboration coming out entitled “T4T(time for truth)”. This song explores the love, honor, and respect of seeing each other and loving what we see. We are excited for the world to take “T4T” into their hearts and minds to continue to spread the message of love. Trans Day of Remembrance is triggering honestly, but in life, you must face those traumatic things head-on to continue to grow. Having to remember the many trans people who lost their lives to senseless acts of violence because they were trans is heartbreaking.
That grief, frustration, love, and pain was the catalyst of my poignant single “Stop Killing Us” from my debut EP PRESENT. I wrote this song in honor of my chosen family members Chyna Doll Dupree Gipson and Ciara McElveen who were murdered one Mardi Gras weekend in New Orleans, LA simply because they were powerful Black Trans Women. We still seek justice like so many others for their loved ones and this song serves as a public service announcement to protect us and love us because we have a right to exist just like everyone else.
Still, in remembrance, there is the resolve of love, the resilience of the Black Trans community universally to keep on moving, and the royalty that we represent just in the fabric of our being. That is my way of continuing to honor the Black Trans icons such as Jackie Shane because I know one day my legacy will be honored respectfully.
So for Trans Day of Remembrance 2024, I ask that you learn more about Black Transgender trailblazers past and present, and support Black trans artists continuing the advocacy and art of this beautiful community overall. You can also support Black Trans Led organization’s like (UWC) Unique Woman’s Coalition which is created by Queen Chela Demuir to address the needs of Black Trans Culture. A first of its kind in which they have been doing that work for many years in the Southern California area. And lastly, if you are in positions of opportunity don’t forget to reach out and grant those amazing artists and community cultivators access to continued elevation!
“I wouldn’t have it any other way!” – Jackie Shane
Neverending Nina