TRANSMISSION 16

The war on trans people is raging around the world and the UK is no exception. On April 16, 2025, just days after I landed, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex. While transgender people still have legal protections in the UK, no one from the trans or intersex community was contacted to testify in court leaving only hate groups with the mic to spew hate under the guise of women’s protections.

While we know that trying to legislate gender is a fools errand, the psychological and sociopolitical ramifications to trans and intersex people has left everyone on edge.

+++ The Show Must Go On +++

I walked down the stairs into the dark basement of The Divine where I found a group of trans entertainers tucked in the underbelly of this city’s night life.

Host Margo Marshall (IG @margomarshall_) put on a Charli XCX themed show doing 10 numbers (!!!) and dancing her heart out in between sets by Frigid Cvnt (Fi) (IG @frigid.cvnt) and Richard Energy (IG @richard_energy) aka Troye Sivan. There was a second show that featured Fi again in an iconic Estrodil costume she danced around in to Emotions by Mariah Carey with an appearance by trans masc dancer and multifaceted entertainer Chiyo (IG @prinxchiyo).

In both shows, incredibly talented and hardworking trans women spoke up about the impact of the UK ruling and encouraged the community to fight back. At the end of the night, Fi danced to I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan and I watched as one by one she pulled cis women out of the crowd to join her in the spotlight. As she smiled and spun around with them in a sequin dress I couldn’t help but cry. Even now as I write this I’m tearing up at how incredible it was to witness that moment of solidarity, grace and reclamation in the face of so much hate.

+++ New Friends +++

I was invited to the show by my friend Carlotta (IG @dnncarlotta) who is an incredible host, tour guide and social butterfly. She and I have spent a few nights riding around on her Vespa through the London streets and I’m grateful for her couch to crash on when the parties go late and her endless introductions to the many friends she has around the city.

I’ve had a very warm welcome by the community here, so far, and I look forward to meeting more people as time goes on. The thing I love about our community is that no matter where you are in the world, our chosen family cares for us and keeps us safe. What a gift.

+++ First International Show +++

When I announced my move to the UK, I immediately got a DM from a queer venue asking to have me play. Turns out they had been wanting to book me a jumped on the chance once they knew I was here. Small world.

They’ve asked me to screen my Abomination music video at The Arzner (IG @arznerbar), a queer cinema and sister venue to The Rising (IG @risingse1) where I’ll be playing a show right after all on the night of May 10th. The film screening will also include a Q&A hosted by trans legend Tom Gilbert of the band The Oozes (IG @theoozes). We'll be talking about my video turned political protest and the impact of the hatred faced both here and back home on the trans masc community. I plan to live stream the Q&A event on YouTube so make sure you tune in on May 10th at 7pm GMT // 12pm PST!

The show at The Rising will start at 10pm GMT right after and features drag performances by Richard Energy and Duniya Dhoom (IG @duniya_dhoom) with DJ Jack (IG @jackairdy). I am honored to have my work shown and can’t wait to play my first international show.

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I hope you’re able to get out and spend time in community. That’s where the love is deep enough to refill your empty cup.

XO- Freak

P.S. In light of the loss of suicide prevention hotlines in the US, please take advantage of the community I started over on Discord. If you still need access, just text me. If you feel like you’re on the brink and can’t get a hold of anyone to talk to just shoot me a text. I am always happy to listen.

DARCHNERVE TEXT LINE: 323-657-3474