In February of this year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Black trans rapper Cuee. We discussed his career, future hopes, and musical and transitional journeys, but one aspect of our interview particularly inspired me: his emphasis on joy. Despite the darkness the transgender community faces, Cuee stated, “I want people to hear my story…and be like, ‘Okay, there’s the joy.’” His music has certainly achieved this goal — joy is present throughout his discography, and he has once again musically embodied trans happiness in his latest single, “Proud Boi.”
Queer Next Up: Evan Collins
Evan Collins (he/him) a trans filmmaker from Ontario, Canada with interests in accessibility, musical theatre and Sign Language. He typically works in horror films and documentaries but loves going outside that comfort zone.
Queer Next Up: Niki M’nray
Niki M’nray (she/her) is a trans American artist who uses her art to draw attention to world issues such as capitalism, the mistreatment of the LGBTQ+ community, and to generally have a voice despite all the laws pushing for trans eradication.
Queer Next Up: Nathanaìl Evan Linardìs
Nathanaìl Evan Linardìs (he/him) is a transgender artist based in Athens, Greece. His work is primarily self-reflective and includes painting, music and poetry.
Queer Next Up: juniper harwood
juniper harwood (xe/it) is a neuroqueer digital and textile artist, and beginner jewelry maker! Xyr art has a lot of nostalgic and colorful themes, and a focus on making things that are fun to look at and touch. Its work is informed by experiences of childhood trauma, rebirth and connection.
parajitos
A poem about the way our institutions and some people fail to protect young trans people and profit off their deaths in different ways, while the people who loved them are left to deal with the actual grief.
Queer Next Up: Cuee
Cuee (he/him) is a 29-year-old Black trans recording artist from Chicago, IL, known best for his interactive and hype live performances. Cuee’s music style blends the lyrical confidence of Missy Elliot and Chance the Rapper with the undeniable swagger and finesse of LL Cool J. His debut single, “Shook,” was released in 2018 and has accumulated over 420,000 streams on Spotify.
Queer Next Up: Emmet Abrams
Emmet Abrams (he/they) is a transmasculine writer, animator, and self described “professional jester” based in Los Angeles.
