Tona's OUTMUSIC Awards Interview

I recently posted the press release concerning the upcoming OUTMUSIC awards happening in New York on the 23rd.  I was delighted to find out that the multitalented Tona Brown and her ensemble will be performing during that event and she graciously consented to do an interview with the TransGriot about it.

TransGriot: How excited are you to not only be performing but representing the trans community at this event?

I am elated and deeply honored to be representing the trans community at the 7th Annual Outmusic Awards on May 23rd at Irving Plaza in NYC. To perform in any capacity as an "out" artist is immensely gratifying because one can be their authentic self. I would like to show young African American trans people that you can succeed and achieve all of your dreams with hard work and perseverance.

As things stand today in the music industry there is still a fear of coming "out" and for good reason. Many artists face losing major endorsements, recording contracts and deals, a decreased volume of concert appearances and record sales, having their names put in tabloids, newspapers, and TV as a joke or scandal and/ or living with the fear of being physically and emotionally harmed.

Although I realized that it would take me longer to get to where I wanted to go as an "out" musician I knew it was the only option for me. I must be true to myself first so that my audience can appreciate who I am.

Lastly, by hiding in the "closet" there is a subliminal message of being ashamed of who you are that one sends to society. I am far from ashamed to represent the transgendered community and to show the world that we are a talented, educated, beautiful and relevant population that deserves the same rights and opportunities as any other group of people.

TransGriot: Transpeople have been making the point that we can excel in any musical genre. Do you think being classical trained is making the same type of societal statement? 

I can not agree more that trans people are ideal for the fine and performing arts in fact if you look at any music video, attend any concert or go to any fashion show often times you will see just how much the trans community has influenced the arts.

What I find appalling is how we as trans people are used by the music industry to help mainstream artists become more successful but we are never given the credit for doing so. Trans people are "allowed" to be the make-up artists, choreographers, hairstylists, background singers and songwriters, stylists, stage personnel, vocal coaches and teach the celebrities how to have personality and pizazz on the main stage. However we are not allowed the opportunity to pursue our dreams to be in the front of the stage or to pursue a solo career.

As a transgendered artist you are just supposed to understand that society is "not ready for a transgendered super star yet" or understand that the industry is too homophobic so therefore your job is to help someone else become a super star.

Transgendered artists are no longer doing that. We have helped long enough it is time for us to showcase our talents for the world to see and for the world make their own decisions regarding who they will support.

TransGriot: What has it been like working for the Outmusic Team?

Working for the Outmusic team has definitely been an "eye opener" for me because I have learned just how much the LGBT community does not support its own artists. The LGBT community will pay for artists outside of the community to come to LGBT prides and events before they will pay for someone that is already in the community and "out". This is a huge problem because if we as LGBT people cannot come back and receive support from our own community for our recording projects, tours and performances then we stand no chance in having a future.

I remember "coming out" nationally in 2005 or 2006 and thinking that there would be a lot of calls from LGBT affiliated programs that would support my efforts to succeed and found very little support. In fact, I got more support from the heterosexual community then I did from the LGBT community.

Now in 2011 I am working with LARA (LGBT Academy of Recording Arts) foundation the organization that founded the Outmusic Awards in an effort to bring attention to LGBT artists that are working hard to provide the best in music for our community. Its time to see LGBT super stars that did not have to "hide" first then come "out" or be found out through scandal to succeed.

We must first look within the LGBT community and ask ourselves why do we support homophobic artists and record labels? Why don't we demand our large pride organizations to seek talented LGBT artists for our parades and functions! News Flash America We ARE OUT THERE!

I also realized that there just simply was not enough information on record to find these artists and that is why the Outmusic Awards are so important. I feel that with the right support these awards will be the beginning of change. We will finally have something similar to the "Emmy's" or "Grammy's" but for LGBT artists. Our community can see what LGBT artists are doing around the world and support those artists and applaud them for being strong and fighting for Equality in the Music Industry.

I am also working hard on my own recording project this summer to share with the world and writing a memoir about my life experiences thus far. Of course TransGriot will be updated on the release of each project!

TransGriot:.What do you think will be the long term and short benefits of working closely with LARA/ Outmusic?

The long term benefits of working closely with LARA and Outmusic is having an equal platform to be seen and to perform. Our Executive Director Dierdre Meredith understands that trans people are not getting the opportunities that we deserve. Which is why she asked me to perform the first classical music performance to be included on the show in the history of the Outmusic Awards.

I jokingly call her the "mother" of LGBT Equality in the Music Industry because she is very passionate about equality for all! Ms. Meredith and members of the Board of Directors and Advisors are fighting to make sure that transgendered individuals get the same opportunities as everyone else. I have listened to her question various publications and labels as to why they do not have any transgendered representation on their boards, in magazines, on the radio etc. I am very proud to be on the National Advisory Board for this organization and feel that LARA is an ally for the transgendered community.

TransGriot:. Any hints on what we can expect to see from you performance wise for those that cannot attend the Awards?

I am very pleased to announce that I will be performing solo accompanied by "The Aida String" ensemble in a performance of the Presto movement from the "Summer" concerto of Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". This movement is a work of virtuosic intensity and fireworks depicting a musical thunder storm. Vivaldi was very meticulous in his description of each movement to help the performers understand what feelings to project and to help tell a story with his music. Many of you have heard some of the fast scales in commercials and as sound bites on television and in cartoons!

Ironically this piece is one of the first pieces I ever listened to as a young person growing up and falling in love with the violin. What an honor it is to perform this work for the community! I'm very excited to perform this work with such a talented group of musicians!

Lea T's Models.com Interview

Trans model Lea T will be appearing on Oprah today.   While I still have major issues with Oprah for not ever interviewing an African-American transperson on her show, I'm still going to grudgingly watch this one when it airs later today.

To get you warmed up for that interview, will post the models.com one Lea did recently for you ro peruse.


Lea T models.com interview from models.com on Vimeo.

Moni's On TransFM Later Tonight

As part of Ethan's traditional Hellidaze broadcasts on TransFM where for the 13 days leading up to Christmas day he conducts interviews with many of the people in the trans community,  he made it quite clear during this 7th anniversary edition that the TransGriot would not escape being interviewed by him.

Moni's segment on TransFM  will be on starting around 9:15 PM EST  (8:15 PM CST) so tune in, it should be a lot of fun as usual.

The 7th annual series of Hellidaze broadcasts will be live from 6:00 PM ET - Midnight and started December 13.   They will conclude on December 25.

So if you're interested in hearing what me and the rest of the trans community has to say about various topics, you can check it out my TransFM turn later tonight by clicking this link     

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Tona Brown

TransGriot Note:  What I envision for this TransGriot Ten Questions interview segment is to on a regular basis talk to people inside our community, the up and coming leaders, opinion shapers, artists, thinkers, icons and interesting personalities who are molding and shaping our chocolate trans world.  


This interview is with Tona Brown, who not only has mad classical music skills, she has begun stepping out as a leader and role model to the transwomen of her generation.   She's also performing in a upcoming concert with trans musician Desiree Hines as part of the TDOR events in Baltimore, MD.  


Time for Tona to answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions:


1-You've had a few interesting changes in your life over the last few years. How have they impacted you?

TB-Like anyone else I have had to deal with the effects of a rough economy and the struggles of being a classical artist in America. But I really can't complain too much. The Lord does provide when I least expect it. But moving to Baltimore has had its challenges but overall its been a good experience. I find that the GLBT organizations here are really trying to make a difference and many of them are trans inclusive which is nice.

2-How have you incorporated your world class musical talents into your activism?

TB- I have decided to use performance opportunities as ways to advocate for my community. Often times people do not expect musicians to have an opinion about much of anything unless you are a celebrity. I was really honored to be asked to sing the National Anthem at the Department of Veterans Affairs this year. It was really great and I got the opportunity to share my story with all the veterans. I applaud them for all they do for this country and would do it again if asked to do so.. Maybe not at 8 am! LOL.  The recordings are on YouTube.

3-What are your thoughts about the upcoming TDOR and what does that day mean to you?

TB- The Transgendered Day of Remembrance is very important to me and I usually perform every year for a vigil somewhere on the east coast. I think its imperative that trans people let the world know about the horrendous hate crimes against our community. Its great that we have this day to commemorate those that have been slain just for being who they are.

This upcoming TDOR is very special to me because I am currently residing in Baltimore, MD and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake will be holding a press conference to let the city know about the events around the city dedicated to TDOR. It's really great to see a local government take part in this day as well. It shows that the city does care about its citizens black, white, gay or transgender.

4-How excited are you to be performing with another musically gifted transperson in Desiree Hines? 

TB- I am very excited to share the stage with Desiree Hines. Its such a pleasure to be able to perform with another sister of color and to really show the world what we can do. There are so many negative stereotypes about transwomen. I have often felt alone as a trans artist of color in classical music. Meeting and speaking with Desiree Hines has been a rewarding and gratifying experience and I wanted to include her on this project. She of course was excited and thought the concert was an excellent idea! I mean how lucky are we to be able to perform together as two beautiful and talented sisters of color performing the music we love so much in a beautiful church amongst our community.

I will be performing with Ms. Hines again a few weeks later on December 1st for the Out Music Awards in NYC. We are very excited to be one of the opening acts for what is being called the "Gay Emmys" being broadcast on LOGO-TV for 40 million viewers! Here again we will dispel negative stigma and stereotypes and let the WORLD see how dynamic we are. I hope to see more sisters like us grace the stages and demand attention in the future on platforms like these.

5-How important is it to have African-American trans role models, and do you feel we have enough or of them or not enough of them?

TB- I feel that it is imperative for young African American Transexuals to have role models that look just like them! I know growing up in Norfolk, VA I never saw anyone that looked liked me and that made it harder for me to transition. Our community does have a number of role models and many more that live in "stealth" the problem is that these men and women are not speaking out and showing everyone who they are and what abilities they have. This makes advocating for our community very hard because we don't have more examples or statistics to show what our community does and what it needs.

How are we to expect trans women to know what it means to be ladies or guys to be gentlemen if there are no role models out there for them to learn from? If we are not speaking out and fighting then I fear the worst for our young transmen and women who will be here years after we all pass away. I want it to be easier for them to follow their dreams and achieve their goals.


6-As you observe our African-descended trans community, what are the things we are doing right and what do you think we need to improve on?

TB- The AA trans community is definitely doing some things very well for instance we are starting to speak out against injustice, sensationalism in the media, and start our own organizations that will be able to express our unique needs to the government. But the numbers of those participating are still low. That needs to change dramatically.

On a positive note..We look good! I must say that my brothers and sisters are some of the most beautiful people in the world and that makes me very proud. However, what are our young people using these good looks for and to do? The skies are truly the limits and no longer can a transexual use being a transexual as an excuse not to work and be a productive member of society. Will the road be hard. Of course it is! But its not impossible! We see it everyday!

My biggest complaint is our lack of unity. So many of us tend to bring a street mentality to life, relationships and even advocacy. Its all about the competition of who looks the best and who has the best looking mate or the nicest car or even who has the most work done.. Instead of any continuity or congruency amongst our people.

That must change. We are too preoccupied with all things that are materialistic. We want everything to quick and we are not willing to put in the hard work or willing to be vulnerable enough to grow. But this is not just an issue for trans people of color this is an issue for all people of color.


7-Do you believe your trans elders are doing enough to pass down our history to your generation of trans people?

TB- I do not feel that my trans elders are doing enough to share the stories of those before them or even about themselves. As a young woman I want to know that I am not alone and I want to be able to open a book and see women LIKE ME! I feel that is changing slowly but surely. But there is not enough literature out there. I also feel that we don't acknowledge our trans elders at all.. I was so pleased to see it done for the first time here in Baltimore at Baltimore Black Pride a few years ago and IN Philly there was a pioneer workshop. But we need more of it. The baby boomers are seasoned and mature and there are a lot of stories that are lost in the mix! Those stories are our stories and include the history of transgendered people in America!

8-How important is it to form friendships and working relationships with other African descended trans and cis women?

TB- I think that positive interpersonal relationships are very important among women both trans and cis gendered. No one is saying that every female you meet is going to understand you or be your best friend. But we can all learn from each other. Also my trans sisters must understand that we are essentially all we have. EACH OTHER.. The more you alienate yourself from other transwomen the worst off you become. Can you trust every lady because she is also trans OF COURSE NOT! But those that you can trust and that you can at least learn something from then open your mind and heart to doing so. We all have our own unique history and validity in this community.
9-If you could perform with any artist at any venue in the world, who would that artist be and where would you perform?

TB- If I could perform with any artist in any venue in the world it would have to be La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy with Anne Sophie Mutter, Jessye Norman, Grace Bumbry, Leontyne Price or Shirley Verret! . 


10-And what do you see for yourself and the transcommunity of color ten years down the road? 

TB- My hopes for the transcommunity ten years down the road are to see more trans people breaking stereotypes and being leaders. I would like to see more artists as well of all genres performing main stream and getting acceptance from the masses. People are getting more comfortable with the gay issues but are not really relating to individuals that are transgendered.. Right now we are still so taboo and strange. That won't change until we are more public about our lives..

I would also like to see more transpeople married and in long term relationships. I would love to attend the weddings of many of my sisters and to be married myself one day. I would also like to see the men and women that love us stand up and speak up for us as well.. We have too many "silent" partners- I call them. That will not change until we hold them accountable. They love you but don't want the world to know or wish to remain anonymous in order to deflect the despairing views of their family, friends, coworkers etc. But until this thought pattern changes it will be hard for us to be seen as "normal"

Until you can show an entire TV show of trans people married and happy in long term relationships and their partners speaking up and saying "I love HIM OR HER and who CARES WHAT YOU THINK!" We will always be at a disadvantage.