Against Me! Singer Laura Jane Grace On Gender Transition, Struggles & New Album

Against Me! performed in the hype Hotel during SXSW in Austin, TX on March 12, 2014
Misha Vladimirskiy / FilterlessCo



Laura Jane Grace , which came out as transgender two years ago, says she is able to sing in a new voice on the last album released by the band, because it is no longer hidden .

Grace, 33, came out as transgender in 2012. She was born Tom Gabel and has performed as the lead singer of punk rock band based in Florida against Me! Since 1997.


"This is not the first time an Against Me! Grabo I have songs that deal with those written feelings , but the first time I think I'm capable of being interpreted correctly or be able to be taken in the right perspective," said Grace in a recent interview . “So there was a lack of frustration to get into this album that is a very good feeling.”

Against Me! Announces Tour Behind ' Transgender Dysphoria Blues'
Sixth album from the band, "transgender Dysphoria Blues” is a concept album about a transsexual prostitute. The album marked a diagram of Against Me! When it reached number 23 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in late January.

"It's pretty self explanatory," Grace said of the album title. “I am a person who is undergoing gender transition and much of the record was written prior to the decision to embrace that and make public - . In my private life and my public life "

The band is on an international tour that concludes June 19 in Vitoria, Spain. Band member honesty Atom Willard said Grace made the strongest group.

“Be passionate about what you are doing and what you are singing about and what we're playing is paramount to good music in my mind," said the drummer. “So really to get the best performance and best recording and best songs ... we are very like minded about it."

Laura Jane Grace prepares for Against Me! Only dates Trek

Grace, who is married and has a daughter 4 years old, said the decision to transition was not easy.

“I’ve dealt with gender Dysphoria and since I can remember," Grace said. "The decision to fully transition was something that took a long time to come for sure. And it was something that I struggled with for a long time, but it came at the end. "