All youth need music that reflects who they are, and trans/nonbinary youth especially need support during this challenging time of increased isolation.
Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix is a curated playlist of original songs by artists all over the gender map, celebrating life and offering trans/nonbinary youth a reflection of their world. The mix includes joyful, danceable songs, poignant ballads, songs with nonbinary pronouns, folk, hip-hop, pop, and more, offering kids of all ages (and adults) something to love, and lots to celebrate.
Ants on a Log, an award-winning family folk duo from Philadelphia, created an open call for the compilation and invited kids artists, trans/nonbinary musicians, and cisgender allies to contribute. The 21-song mix includes the new Ants on a Log release “They’re My Best Friend.” GRAMMY winners and nominees, the Alphabet Rockers, Cathy Fink, Alastair Moock, and The Okee Dokee Brothers added songs to fit the theme. Songs were also donated by Totally Knuts, Ryan Cassata, Vivek Shraya, Evan Greer, Salem Corwin, Beppie, Star Amerasu, Chana Rothman, Shawnee, be steadwell, Queer Kid Stuff, Two of a Kind, StormMiguel Florez, Emily Joy, and Jennifer Angelina Petro.
For many children and teens, COVID-19 has exacerbated their sense of isolation. For trans and nonbinary youth, isolating at home may make it difficult or impossible to express their gender, use their chosen name, or live authentically. This compilation is a reminder that there are so many people out there who are thinking about freedom of gender expression, writing music about it, and supporting trans/nonbinary youth. As every child and teen has experienced, putting on your favorite music can be transcendent and comforting, and this is especially important now as youth are isolated from their peers and communities where they can experience belonging.
A GoFundMe campaign supports the musicians and graphic artist Wriply Bennet, who created the cover art. The mix is free on Bandcamp, with all donations benefitting Camp Aranu’tiq (www.camparanutiq.org), a summer camp for trans/nonbinary youth. More about the project is available here: www.AntsonaLogMusic.com/transmix.
