Shea Diamond, Singer-Songwriter and Trans Rights Activist
by Gabrielle Barnes
I became a musician through patience and a whole lot of praying. After my 10 year incarceration, I was desperately searching for the Hollywood dream with a collection of songs I wrote while in prison. I ventured out to the concrete jungle that is New York. I knew if it didn’t break me, I could get a shot at living my dream.
Post divorce, mid-depression, and at the point of giving up, a friend of mine suggested I reach out to my community. After being asked to sing at a Trans Lives Matter rally, I was discovered by singer/songwriter and living icon, Justin Tranter. It was from there that I began my journey of being a formidable black Trans musician.
One of my ultimate favorite songs, would be the very first song I wrote, “I AM HER.” I’ve always had my own personal views about sexuality, spirituality, and my femininity! The essence of my core, even as early as 5 years old, has always been effeminate. In battling with it and those who were in opposition, I became adamant about living my truth. Incarceration was just another battle over my body and mind that sought to correct my femininity and punish me for existing outside of cis normalcy. Feeling like an outcast for most of my life, I began writing down my thoughts about my existence and others like me. I was angry about the treatment we received, the lack of unconditional love, the thoughts and views of the church that demonized, ostracized, and condemned. I unknowingly began writing my first song, which became an anthem. While incarcerated, I began sending my songs to the Library of Congress while waiting for my eventual release.
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Incarceration was just another battle over my body and mind that sought to correct my femininity and punish me for existing outside of cis normalcy.”
photo courtesy of Shea Diamond, from Gloss Magazine
Sometimes I think I would be more successful in the music field if I didn’t out myself as Trans. I often think about how I’m letting down a new generation of Trans youth who have the same dreams and ambitions as everyone else, but never get to see someone that looks/identifies like them actually being accepted and celebrated for their musical contributions. Being Black in any industry can be challenging, but adding on another layer of unapologetic Transness is actually next level: people aren’t taught to respect, love, or protect Trans bodies. I never expected I would be in a circle of successful Trans musicians that actually get to tell their truth and represent my community in a positive light after such a checkered past. Rejection, I’ve known it. Disappointment, I’ve known it. Now I can say, getting the opportunity to make my dream a reality, I’ve done it! I believe we are still lacking in Trans representation in music— there should be more. There are more waiting for their opportunity, but you would never know it ‘cause the music industry is toxic and transphobic as hell! Understand we must work ten times harder just to be seen and a hundred times harder to be celebrated and a million times harder to be paid our worth and amplified to the level of our cis counterparts.
“we must work ten times harder just to be seen and a hundred times harder to be celebrated and a million times harder to be paid our worth and amplified to the level of our cis counterparts.”
photo by Ira Chernova
I look to the late and greats for inspiration, as I believe it has never been done better than when it was done by the originators. I am not one to be boxed in any genre; I love the freedom of just being able to tell great stories. Nina Simone, Tina Turner, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Babyface, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack, Shirley Caesar, Jackie Shane and Beyoncé, just to name a few, carved their own paths and inspired poor Black kids like me who had a dream. Because my Trans experiences differ from boring tales of cis straight normalcy, I feel like I have the freedom to tell stories unique to my own experiences.
My advice to other Black womxn pursuing the music field is to be yourself. Don’t attempt to be a carbon-copy, watered-down version of Beyonce— You can’t out-Beyoncé Beyoncé; she has that covered! Be yourself, find your unique sound, perfect and create your own lane, and ride it like a Tesla. We are all inspired by originality. Don’t fret about being underrated or the underdog. Remember that someone is looking up to you, so set an example you can be proud of. Once you’ve reached your goal, be the guiding light to brighten someone else’s path!
“Remember that someone is looking up to you, so set an example you can be proud of.”
Where do I think I’d be if music didn’t exist in my life? Honestly, I would probably be working at a fast food restaurant or doing survivor work if I wasn’t in the music industry. Going to college presented its own share of challenges. Having a criminal record sets you back when it comes to most careers, especially those requiring a license. I would more than likely still be looking to a man that doesn’t truly value me or my career goals for support. I’d feel disposable and less empowered. Music truly saved my life!
To connect with Shea, click here. To listen to her new song, click here!
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.