Jessica Alalawi is an artist and activist who uses her voice to shed light on the transgender community, both the struggles and the triumphs. Her story and voice is extremely important in the Transgender Liberation Movement, especially while the community is facing unprecedented times.
In 2023, we witnessed an alarming surge in anti-trans bills, surpassing 500, with over 100 continuing into the 2024 legislative period. These legislative actions fostered hardships for the transgender community, particularly affecting transgender youth and trans women of color, amidst rising anti-trans sentiments. All trans people have been effected by this legislation and the general anti-trans sentiment sweeping the nation. Even online bullying has gone up, with many trans creators witnessing a surge in online attacks.
Jessica Alalwai has chosen not to be silent in the face of prejudice. She has gifted the movement her voice and songwriting with her new EP “Trans Genocide.” Trans Genocide cuts through the stereo with an incredible about of honesty and power. It helps trans people to realize they are enough, they can be who they are, and that being trans is beautiful. Rock the Pigeon is proud to break it down track by track.
The EP starts off with a fantastic song, “Not Dead Yet,” which is loaded with raw emotion We hear jazzy guitars, a low bass, and a voice that is swimming in blues notes. The song can serve as an anthem for the trans people that have faced oppression due to society’s gender stereotyping, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. The song carries the message, “We Won’t Be Erased.” This song and its lyrics bring empowerment to trans listeners, while taking back the power from transphobic people. It is true, trans people will never be erased. We have always existed and we will always continue to exist. No amount of hate could take that away.
The pace picks up for “Fuck You.” We hear a genre switch, from blues to an electro-pop track with punk sounding vocals, showcasing another side of Alalawi’s artistry. Catchy synth lines bring a grand hook to this track, while edgy lyrics pull the listener in further to the message in the song. Alalawi sings about taking her power back from transphobic people. She denounces bigotry throughout the track, mentioning people staring and harassing via slurs. This is unfortunately an experience that most trans people have gone through, wether online or out in the world. The song is about body autonomy and ending transphobia. After all, only trans people know what is best for trans people. Cis-people cannot make those decision for us and therefore should stay out of the discussion and law-making process.
We return to a slower pace for “Is It Fear?” A heavy kick drum carries us through. Jessica Alalawi sings, “Who can I be in a world that struggles to see me?” This song talks about the gaslighting that the trans community is subjected to by cis-society. Constantly facing scrutiny, ridicule, and dismissal of your identity can provoke self-doubt and intense negative feelings. This song dives deep into those negative emotions without fear.
A reggae groove kicks off the next song, “Silent Plea.” We hear a strong bass line, a horn section, and a bluesy piano performance. The production of this track is incredible and adds another dimension to the EP. The raw vocals bring a colossal amount of emotion to the track, pulling the listener in with every word that is sung. The chorus section of the song features a chorus of background singers, adding a sense of soul to the song. The lyrical messages in this song, follow the other tracks, staying in an activist lens.
The EP ends with a title-track, “Trans Genocide.” Synths and a stand-out bass line fill in the space as Jessica Alalawi shares a story of a trans woman that has been subjected to harassment and oppression. In the song, she will not back down. No matter how much hate is thrown at her, she will not back down. She speaks for the community at rallies and marches, and continues to spread the message to help end transphobia. “Victimized but victorious, she rose above the crowd.”
Listen to this incredible EP on Spotify now:
Want to Support more Trans Artists? Check out this playlist on Spotify:
Written by Ryan Cassata
The post Jessica Alalawi Blends Art with Activism on Her New EP “Trans Genocide” appeared first on ROCK THE PIGEON.