LCD Soundsystem’s Gavin Russom comes out as trans
LCD Soundsystem member Gavin Russom has come out as transgender.
Russom is the synth player for rock band LCD Soundsystem, which first became known for tracks Losing My Edge and Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.
The musician has largely stayed out of the limelight after the band’s 2011 disbandment, but after LCD Soundsystem got back together last year, she decided to open up about her gender identity.
In an interview with Pitchfork, Russom revealed she is trans.
She explained: “There was legitimately something unmanageable for me about living as a cis man. I was working so hard just to present this image of myself that ran very deeply counter to who I really am.
“To some degree I wish I had been able to work through it sooner, but I’m also very glad that I worked it the way I did.”
Russom explained to Grindr that she “could not imagine” going back on tour while in the closet.
She said: “My body rejected it in the same way that it now utterly rejects going into a men’s bathroom or when somebody calls me ‘sir’.”
The musician is still going by the name ‘Gavin’ at present, but says she may change it.
The other members of LCD Soundsystem have embraced the change.
Russom added: “The general feeling in the group is that will make the band better.”
She added: “In terms of seeking out support, it was a step-by-step thing. I had some really cool synchronicities. The clinic I have gone to for years happens to have a lot of specialists in trans health on staff. It was a great place for me to test things out in a totally safe environment.
“This was probably the first time in my life where I had the desire or willingness to reach out for support. To be in the context of a trans-feminine support group and have somebody point to my side of the room and ask, ‘Do any girls over here want to say something?’ That felt right.
“Over the last year and a half, I went from my trans identity being something I was in touch with and worked through in one way or another, to suddenly this shift where it’s on the front burner. Now it’s time to become a whole person.”
She added: “There may be people who are fans of either LCD or of my own music who really don’t have any experience with these things.
“It’s so easy to develop prejudices when you’ve never encountered a person in whatever group you’re prejudiced against.
“I hope there’s an opportunity to be of service and share my experience [in a way that’s] true to the music.
