Welp, the terrible folks in positions of power across these United States (and all around the world) are still at it. Seems like every day we wake up to worse and worse news about increasingly-emboldened lawmakers coming up with more and more devious plots to take away people’s rights, especially LBGTQ+ people, and ESPECIALLY trans people.
It’s hard not to feel frustrated and helpless in the face of so much shittiness and — if we’re being honest — outright maliciousness and malevolence. But for what it’s worth, there are at least some good people out there trying to be helpful. People like Trans Lifeline, “run by and for trans people” to provide needed support for the community.
Also people like Food Desert Recordings, “supporting charities that uplift and empower maligned communities.” Today the digital label officially launches its third fundraising compilation, a gargantuan 27-track effort ranging from traditional heavy metal to post-metal, avant-garde black metal to dark ambient, harsh noise to trap metal. The artists, which include members of the trans community and allies, have donated tracks which in many cases are exclusive non-album singles or alternate versions you won’t find anywhere else. And all proceeds go to Trans Lifeline, which according to the label have totaled nearly $700 so far just from pre-orders.
Various Artists – Please, Just Let Me Breathe: A Compilation in Support of Trans Lifeline (Food Desert Recordings, 28 April 2023)
From Food Desert Recordings‘ Bandcamp page:
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate parents that allow minors to socially or medically transition. But it didn’t stop there. Multiple states have enacted laws restricting trans student participation in athletics. Alabama passed a youth medical care ban. Florida pushed the “Don’t Say Gay” law reducing discussion of LGBTQIA+ identities in K-3 classrooms. And these are just a few example of anti-trans laws that have been either introduced or passed since 2022.
The fight to support the LGBTQIA+ is far from over. In fact, it’s barely even begun. That’s where Trans Lifeline come in. Trans Lifeline “provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one.” It’s “run by and for trans people, a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.” Their mission is to connect trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive. You can read more about Trans Lifeline here: translifeline.org
All proceeds from this album will be donated to Trans Lifeline every month to help them achieve their mission. As always, thank you for your generosity and support.
Please Just Let Me Breathe: A Compilation in Support of Trans Life Line is available for purchase right now, right here.
Featured artists include:
Bruxa
Jessica Kelly
Espi Kvlt
The Collapse
Woundlicker
Serpent Moon
Splat R
Serpent Moon
Henges
Without History
Double Hell Death Match
How I Became Invisible
Magnolia
Thresher V2.0
Cramp Bark
Non Serviam
Fire to the Prisons
Trǫlláss
Crimson Dreams
Desdenova
The Atomic Anomic
Through Mists
Caïna
Shedding Velvet
Everson Poe
Slain Thought
Spaceseer
Jacob Panic
Valley of Steel 