Punk Rocker Comes Out as Transgender

Laura in Rolling Stone (do not own photo)

In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, punk-rocker Tom Gabel from the band Against Me! talks about being transgender and her transition to becoming a female. She will take the name Laura Jane Grace. I actually have the issue with me right not but haven't had a chance to read the article, so I might edit this or leave a comment with extra thoughts once I do. However, I'm really happy for Laura and I hope she is treated fairly kindly and with understanding...as she hopes. It's great she's being open about it though, and I hope it will open people's eyes up to what being transgender means for people.

Laura is married to a woman named Heather and they will continue to remain so, which is great. I hope they can help each other through this process. I enjoyed the short article Rolling Stone posted online and it makes me excited to read the entire thing because they do refer to Laura as a "she" even as they call her by the last name, Gabel still, which is important to show others that this is who she is and she deserves the chance to live as such.

As far as I know, she will continue to be a part of Against Me! and I wish her all the best.

Another article on the news was published by LA Times and though they do refer to Laura as a he in this one, I still wanted to note it because of something I wasn't aware of. I know who Against Me! is and I'd enjoyed a song or so in the past, but I never really payed much attention...though I do hope too now because they are good and I want to show support!

At any rate, the LA Times mentioned a song that the band released in the past called "The Ocean" where Laura states her true feelings-

And if I could have chosen, I would have been born a woman
My mother once told me she would have named me Laura
I'd grow up to be strong and beautiful like her
One day, I'd find an honest man to make my husband

She might not have a husband, but hopefully her wife and her can make it through and she will grow up to be as strong and as beautiful as her mom.

If you would like to hear an acoustic version of the "The Ocean"...just look below-