Last night, news swirled around the music world that Tom Gabel, vocalist/songwriter of alternative/punk band Against Me! has come out as transgender.
According to Rolling Stone (which will feature a lengthy article about Gabel and his situation in the next issue), Gabel had dealt with gender dysphoria for years, and finally decided to go public with the news now.
Needless to say, this is a very courageous decision, as it’s the first case of a relatively high-profile musician to go down this path. Gabel will assume the name Laura Jane Grace, and will stay married to her wife Heather.
This story shocked basically everyone, but some Against Me! fans have noted that lyrics to some of the band’s songs now seem oddly prescient – particulary the song The Ocean, from 2007′s New Wave:
If I could have chosen, I would have been born a woman
My mother once told me she would have named me Laura
I would grow up to be strong and beautiful like her
One day I’d find an honest man to make my husband
RCM extends our best wishes to you, Laura, on your big announcement and hope everything goes smoothly regarding your transition.