“And you know it’s obvious, but we can’t choose how we’re made”
Don’t think there’s much to add to the news of Against Me!’s lead singer Thomas Gabel declaring he’s going through the process of becoming what he always perceived himself to be: a woman. I love Against Me and I love Tommy Gabel’s solo EP, and their gig in Milan in 2010 was amazing, one of the best memories of that year. And yeah, I always found him an handsome man, but I’ve a soft spot for redheads.
Anyway, this morning a friend gave me the news. I first was puzzled, and quite shocked, thinking about the wife, the daughter… I spent the whole day with this thought. Then this evening I considered the histories of the LGBT people I know and I figured out how hard has to deal with the fact you’re trapped in a body which you don’t feel as yours. How difficult to cope with this internal struggle when you spend your time with other guys, you play with them, and you become famous in punk community and then also in the mainstream. And I understood how brave is to say out loud what you are and that you don’t want to hide no more. That you finally want you be what you’ve always desired to be. As in All about my mother, “You are more authentic the more you resemble what you’ve dreamed of being.”
Such a courage, being in the position people will talk about yourself (as I’m doing now). And, maybe, such inspiring for the kidz.
And yes, as a fan I’m a bit concerned about songs and the band. We’ll see. Not so relevant, at the moment. What is important is to see Laura Jane Grace, as we’re going to call her, happy and smiling. And Gabel’ smile is and will be always wonderful, regardless of the fact it belongs to Tom or Laura.
