Casper James, a resilient Trans Man hailing from a small village, now calls Cardiff, Wales, home. Fueled by aspirations and dreams, he embarked on a journey to elevate his music career with his Punk band. Casper's passion for performance ignited at the age of 15, marking the beginning of a remarkable artistic journey. Casper James is the lead singer of aggro-glam band TELGATE and founder of TransForm Music. TransForm Music is a trans-led project and a call to action in response to incidents of microaggressions and harassment towards transgender and non-binary people in music.  Through research and focus groups, TranForm Music has created safer spaces guidelines for music venues in Wales based entirely on the expressed needs of the trans community who took part in TransForm Music’s research. TransForm Music will provide free training to music venues in 6 areas of Wales in 2024 and will be launching a new confidential-reporting campaign which aims to support trans and non-binary people who have experienced harassment in music venues.links: <a href="http://www.beacons.cymru/transform">www.beacons.cymru/transform</a><a href="http://instagram.com/transformmusic">instagram.com/transformmusic</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/telgateuk">instagram.com/telgateuk</a> <a href="http://linktr.ee/telgateuk">linktr.ee/telgateuk</a> Being a trans man in Cardiff, Wales, in 2023 may involve a variety of experiences, as attitudes and inclusivity can vary within different communities and environments. Wales, in recent years, has made efforts to be more inclusive and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender individuals.In Cardiff, as in many urban areas, there may be more resources, support groups, and awareness of transgender issues. The city may offer more inclusive spaces, both socially and within institutions. However, the level of inclusivity can also depend on individual attitudes and specific circumstances.It's important to note that while progress has been made, challenges and varying degrees of acceptance can still exist. Some trans individuals may face discrimination or encounter less understanding in certain situations. On the positive side, awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and legal protections have been implemented to foster a more inclusive environmentIn addition to his musical pursuits, Casper has dedicated himself to comprehensive research on Trans Inclusion and Safety. His focus extends to understanding the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals within the music industry and at live events in Wales. With a grant from Becon Cmyrru Wales, he founded Transform Music, a platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of transgender artists.Casper actively engages in discussions about the publication of his research findings, shedding light on the intricacies of being a transgender individual in the music scene. Along the way, he has confronted and triumphed over numerous issues and barriers, paving the way for his current position. His journey not only exemplifies personal growth but also serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.Stay tuned for the revelations of Casper James' research, a testament to his commitment to fostering inclusion, safety, and understanding within the music community in Wales. Through Transform Music, he continues to break down barriers, advocating for a more diverse and accepting space for all.Interviewed by Saskhia Menendez a  Multi Racial Trans Woman in music and was recorded  for #TRANSAWARENESS Week 2023 Introducing Saskhia Menendez FRSA, a distinguished figure in the music industry, celebrated for her innovative contributions as an Innovator at Keychange and a member of the Board of Directors at The F List Music. As a LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Memb<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2020328/support">Support the show</a>

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Music Industry Insights Worldwide: Shaping Equality & Diversity in Music & Entertainment

Saskhia Menendez

Breaking Boundaries : Casper James Unveils the Trans Experience in Cardiff, Wales - Navigating Inclusivity in 2023. Episode 2 (Vol 3) Music Industry Insights Worldwide