National Transgender charity Sparkle has launched a new awards event aimed at shining a spotlight on undiscovered musical talent from across the trans spectrum.
The Sparkle Music Awards will not only set out to identify trans and gender variant performers from across the country, but also nurture and develop them, with the eventual prize being the opportunity to record in a professional studio with an experienced producer.
For first year there will be two main categories: Best Trans Singer/Songwriter and Best Trans Solo Artist/Vocal Group.
Trustee and head judge Paulette Richards explained: “I've seen such a thirst for expression within the Trans community. It's literally bursting at the seams with creativity. People of all ages from diverse backgrounds wanting to do things and express themselves socially in the gender they feel most comfortable. By creating the Sparkle Music Awards people can be recognised and supported, all we’ve done is hopefully open the floodgates for that creativity to flow.
“I have of wealth of experience within the music industry, having been a signed artist with major record labels, a gold-selling producer, and performing as a session musician with many well-known artists, including Take That. I’m confident that the Trans community is brimming with unrecognised talent which deserves a wider audience.”
Jane Owen, chair of the Sparkle Board of Trustees, added “The Sparkle Music Awards is an exciting new project for the charity, and an amazing showcase for undiscovered talent which fulfils our remit to challenge the perceptions of trans people in society, and will provide increased visibility for singers and musicians who would otherwise be ignored by the recording industry because of their gender identity.”
The awards ceremony will be held as part of the annual Sparkle Weekend, held in Sackville Gardens, Manchester from July 7-9.
For more information, visit http://www.sparkle.org.uk/sparkle-talent.
