The Good Luck, Babe! singer talks about the importance of advocating for the trans community
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGE BY MTV
Chappell Roan has made headlines a lot in the past year. From playing one of the largest crowds ever seen at Coachella to calling out the bad behaviour of paparazzi, she has built a name for herself as not only an incredible musician but as someone unafraid to stand up for herself and her community. But she has recently pushed back against those calling her brave, saying her advocacy, particularly for the trans community, isn’t bravery – it’s life or death.
In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, to celebrate receiving their Sound Of 2025 award, Chappell was praised for her bravery when it came to setting boundaries with fans and the press. “I think it comes out of survival more than bravery,” said the singer. “Me standing up for myself on a red carpet or fighting for trans rights with what is happening [in the USA] is life or death.”
“It’s just a duty.” She added. “I feel responsible to do my best as a human.” Chappell is known for making unabashedly queer music and dedicated her VMAs win to the “queer and trans people who fuel pop”. She has also used her platform to speak up in support of the trans community.
During the US election, Chappell was criticised for not endorsing a candidate, but she explained to The Guardian that she could not publicly endorse anyone because of several issues she saw with the government, including how trans rights are dealt with. “They cannot have cis people making decisions for trans people, period.”
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