Bells Larsen, a Canadian singer-songwriter, has canceled his US tour due to passport gender marker issues amid a political climate hostile to LGBTQ+ people. A recent update from USCIS into recognizing only male or female biological sexes threatens trans and non-binary individuals when seeking visas. Despite the struggles with his tour, Larsen aims to voice the experiences of the trans community while focusing on his new album, Blurring Time, which explores his identity journey. His situation exemplifies broader challenges for trans individuals amidst changing policies.
I feel overwhelmed by the degree to which my community is being completely dehumanized, Larsen said on a Zoom call from his Montreal apartment, where colorful figure drawings by his partner, Noah, covered the wall.
On 12 April, Larsen announced on Instagram that he was pulling out of concerts to promote the album in eight cities this spring: To put it super plainly, because I'm trans (and have an M on my passport), I can't tour in the States, he wrote.
This means that trans or non-binary travelers could face issues with their documents when applying for visas or attempting to enter the US.
I wish to transcend the touring visa drama and focus on the music, while also speaking out against efforts to legislate trans identities out of public life in America.
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