Transwoman nominated for Best Female Solo Artist at Brits

Yes, as it's Female Solo Artist it seems that there has been some kind of miracle.

Who knew a male could become a female?!

Oh wait...

His new name is just how Glaswegians would say Anthony - but with a heavy glottal stop

So it is!

If there aren't enough artists for a trans category then at least have the same number of women and add the TW in so a woman isnt missing out on the nomination and the coverage.

Also went on about how the feminisation of positions of power. Would like the Dalai Lama yo come back as a woman or for deities to be seen as female - a female Allah for example. This in mind, i'm surprised they sccepted the nomination in the female category.

His new name is just how Glaswegians would say Anthony - but with a heavy glottal stop.

I tried to listen. I got as far as him having a homeopathic relationship with the moon because he's mostly water and had to hit the eject button.

Ah, I've gone and done some research. I actually had heard of Antony and the Johnsons. I even have one of their albums. I just didn't recognize her under her new name.

It's interesting that this is their first nomination given that they've been a musician for many years

What is your point? If you are trying to suggest this is some sort of "career move" for an otherwise undeserving artist you are miles off.

As Antony Hegarty she was nominated for and won the Mercury prize in 2005 for her second album I am a Bird Now. Under the Antony and the Johnsons name she released 4 studio albums and several live albums, at least 2 recorded with full orchestras. These may not have been huge sellers but they sold well enough and are hugely critically acclaimed. He /she has no difficulty selling out concert halls. Her work uses elements of performance art and the support acts when I saw her were contemporary dance artists, not bands. She is not really run of the mill Brits' award material.

The album which won the Mercury prize has a theme of exploring gender/ transgender issues. The CD cover is that famous photograph of Candy Darling on her death bed; the inner notes have copies of 2 letters dated 1966 by children taken from a medical journal on hermaphrodism and sex reassignment. She is definitely not just band wagon jumping.

The live album Cut the World; features a track called "Future Feminism", which consists of a speech in which Anohni (and I'm quoting) "disparages patriarchal religions and advocates for a shift towards feminine systems of governance as part of an effort to avert global ecological disaster"

I honestly don't know what you will make of this but give it a listen.

Do these people not know the definition of female? It really is very simple. A transwoman does not fulfil the criteria for best female anything. If they wish a transwoman to win the award they need to rename the award.

Ah, apologies then! I will ask to get my post removed!

It's interesting that this is their first nomination given that they've been a musician for many years...

I'm very happy for them to explore gender issues. But they are a man and should still be in the male category.

To be fair to Antony/Anohni gender issues/ transgender identity has been a major theme in all their work since the first album.

The Antony and the Johnsons' material is stunning. I walked out of an Anohni performance- nothing to do with transgender issues- just hated the new musical style.

I defer to your greater knowledge Lass, I was only speaking from my hazy recollection of the "band".

Anohni used to be the lead singer of Anthony and the Johnsons but has been a solo artist for a while now

That's not really what it was. Anthony and the Johnsons was the name used but there wasn't a band in the traditional Beatles/Oasis sense.

The Johnsons were a changing group of (excellent) studio and touring sessions musicians. The sole creative input came from Antony Hegarty. "Antony and the Johnsons " was always a solo artist.

Anohni used to be the lead singer of Anthony and the Johnsons but has been a solo artist for a while now.

Ah fuck it I can't be bothered to try to be eloquent any more.

Jesusfreakingfuckingshiteburgers to this wankfest.

Ah, that's better.

Wouldn't it have been better for the nominating committee to put her up for the man's award again - the 'expanding the boundaries of your own sex' idea?

The Brit Awards always tries to be on-trend, which is part of the reason they have been nominated.

She's the only one of the list I've never heard of.

Plus, if she's in a band, then why is she nominated as a solo artist?

I like the music a lot (incredible vocals) but suspect the nomination is more about the politics of embracing a transagenda--or being seen to embrace it, than anything else.

Right, the marketing concept behind the Spice Girls was that not only their haircuts were different but their body type and made up character were too.

The music industry is very sexist. "They all look the same" female bands come from the same brand of sexism as "they all look a bit different, which one would you fuck" female bands.

I'm not sure that being male is another way to be a girl......

In fact, yes I am, being an adult male, is emphatically not showing another way to be a girl (or a woman).