Tom Gabel’s Sexual Transition - A Fan’s Reaction
so, I haven’t been on Tumblr in ages, but since a recent piece of mine that I wrote for a website with hundreds of thousands of followers has rejected this because it was deemed “too controversial”, I had to find another outlet. There’s nothing over-the-top about this article in any way, it’s honest words from a fan’s perspective, and I at least wanted to be able to share it and not have to worry about an editor’s opinion.
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For those of you who are fans of the wonderful punk band Against Me!, you’ve probably spent the past several years swooning over the magical music beast that is Tom Gabel. That voice! The way he wears a black T-shirt! The way he wears a non-shirt! That devilishly charming smirk! The reason ‘Don’t Lose Touch’ was my ringtone for over two years! Oh, to be a single bead of sweat on that tattooed arm instead of being covered in this tattooed stranger’s sweat in the middle of a Warped Tour mosh pit!
You get it. If you’ve felt these same sighs of fandom, you are probably just as shocked at the singer’s announcement in this month’s issue of about his intentions to undergo the medical and legal transformation from man to woman. It’s a whirlwind of emotions I don’t think I’ve felt since I found out Zachary Quinto was gay. Sorry if this was an obvious one to everyone else, but Spock had me fooled. I’m a real sucker for elf ears. It was a ridiculous mix of sadness and grief slapped against the head by pride and joy. A strange letdown, personally, to discover the news, and one that left me feeling conflicted and almost selfish. At the same time, I felt such an overflowing ecstasy that someone is doing such a great thing in their lives and becoming truly happy with finding themselves.
On the Rolling Stone website, contributing editor Josh Eells shared some parts of the interview with Gabel, who will now be going as Laura Jane Grace, to reveal extra details of his time with her. The singer explains, “I know our fans and it may be too much for some of them to take, but I know that a lot of them are open-minded and welcoming. I hope they’ll come on this journey with me.”
Gabel has dealt with gender dysphoria her whole life, a disorder that leaves one feeling uncomfortable as their biological sex, and even expressed this in the song ‘The Ocean’ off of 2007’s New Wave.
“If I could have chosen, I would have been born a woman
My mother once told me she would have named me Laura
I would grow up to be strong and beautiful like her…”
Strangely enough, I remember hearing this song and developing more respect for Against Me! as a band, but for different reasons. I recall being taken aback by the proclamation, yet simply assumed they’re just a group of great guys sharing their reverence for mothers and women. Who says no to a boy who sings about lovin’ his mom? However, I had never thought as deeply as to the connotations these words actually hold; those of the inner struggle. This song holds so much importance and goes to show the great emotional outlet music and art are.
Gabel is currently under hormone treatment and claims it will cause no change to her voice. Once she moves on to cosmetic surgeries like tracheal shaving, there might be some differences, but she still plans on making music and singing with the same aggression. Her wife, Heather, is also completely behind her in her journey and the two plan to stay together with their 2-year-old daughter. Aw shucks. It’s all so gosh-darn moving I could just tear up, but since I’ve been listening to Against Me! the whole time I’ve been writing this, I’m afraid the tears would ruin my insanely rapid aggro typing. Mary, there is no hope for us if this GM van don’t make it!
While we may be losing Tom Gabel, the ferocious and manly chanteur, fans and the many people dealing with gender dysphoria have gained a role model in Laura, the brave woman who has possibly just done the most punk rock thing anyone could do. I obviously don’t know Gabel personally, but as someone who has gone through adolescence with Against Me! a prominent CD in my stereo, I can only extend my best wishes to the person who played such an important role in my life. Their music saw me through the highs and lows of growing up, the bumps and bruises of maturing, and now it’s our turn as fans to return the favor.
From Chaz Bono to transgender models on the runway, I’m so glad we are able to live in a society where someone does not have to feel ashamed for revealing who they really are, and are able to find the comfort and confidence to pursue their happiness. Much love and respect to the Gabel family, all of Against Me!, and the loyal fans who will stick by her in this journey.
Dare I say it, I’d love to see her in a riot grrrl cover band.
Share your support for Laura on Twitter .
(Source: Rolling Stone)
