T. Thomason, a non-binary trans man and pop artist, announced he would withdraw from the All Roads Festival in Belfast, Maine, scheduled for mid-May, despite holding a valid U.S. touring visa until June. Thomason cited growing anxiety over potential discrimination and detention at the U.S. border under President Trump’s executive orders that recognise only two genders—male and female—on government documents.
He expressed fear after hearing reports of visitors, including cisgender individuals, being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and worries about what could happen to trans people like himself. Thomason lamented that these policies have forced trans artists to reconsider their careers and touring plans, describing the situation as a financial and emotional pandemic for the community.
Similarly, Bells Larsen, a trans man based in Toronto and Montreal, cancelled six U.S. performances tied to his new album “Blurring Time”, which explores his transition journey. Larsen revealed he was informed by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) that U.S. visa officers now require identification to match the sex assigned at birth, effectively barring him from obtaining a visa since his passport lists his gender as male, which does not correspond with his birth sex.
He described the policy as shattering his dreams and forcing him to forgo important opportunities to connect with queer and trans audiences in the U.S. Larsen had initially planned to mitigate risks by performing in politically liberal states and travelling with a cisgender companion but ultimately decided the safety concerns were too great.
These visa restrictions stem from a February 2025 directive by the U.S. State Department, part of a broader policy framework from Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at enforcing biological sex markers on all visas and passports.
This directive aligns with President Trump’s executive orders that roll back protections for transgender individuals, including a controversial memo titled “Guidance for Visa Adjudicators Order 01: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which restricts transgender athletes’ participation and has broader implications for transgender travellers.
The cancellations highlight the broader impact of these policies on Canadian trans artists, who rely heavily on the U.S. market for career growth and financial sustainability. With the U.S. being the world’s largest music market, losing access means missing vital touring revenue and media exposure.
Canadian artists also face logistical challenges, as touring within Canada requires long drives between cities, whereas the U.S. offers more frequent and accessible venues. Entertainment lawyers representing trans musicians warn that visa applications could be rejected on grounds of “misrepresentation” if gender markers do not align, potentially resulting in lifetime bans from the U.S.
The American Federation of Musicians has expressed concern that these policies contradict shared values and has warned its members about the difficulties in securing visas under the new rules. The trans music community is calling for increased support from Canadian arts organisations to create funding and resources to offset the losses caused by these discriminatory regulations.
In the face of these challenges, Thomason and Larsen continue to perform in Canada and advocate for greater awareness and solidarity within the music industry. They emphasise that the issue extends beyond just trans artists, as it undermines the legitimacy of government-issued documents and threatens the freedom of movement for many. Their experiences underscore the growing fears among transgender individuals about their safety and rights under the current U.S. administration
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