LIPSTICK CONSPIRACY
One of the fastest-rising bands in America, Lipstick Conspiracy is spearheading the phenomenal explosion of "T-girl" rock acts as they get set for a massive spring 2005 U.S. tour. Formed in 2003, Lipstick Conspiracy is riding a new wave of notoriety fueled by the fact that the San Francisco Bay Guardian named them the Best Girl Band 2004 after the debut of their 2004 debut CD, Don't Tell A Soul.

I recently spoke with band guitarists Marilyn and Sarafina, who graciously offered some insights into not only their lives and work, but also the whole transgender musical aesthetic. "I discovered that I was transgender relatively late in life--only about 7 years ago, unlike many who knew when they were kids," Marilyn relates. "I have played guitar since I was thirteen, but only as a transgender girl in the last few years. I knew eventually that I wanted to do something positive with my feminine side, and I just feel I am one of the luckiest people in the world to be in Lipstick Conspiracy.

"I know that we have, in our short two-year existence, already been an inspiration to other transgender artists. And this is wonderful. I also know that music is a tough business, even for straight people, let alone transgender. We have a burning desire to make an impression in the musical community. We will have to show the world that we are not a gimmick, and certainly not the drag queen types that dress up as women just for entertainment. We are transgender girls first and foremost, and we just happen to be in an all transgender rock band.

As Sarafina explains, "there really is no roadmap for us to follow. There never has been an all-transgendered rock band before. We've been compared to the New York Dolls, but that's not really the same thing. As for special feelings or experiences, it is truly wonderful to think that my music is so intertwined with my transgendered status. Not everyone can see such integration in their lives. I'm very thankful."

"Honestly, before I joined the band," Marilyn admits, "I simply didn't follow the GLBT scene that much. But now, I think transgendered artists are starting to come out of the closet. I have to think that we have helped a little in facilitating this process."

Sarafina agrees. "I was very surprised to find that there weren't more trans artists out there in the first place," she says. "I was aware of a few, but most were soloists, and none seemed to enjoy much commercial success. That might change. We've seen a lot more come out of the woodwork since. Being told that we are an inspiration is staggering."

Related links: lisajacksononline.com; prettyhorses.net; lipstickconspiracy.com

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