As with other categories in the larger gay community, transgenders have their own culture and voice, and this is what many trans artists aim to share. In doing so, they not only entertain but also inform.

Here are a few examples of some of the exciting new trans artists making waves across the U.S.

LISA JACKSON
In just a few years time, NYC-based transgender rock powerhouse Lisa Jackson and her band Girl Friday have risen to become one of the top GLBT music acts in the U.S. Lisa began as an occasional cross-dressing rocker playing Blondie songs in small clubs on the lower east side of Manhattan, but her “fem side,” as she calls it, eventually got the best of her. Good thing too: with great support from both GLBT and hetero fans, Lisa came to life, let the lady within come out, and started cranking out her own original songs.

Lisa is utterly fascinating to watch onstage. She deconstructs the typical, over-glitzed drag-queen look, and instead goes for a softer, quasi-Alicia Silverstone, middle-America mall-teen image. With little makeup, no cheap glitter, no spike heals, and no big hair, there is nothing "gaudy" about Lisa. She lets her considerable natural beauty shine through.

With her realistic "everygirl" approach to the feminine, and the fact that she really sings, (and plays great rock guitar), Lisa is poised on the cutting-edge of the new cross-dressing rock revolution. On the band's latest CD I Am AOK, Lisa's original song lyrics praise the bravery of those who dare to be "different," and promote tolerance of gender and sexual orientation differences.

“I hope those of you out there that are thinking about performing, and maybe putting on a dress for the first time, if you are feeling a little off beat--please go for it," says Lisa. "There are people around that will lift you up and help you make your dreams come true."

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