Kim Petras

In 2006, at the age of 13, Kim Petras appeared on German TV to talk about being transgender and, specifically, her medical transition. After a push to get early gender confirmation surgery at the age of 16, media conversations about Kim continued to be dominated by her transition. Her popstar ambition, whilst very much there, stayed in the backseat.

But Kim continued to nurture her dream. It carried her from a small rural town in Germany to L.A, the home of Hollywood and all that word has come to represent. Her penchant for writing the perfect ‘can’t get it out of your head, don’t want to get it out of your head’ pop anthem would soon transform Kim’s life into that of the ultimate popstar. When ‘I Don’t Want It At All’ appeared on Spotify’s global viral chart in 2017, Kim’s distinctive sound was etched into the minds of listeners worldwide. It was becoming clear why there was a certain glint to Kim’s eye and a widening of her smile as she revealed, at the tender age of 16, that the desire to create music was in her blood.

The steely sharpness of Kim’s determination was an important tool for swiping through the viney thorns of transphobia on her path to success. As well as severe school bullying, Kim was subjected to insidious covert transphobia when first navigating the music scene. After being turned away from many major record labels, Kim eventually decided to produce her music independently.

Kim’s unrelenting desire to be to others what nineties and noughties pop stars were to her wasn’t the only tool on her side. Kim’s earliest attempts to source the right medical care were also marred by obstacles and intolerance. Nonetheless, support could always be found in the unwavering support of her parents, who fought for her right to be heard. Kim’s father describes having always seen Kim ‘as a girl but not as a problem’.

Now Kim is revered across the globe for her impressive discography, and is more famous for her music than anything else. As a treasured member of the LGBTQ+ community Kim is committed to speaking up for trans rights, following her parents’ wishes for her to stand up for those who can’t transition as easily or with as much support.