The 2025 Grammy Awards became more than just a celebration of music—it was a night of solidarity, resilience, and powerful statements of support for the transgender community. With the political climate in the United States growing increasingly hostile toward transgender rights under the new Trump administration, many artists used their platforms to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, proving that allyship extends far beyond words.
Lady Gaga’s Powerful Statement of Love and Visibility
One of the most defining moments of the night came when Lady Gaga accepted the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Bruno Mars for their collaboration Die With a Smile. Standing before a packed Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Oscar-winning singer and actress took the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to the transgender community: “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love. Thank you.”
President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, which have rolled back critical protections for transgender individuals, underscored the weight of Gaga’s words. Among these policies are the reinstatement of restrictions on transgender military service, a federal mandate that erases nonbinary gender recognition, and orders to remove references to gender-affirming healthcare from government websites.
Though it wasn’t the first time Gaga has spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ rights, her declaration at the Grammys felt especially urgent, reaffirming her long-standing commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
Chappell Roan and the Unwavering Defense of Trans Joy
Another standout moment came from Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan, whose breakout success has been bolstered by her fierce advocacy for queer and trans rights. Walking the red carpet in a striking Jean Paul Gaultier gown adorned with ballerina prints, Roan made an impassioned statement about the resilience of transgender individuals.
“Trans people have always existed and will forever exist, and they will never, no matter what happens, take trans joy away,” Roan declared. “I would not be here without trans girls. So just know that I’m trying my best to stand up for you in every way that I can.”
Her words resonated deeply, echoing the sentiments of many in the music industry who recognize the ongoing struggle for trans rights and the importance of visibility in mainstream culture.
A Night of Solidarity: Artists Use Their Voices for Change
Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan were not alone in their advocacy. Throughout the evening, multiple artists took time to address issues affecting the transgender community:
- Madonna, a long-time LGBTQ+ icon, condemned the Trump administration’s efforts to strip away hard-fought rights, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to watch our government dismantle the freedoms we have fought for and won. But we will never stop fighting.”
- Alicia Keys used her time on stage to defend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of creating safe spaces for marginalized communities in both the workplace and the arts.
- Shakira, who was honored with a special award, took the moment to celebrate immigrants and highlight the intersectionality of identity, reinforcing the need for unity in the face of political adversity.
A Direct Response to Anti-Trans Policies
The collective outpouring of support at the Grammys comes as a direct response to Trump’s sweeping executive orders, including the reintroduction of policies that prohibit transgender Americans from serving openly in the military and federal agencies being ordered to enforce bathroom restrictions based on assigned sex at birth. These policies have caused immense distress within the LGBTQ+ community, with many fearing the erasure of their identities from public policy and healthcare protections.
Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have been vocal in condemning these orders, with HRC President Kelley Robinson stating: “Everyone deserves the freedom to make deeply personal healthcare decisions for themselves and their families—no matter their income, ZIP code, or health coverage.”
Direct Action: Lucy Dacus’ Grassroots Support for Trans Healthcare
Beyond the stage and red carpet, allies in the music industry are putting their money where their mouths are. Folk artist Lucy Dacus, of Grammy-winning group boygenius, took to social media to offer direct financial support to transgender individuals in need of medical care.
Dacus pledged to donate $500 to individuals seeking gender-affirming surgeries, up to $10,000, in direct response to Trump’s executive order limiting access to gender-affirming healthcare. “The government will never be the source of our validation or protection. We have to do it ourselves,” she wrote, sparking a viral wave of grassroots fundraising for trans individuals struggling to afford medical care.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Grammy Awards will be remembered not only for its stunning performances and well-deserved accolades but also for the unwavering allyship demonstrated by some of the industry’s most influential voices. Seeing artists use their platforms to fight for inclusion and justice serves as a beacon of hope in a time of increasing hostility toward transgender individuals.
For transgender individuals, their families, and allies, the messages from the Grammys were clear: You are seen. You are valued. You are loved.
The music industry’s response to this moment of political adversity is a reminder that culture and activism are deeply intertwined. And as long as there are artists willing to speak out, the fight for transgender rights will continue—louder and prouder than ever before.
