Transgender Singer-Songwriter Xavian Wu Finds Voice Through Music in Hong Kong
Xavian Wu, a prominent transgender singer-songwriter in Hong Kong, recently took the stage at the city’s LGBTQ Pink Dot HK carnival to share his empowering journey through music. Wu, who goes by the stage name SY, made his debut earlier this year and has already released three songs that reflect his personal experiences and self-discovery as a transgender individual.
During the festival’s 10th anniversary celebration, Wu opened up to the audience about the challenges he has faced over the past decade. From struggling with his identity to overcoming societal barriers, Wu’s story is one of resilience and self-acceptance. “I am proud of my identity and have learned to embrace it. I don’t want to hide,” Wu expressed to Reuters. “My goal is to inspire and uplift others in the LGBTQ+ community through my music.”
In Hong Kong, transgender individuals can change their gender on their ID cards before completing full sex reassignment surgery, but strict medical requirements must be met. Wu, who applied for a gender change in April, is currently awaiting approval pending the submission of additional medical documents. Despite progress in transgender rights, Wu believes there is still room for improvement in the system.
Reflecting on his journey, Wu shared the difficulties he faced before coming out to his parents and undergoing his transition. “It was so difficult that I really wanted to die,” Wu admitted. However, music became his refuge during these challenging times. As a teenager, Wu found solace in performing and expressing his emotions through songwriting. “When the world didn’t understand my situation, I was lucky to be able to use music to record my feelings,” Wu explained.
It wasn’t until 2017 that Wu realized he was transgender after watching a health program that featured a trans man sharing his own story. Seeking medical guidance, Wu began testosterone therapy in 2018 and underwent top surgery in Thailand in 2020. The support of his mother throughout this process was invaluable to Wu, who finally felt comfortable in his own skin post-surgery.
“After my surgery, I finally felt comfortable looking at myself in the mirror – standing up straight, shoulders back – and I could now wear whatever kinds of clothes without worrying about my body shape,” Wu shared. This newfound confidence and self-acceptance have fueled his passion for music and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.
As Wu continues to navigate his journey as a transgender artist in Hong Kong, he remains committed to using his platform to uplift others and promote inclusivity. Through his music and storytelling, Wu hopes to inspire individuals to embrace their true selves and live authentically.