Kelly Clarkson Celebrates Trans Day of Visibility with Transa Compilation Album Featuring Sam Smith, Hunter Schafer, and More

Singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson marked Trans Day of Visibility on March 31 by promoting the release of Transa, a compilation album that celebrates the transgender community and its contributions to music and culture. The album, released on November 22, is a project of the non-profit Red Hot Organization, which aims to promote diversity and equal access to healthcare through pop culture. Though Clarkson does not appear on the album herself, she dedicated a segment of The Kelly Clarkson Show to highlighting the record, underscoring the significance of the day and the visibility it brings to the trans community.

Trans Day of Visibility is an important occasion each year, providing a platform for the transgender community to celebrate their achievements and raise awareness about the discrimination many face. With rising anti-trans and anti-queer rhetoric gaining traction in the U.S. and globally, this year’s observance holds even more significance. Clarkson, a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community, used her platform to amplify the voices of trans artists and allies, showcasing the Transa album and its diverse, talented contributors.

“On this Trans Day of Visibility, we want to tell you about a new album that celebrates the beauty of the transgender community and all the artists within it,” Clarkson explained on her show, drawing attention to the groundbreaking nature of the project.

Happy Trans Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️ @redhotorg #TRANSA pic.twitter.com/7EXtZwGW8q

— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) March 31, 2025

Transa features an impressive lineup of artists from various genres, with notable contributions from Grammy-winning singer Sam Smith, Hunger Games star Hunter Schafer, and legendary soul singer Sade, who makes her first appearance in music since 2018. Sade, who has a trans son, dedicated her song “Young Lion” on Transa to him, offering a heartfelt tribute to her child. The album also includes tracks from trailblazing figures like Beverly Glenn-Copeland, a transgender music legend, and André 3000 of OutKast, who is known for his genre-defying music and unique contributions to the hip-hop world.

In total, Transa features 46 tracks and brings together over 100 artists, including some of the most imaginative and daring trans and non-binary creators of our time. Among the other artists featured are boygenius’ Julien Baker, known for her emotive indie rock, and a host of up-and-coming talent who are shaping the sound of the future. The record covers a wide range of genres, from electronic to soul, and is divided into eight thematic chapters that explore both the personal and universal experiences of trans people, charting a “spiritual journey” through music.

The album’s producer, Massima Bell, who is also an activist and model, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss the project. She explained that the idea for Transa came from a desire to create a body of work that celebrates the artistic contributions of the transgender community, while also addressing the challenges that come with being a trans or non-binary artist in today’s world. “We wanted to build on the model that Red Hot developed, but with an album that focused on all the beauty and gifts that trans people bring to the world,” Bell shared.

The Red Hot Organization, known for its previous charitable music compilations aimed at raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, has long been committed to using the power of music to promote social change. With Transa, the organization broadens its mission to include advocacy for transgender and non-binary people, highlighting their contributions to music and culture while raising awareness about the issues they face.

Clarkson’s endorsement of Transa and her dedication of a segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show to the album’s launch reflects her ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. As an ally, she has frequently used her platform to promote inclusivity and equality, and her support for Transa is yet another example of her commitment to elevating marginalized voices. The album not only brings attention to the work of trans and non-binary artists but also serves as a powerful statement against the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment that has been prevalent in political discourse.

The timing of Transa’s promotion on Trans Day of Visibility is particularly significant, as it provides a meaningful counterpoint to the anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric that have dominated headlines in recent years. From state-level bans on gender-affirming care to the criminalization of trans youth and their families, the fight for transgender rights has reached a critical juncture. Transa serves as both a celebration and a call to action, highlighting the artistic contributions of trans people while reminding society of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.

By featuring a diverse array of trans and non-binary artists, Transa demonstrates the rich, multifaceted nature of the transgender community, showcasing their creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. For Clarkson, the album is an opportunity to acknowledge the beauty and strength of the transgender community while providing a platform for their voices to be heard. “The transgender community is an integral part of our world, and it’s so important to celebrate their contributions in every field, including music,” Clarkson said during her show.

As Transa continues to garner attention and acclaim, it is clear that projects like this are helping to shift cultural perceptions of the transgender community, highlighting their artistic and social contributions while amplifying the importance of visibility. Clarkson’s advocacy and the album’s release provide a much-needed reminder that, despite the challenges trans people face, their voices are powerful, their art is valuable, and their visibility is crucial.

In a time when trans people are fighting for their rights and recognition, Transa offers a moment of celebration, a testament to the vibrant, diverse, and talented voices of the transgender community. By supporting this project, Kelly Clarkson is helping to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized and ensuring that their stories, songs, and experiences are heard.