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Music

21st Apr 2021

Sex Education’s Ezra Furman comes out as trans and mother

Claudia McInerney

Sex Education soundtrack artist Ezra Furman has come out as a trans woman and a mother

She took to social media yesterday to share the news with fans. Furman said that she is hesitant to use the word “woman” to describe herself as she previously identified as non-binary.

On Instagram, Furman said: “I wanted to share with everyone that I am a trans woman, and also that I am a mom and have been for a while now (like 2+ years).”

When discussing her new identity as a trans woman, she said: “For my own reasons I have been hesitant to use these words, especially the “woman” word. I have often described myself as non-binary, which maybe is still true (I’m just gonna sit with that question for the moment). But I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am a woman, and yes for me it’s complex, but it’s complex to be any sort of woman. I am very proud to be a trans woman and to have come to know it and be able to say it. This has not been an easy journey.”

She also said that she had not publicly spoken about being a parent as she was afraid of being “judged.”

Furman said: “About being a mom: there’s enough said in public about the magic of parenthood. It is beautiful and holy and I love it—that’s all on that subject. I have not yet mentioned in public that I’m a parent because I have been afraid of being judged and grilled about it as if it’s anyone’s business other than mine and my family’s.

“But. I’m telling you I’m a mom now for a specific reason” she continued, “because one problem with being trans is that we have so few visions of what it can look like to have an adult life, to grow up and be happy and not die young.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5PsTyHMa2/

She said that when their baby was born, she had seen “zero examples” of “trans women raising children”.

“So”, she continued, “here’s one for anyone who wants to see one. I’m a trans woman and a mom. This is possible. I never dreamed it was possible to be happy and self-realised and trans and uncloseted, and also become a parent. But it is and I am doing it. Because trans people deserve to pursue the lives we want, on our terms.”

She signed off with: “That’s all for now. More music to come before long.”

The Sex Education star has over 35,000 followers on Instagram and has been flooded with supportive messages from fans.

One follower said: “I’m so so happy for you and overflowing with emotion reading this.”

Another fan said: “I’m so proud of you, you have been a role model for me, when I found your music it was like receiving a hug after going through a lot of chaos go get to be who you truly are; thank you for being there for me in your sounds and in your words, I’m incredibly grateful and I wish you nothing but the best.”