Canadian country singer Robert Adam, who identifies as a “non-binary femme,” traveled to Nashville to record his new album. He expressed hesitance about traveling to the U.S. largely due to Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Calgary artist is contemplating an extended stay outside Canada, sharing concerns about uncomfortable encounters in the U.S., which have made him wary. He feels that the significance of American markets for new artists is sometimes overshadowed by these past experiences.
In a phone interview, he mentioned that avoiding the U.S. was a sensible choice due to the stress it brought.
He described his identity as non-binary and somewhat feminine, noting that it makes him stand out. “It’s challenging not to tone down who you are just to fit in and perform,” he added.
Recently, the Trump administration announced that it would officially recognize only male and female genders, aligning government documentation with those assigned at birth.
This declaration follows years of support for transgender issues during the Biden administration, which advocated for both gender-affirming healthcare and protections against criticism of those policies.
Adam remarked that navigating personal discussions about gender when crossing the U.S. border has become increasingly complex.
After performing a few shows in Canada, he plans to head to the UK and Japan, believing his style of queer country music will be more appreciated there.
“It’s vital to find spaces where we can express ourselves freely,” he stated.
