Pride Month 2025: Musician Jay Anand Talks About His Journey As A Trans Artist In India
Every Pride Month, you will see a sudden sprouting of allies in every corner of the market. The incessant commercialisation of this month at times makes it feel like a festival of sorts. But the real celebration should be that of the stories, of the voices from the LGBTQIA+ community who otherwise have had to fight to be heard and seen. In India’s creative industry, a new generation of queer artists is fearlessly challenging conventions and carving out their own space. One such voice belongs to singer-songwriter Jay Anand, who rose to prominence with the title track of 'Loop Lapeta,' the 2022 action-comedy movie starring Taapsee Pannu.
With an honest and gentle demeanour, Anand speaks about music, identity, and the joy of self-discovery, especially in a country where such journeys are rarely straightforward. Read excerpts from the exclusive interview below.
You’ve mentioned that you were dancing to Michael Jackson before you could even walk. Was music always your calling?
Music was definitely something I felt drawn to from a young age. I remember telling my parents I wanted to be a music director without having a clue what a music director actually does. But like many kids growing up in India, I was into everything: debating, dancing, singing, poetry, pretty much anything that would keep me out of class. I even played three sports!
But as academics became more demanding, I had to start letting things go. By the time I finished school, music was the one thing that had stuck with me. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was something I wanted to pursue professionally.
Are you working on any new music?
Yes, quite a bit, actually. I’ve got a collection of originals in both Hindi and English. I’m hoping to release one of them around August. There are a few others in the pipeline, but I’m still figuring out the best way to release them. It's all a work in progress, but I'm really excited about what’s coming.
How has your experience living in India as a trans person been?
It’s been a mixed bag. I think I always knew, but for the longest time, well into my early twenties, I didn’t have access to the right resources or community here in India. It’s still a very new and often anxiety-inducing experience, especially in unfamiliar spaces. Something as routine as checking in at the airport can become a moment of stress.
But at the same time, I’ve received a lot of support both online and from close friends. Having that community and allyship really makes a difference. Campaigns like Be An #AbsolutAlly by Absolut Glassware give me hope. It’s refreshing to see brands engaging in ways that go beyond pinkwashing; they actually make us feel involved, heard, and respected.
You studied in the US. How did that experience shape your journey, especially in terms of identity and acceptance?
Studying in the US opened up so much for me. That’s where I first realised there were resources, books, literature, and conversations that could help me navigate who I was.
I remember working with the LA city government, and one of my bosses casually asked if I had preferred pronouns. And in that moment, I thought, 'Wait, is that something I can actually do?' That question opened the door to so many others. It set the foundation for my self-discovery and gave me the vocabulary I needed to start understanding and expressing my identity.
Are you much of a traveller?
I love travelling. Although I must admit, I tend to avoid a few South Asian countries now. It’s tough finding vegetarian food! But yes, I’ve been to about four countries and have travelled extensively within India. I think travel gives you perspective and stories, which always feed into my songwriting.
Who are your musical inspirations?
So many! I listen to a mix of singer-songwriters and more commercial artists. Damien Rice, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Maroon 5, love them all. But if I had to name a few major influences, it would be John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Ben Howard.
On the Indian side, I’d say Sunidhi Chauhan is a huge inspiration. I don’t think we talk enough about how versatile she is. She’s an absolute powerhouse and a true icon in the Bollywood scene.
And finally, what advice would you give to young queer people who are struggling to figure out who they are?
Take it one day at a time. Seriously. Don’t rush it. Try to figure out what you want and who you are rather than trying to fit into any binary or societal box. Talk to people, ask questions, listen to different stories. You’ll always find something that resonates and helps you feel a little less alone. And remember, it's okay to take your time.
(This interview is from our archives)
