The first half of the year has been quite eventful for Carlow’s rising star, SexyTadhg. They were recognized on the Irish Times' ‘50 To Watch’ list and received the esteemed ‘Radical Spirit’ Award for their sold-out performance of Television at the Dublin Fringe Festival. In March and April, they completed a full UK tour supporting The Mary Wallopers and also opened for the 11-piece trad supergroup Biird at a sold-out show at Vicar Street.
With more support acts lined up, including their largest headline show in London, Cork, and The Academy in Dublin this November, it felt like an ideal moment for SexyTadhg to release their first single of the year, ‘My Parade’. This single aims to express their values and introduce a new generation of Irish speakers who stand up for themselves and embrace creativity in their native language, all while promoting a vibrant and inclusive image of the Irish language.
CLASH spoke with SexyTadhg the day after the UK Supreme Court ruled on the legal definition of "sex," which affects the rights of trans individuals, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs). “It’s just such a slap in the face,” Tadhg shares, “I’ve met so many wonderful trans individuals and friends during my time in the UK for the Mary Wallopers tour, and this news was truly upsetting. It's disheartening to know there are groups working to strip away rights from me and my loved ones.”
“I fear for how this could influence Irish law and how society views trans people,” they continue, “I genuinely hope that Irish people can engage in more empathetic discussions with trans and queer individuals.”
Having spent recent weeks in the UK, did you sense any negativity surrounding the trans community?
Not at all, I had a fantastic experience. I met some genuinely wonderful people, and the Wallopers were incredibly kind. Most of their audience leans left, and I appreciate their effort to highlight that with me as their support act. We absolutely love Ireland, but we’re not right-wing nationalists looking to take away anyone’s rights. Trans individuals deserve rights, and Ireland should embrace all 32 counties; these two ideals can coexist.
I noticed the audience's reaction at the show; I went into the crowd for one song, almost completely undressed, and there was a clear shock, but I love that. Then, when we performed ‘My Parade’, I shared my message, followed by ‘The Slag Of Carlow Town,’ a trad-like tune on the fiddle. I’m openly queer and non-binary, and I embrace being a bold presence on stage while being undeniably Irish and passionate about traditional music. Once that connection is established with the audience, it’s incredible. Having a 30-minute conversation with them was vital because, without it, they could only take away one aspect of who I am.
So, while they’d hear ‘My Parade’ and be entertained, I’m not sure they would fully perceive me as a complete individual. I didn’t conduct an exit poll; I don’t know what they thought of me afterward, nor do I care, but I imagine there’s a range of opinions from those who see me as eccentric, which is fine, to others who might catch a glimpse of my multifaceted self and the deeper story I wish to convey through my art. Queer individuals are complex; we are not merely stereotypes.
What message did you aim to convey in the new single, ‘My Parade’?
It’s a seven-minute manifesto for SexyTadhg; it encapsulates my beliefs. I composed it about a year and a half ago, and I’ve performed it at every gig since without growing weary of it. Remarkably, the words still resonate the same way. For instance, my political views in the song reflect my experience at my first Dublin Pride event, which took place in 2022 or 2023. The opening verse features sexually liberated imagery, just as I perceive Pride.
There’s a movement in places like Hungary to ban Pride parades, driven by concerns over children witnessing such displays, but kids are online exposed to far worse and often without guidance. At least at a parade, you can accompany them and explain everything if needed. You don't have to delve into kinks or specifics if you're uncomfortable; you can simply state, "This is what brings them joy." I believe many people hesitate to have these conversations with their children because they weren’t provided with them by their parents, limiting the language and understanding they can pass down. Not being willing to explore and learn about these individuals is beyond me.
I refuse to comprehend why some people instantly judge others without trying to understand them. I realize that life is challenging and busy, and many are merely trying to provide for their families, but we must teach children to be kind, empathetic, and open-minded to prevent the prevalence of fascism and TERFs that strip people
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The first half of the year has been quite busy for Carlow's rising star, SexyTadhg. He has been included in the '50 To Watch' list by the Irish Times, along with the renowned