Jordan Stephens, rapper, presenter, and Rizzle Kicks member, shares his admiration for the trans community, alignt with Kate Nash on LGBTQ+ support, and commitment to saving grassroots music venues following his appearance at the Trans Mission event at Wembley Arena.
Trans Mission Event Highlights
The Trans Mission concert, organized by Olly Alexander and Mighty Hoopla’s Glyn Fussell, drew nearly 10,000 fans to Wembley Arena on March 11. The event served as a powerful statement of love and celebration for trans people while raising funds for non-profits Good Law Project and Not A Phase.
Performers included Wolf Alice, Beth Ditto, Sugababes, Olly Alexander, HAAi, Jasmine.4.T, Kae Tempest, Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Romy, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, MNEK, and others. Guest speakers featured Sir Ian McKellen, Munroe Bergdorf, Nicola Coughlan, Russell Tovey, Tia Kofi, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Stephens joined bestselling author, screenwriter, and journalist Juno Dawson on stage as one of the speakers.
Inspiration from the Trans Community
Backstage, Stephens expressed his motivation for participating. “I wanted to get involved tonight because I believe in every individual’s freedom of choice and expression, and I find the trans community quite inspiring,” he explained. “It’s a bit of an overused word, but any human spirit courageous enough to push against the binary and what’s expected of them is really cool. Big up my trans friends and the trans community.”
He emphasized the need to support those targeted in society, highlighting the event’s role in fostering solidarity.
Music’s Power for Change and Community
Stephens underscored music’s vital role in inspiring hope. “I think tonight is confirmation that art is always a really powerful vehicle for, hopefully change, but at the very least community, which should never be understated,” he said. “There are thousands of people together right now listening to music in the name of supporting a very targeted minority, so the energy’s great. It’s no coincidence that art is often pushing for more freedoms rather than less.”
Excitement for Performers and Kindred Spirits
Stephens looked forward to seeing recent cover star Rose Gray and catching up with Zack Polanski, who delivered a passionate speech calling for solidarity against oppression.
He reserved special praise for Kate Nash, whom he calls a “big sister.” “I was talking to Kate, who I missed performing – which is annoying because I adore her with all my heart! She’s like my big sister,” Stephens shared. The two align on LGBTQ+ advocacy and grassroots venue support.
Fighting for Grassroots Venues
Stephens sports a “Rescue the roots” tattoo tied to Youth Music’s campaign, launched last March. The initiative matches donations up to £1 million to aid youth organizations and emerging creatives in need, protecting local music venues.
“I agree with Kate Nash’s backing of grassroots venues,” he stated. “So Kate and I are certainly aligned on that mission, and we’re aligned on a lot of things.”
Nash’s ‘Butts for Tour Buses’ campaign gained attention late last year. She joined OnlyFans to protest industry challenges, raise tour funds, and spotlight artist struggles. She escalated efforts with protests at Live Nation, Spotify, and Parliament offices using a fire truck display.
“The reality is that touring is making losses, not profit,” Nash stated. “The grassroots is in absolute crisis. Venues are closing, festivals are being cancelled. People are thinking, ‘What’s the point in starting a band?’ and ‘How can I as an artist carry on?’”
Industry pushes include a proposed ticket levy, directing arena and stadium contributions to smaller venues. Half of shows must voluntarily comply by June 2026, or face mandatory governt enforcement.
Memorable Moments from the Night
Olly Alexander performed Years & Years hits, introduced by Sir Ian McKellen reciting Shakespeare’s The Strangers’ Case from Thomas More. Author Caroline Litman delivered an emotional tribute to her transgender daughter, who died by suicide.
