Rapper Säye Skye on music as LGBTQ activism around the world

“My genre of music is a mix of electronic futuristic sounds topped with Persian rap.” Forced to leave Iran, Toronto-based rapper Säye Skye sought asylum in Turkey before moving to Canada. Skye talks to Xtra about how his music is helping to raise awareness about LGBTQ issues in Iran and around the world. “Yes, we do have queers in Iran,” Skye says. “This is happening right now—this is the movement.”

Listen to songs by Säye Skye here, plus more tracks from other Xtra featured artists like Jordan Alexander, Ché, Sydanie and more.

Keep Reading

Xtra Explains: Parental rights

What does Canadian law actually say when it comes to the rights of parents and trans kids?

Xtra Explains: Social vs. medical transition

Media and politicians like to fixate on the medical aspects of transition. But for most trans youth, social transition plays a much bigger part in their lives

Could Canadian conservatives copy Trump’s anti-trans messaging?

The president-elect’s final ad push—and subsequent election win—may have Canada’s right looking to lean in on anti-trans messaging

Xtra Explains: Detransition

In reality, only around three percent of trans people experience some form of regret