KATSEYE Reaffirms Transgender Allyship with Powerful Statement at Grammy Museum Spotlight Event

On Thursday, 18 September, the celebrated girl group KATSEYE took to the Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles for a special evening highlighting their second EP, “Beautiful Chaos.” Amidst performances and fanfare, the six-member group used their platform to reaffirm a core value: unequivocal support for the transgender community and a broader vision of inclusivity in pop music .

The group—comprised of Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeong—has rapidly ascended the global charts since their 2024 debut, amassing over a billion streams and cultivating a diverse, dedicated fanbase .

During a live interview at the event, KATSEYE members addressed the inclusive lyrics of their track “Mean Girls” from “Beautiful Chaos,” which explicitly celebrates all types of women, including trans women. Daniela Avanzini’s outro line—“God bless the T girls and all the in-between girls”—was highlighted by both the group and media outlets such as Billboard, whose TikTok page captured the moment .

When asked about the significance of the “T girls” lyric, Manon Bannerman responded, “Let’s be inclusive, it wasn’t even a question to take that lyric out because why?” She further emphasized the group’s stance by declaring, “Trans lives forever!” This sentiment was echoed throughout the evening, reinforcing KATSEYE’s reputation for using their platform to champion acceptance and equality

Band member Lara Raj elaborated on the responsibility that comes with their rapidly growing influence: “The platform that we have that has catapulted so fast is such an honour and it’s power that we have. We want to use that power in the right way. We work with such a diverse group of people, so many people from the trans community, LGBTQ+ community, and different cultures. We want to highlight and uplift that” .

The group’s message is rooted in their lived experiences. Two KATSEYE members, Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel, have publicly come out as LGBTQ+, contributing to the authenticity and resonance of their advocacy. In previous interviews, they have discussed the importance of representation and the profound effect their openness has had on fans, particularly those who feel seen and empowered by the group’s visibility .

KATSEYE’s outspoken support for transgender people and the wider LGBTQ+ community is not limited to their lyrics. Earlier this year, the group was honored at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Golden Hour event for their contributions to queer representation, with member Lara Raj recognized as a rising queer icon .

Their commitment is further reflected in their engagement with fans and collaborations with a diverse team of songwriters and creative professionals, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ+ community. KATSEYE’s “Mean Girls” was crafted by an ensemble including high-profile LGBTQ+ and ally songwriters, such as Justin Tranter and Madison Love, reinforcing the group’s ethos of inclusivity .

As mainstream pop music continues to grapple with issues of representation, KATSEYE’s stance is seen by many as a significant cultural moment. For LGBTQ+ youth and transgender people, seeing their lives and identities reflected in chart-topping music can be both validating and empowering. KATSEYE’s direct acknowledgment of trans women in their work is a rare and important gesture in an industry where such visibility is still emerging .

The group’s approach stands out for its clarity and conviction. As Manon Bannerman stated, “We want to have everyone accepted for the way they are, we’re Gen Z, we’re past that now.” This generational perspective, coupled with their global reach, positions KATSEYE as a new vanguard for pop music’s evolving relationship with gender and sexuality .

The response from fans—who call themselves “EYEKONS”—has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the group’s visibility and advocacy. Band member Megan Skiendiel remarked, “We’ve had some really emotional responses from fans – people who felt seen or inspired to be more open about who they are. Those moments mean everything to us” .

KATSEYE’s rise and their choice to center LGBTQ+ narratives reflect broader shifts in the music industry, where younger artists are increasingly vocal about social justice and allyship. Their ability to reach millions, across cultural and linguistic boundaries, magnifies the impact of their message. As pop music becomes more inclusive, groups like KATSEYE are not just entertainers but catalysts for cultural change .

With their second EP “Beautiful Chaos” receiving critical and commercial success, KATSEYE is poised to remain at the forefront of both pop innovation and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Their statement at the Grammy Museum spotlight event builds on a consistent record of allyship and representation, setting a precedent for other artists and reinforcing the importance of direct, inclusive language in mainstream media .

As the group continues their ascent, the LGBTQ+ community can expect further visibility and support from KATSEYE—artists who, in their own words, “want to highlight and uplift” all those who have been marginalized, especially transgender people and queer youth.