Masculine Artifice

Gloss's song "Masculine Artifice" is a powerful anthem that delves into the struggles and triumphs of transgender women. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the societal pressures and medical interventions that trans women often face. The opening lines, "Medicalized / Under the knife / Expected to be grateful," highlight the invasive and often dehumanizing medical procedures that trans women undergo, and the expectation that they should be thankful for these interventions. This sets the stage for a critique of the cis-normative gaze that views trans women through a lens of pity and misunderstanding, reducing them to mere objects of curiosity or sympathy.

The chorus, with its emphatic declaration that "Masculinity / Was their artifice / Rip it away / Femininity / Always the heart of us! / Trans girls be free!" serves as a rallying cry for trans women to reject the imposed masculinity that society has forced upon them. The word "artifice" suggests that masculinity is a false construct, an external layer that can be stripped away to reveal the true, feminine self underneath. This message is both empowering and liberating, encouraging trans women to embrace their authentic identities and reject societal expectations.

The song also addresses the media's portrayal of trans bodies and experiences, with lines like "I'm not pathetic / I'm not your project / I wasn't put here for you / Same bullshit story / About my body / Media doesn't have a clue." This critique underscores the frustration many trans women feel about being misrepresented or exploited by the media. The song's raw energy and defiant tone make it a powerful statement of self-acceptance and resistance against societal norms. Gloss's "Masculine Artifice" is not just a song; it's a declaration of freedom and a call to action for trans women everywhere to live their truth unapologetically.