Sydney launch event this week for trans musician Cassy Judy

Sydney singer and songwriter Cassy Judy will release her new single and video this week, with an intimate Kings Cross launch celebration for fans.

‘When The World Was Flat’ is the alt/folk artist’s latest song, reflecting on life and simpler times.

“A part of the song that I like is the sentimentality, that longing for simplicity – that kind of resonated with me,” Judy told Pink Advocate. 

Even before its release, ‘When The World Was Flat’ has become a fan favourite, with crowds organically picking up the chorus to sing along at live shows.

“I find it very exciting and affirming and validating with everyone singing along,” said Judy.

“Ultimately, that’s the point of music, I think – to break down barriers and bring everyone together.”

Scenes for the official music video were shot in Judy’s own neighbourhood, featuring Cape Banks, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Botany Boat Ramp, and Roger’s Shoe Repairs.

“I can write songs on my own, but it’s cool and fun to collaborate,” said Judy of the new song, which was co-written with Neil Nivison-Smith.

Image: supplied.

Judy has been writing and playing music for 17 years.

She said that performing for the LGBTIQA+ community in particular was “a real boost”.

A fixture of the Sydney queer performance scene, she is also a lawyer and a trans activist.

She works to increase the visibility of trans people, including coordinating the 2021 Trans Girlz Calendar and the 2019 Trans & Gender Diverse photoshoot, which raised funds for LGBTIQA+ health organisation ACON.

Judy was a voice for the community during last year’s McIver’s Ladies’ Baths drama, in which the beloved Coogee pool caught public backlash after announcing some trans women would not be allowed in.

“I’m lucky to be a fairly outgoing person,” she said.

“You have to be somewhat of a role model for others.

“And if my music or me doing that helps others, then that’s really positive.”

Judy said she wanted to see law reform allowing gender diverse people to more easily correct their documentation across Australia. 

“We can only hope that these reforms are as contagious as the pandemic,” she said.

The new song, from Judy’s upcoming Seven Ways EP, will be released this Friday 21 January.

On Thursday night, it will launch with a hometown gig at the iconic El Rocco Room jazz venue in Sydney’s Kings Cross.