The American band Absu has become embroiled in controversy. Guitarist Melissa Moore declared herself transgender and stated that this cost her her place in the band.
Melissa had publicly declared herself to be a transgender woman due to concerns about the US primary elections.
“Most of you know me from my time as Vis Crom in Absu, although back then I probably didn’t look like a Melissa. I am a transgender woman. If you live in the United States, I urge my true metal brothers and sisters not to vote for the Republican scum on November 6th. They are initiating what is literally an inquisition against trans people,” she said, citing persecution and attacks against transgender people.
Melissa, formerly known as Matthew Moore, joined Absu in 2009 and played guitar in the band until this year. The Dallas-based group is one of the most traditional in the United States, blending black, thrash, and death metal since 1989.
On Twitter, she stated: “I lost my band when I came out [transgender].” “It’s a long story and I’m having a busy day, but the most fucked up case of transphobia was with my bandmates. The band is on hold and I’m still lost on how to deal with this.”
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