Arts This Week: WXTJ House Show Benefitting Trans Lifeline
By Ben Larsen
Dana Sun:
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. For Arts This Week, we chatted with the directors of WXTJ, Isabel Xiao and Dana Sun.
Isabel Xiao:
My name is Isabel. I am the WXTJ director, which means that I direct the student radio station. I help put on shows. I help put our programming together. I put on other events and stuff like that.
Dana Sun:
And I’m Dana sun, WXTJ director of events and outreach. I help Isabel with putting on shows, running sound, and connecting WXTJ with the UVA student body and the Charlottesville community. WXTJ is UVA’s free form student radio. We do it all, from hosting radio shows to organizing live music events to connecting with UVA music community. WXTJ has always been about diversity and inclusion. We put on many different shows of all genres, including this upcoming one. So Isabel, can you tell me a little bit about the show that you’re putting on August 8?
Isabel Xiao:
We’re having a show August 8 to benefit trans lifeline. Right now, the only band on the lineup is my band, Sage is Alive. So we’re trying to get like, Emo, indie, shoegaze, grunge bands on the lineup, because that makes sense. So, yeah.
Dana Sun:
Right, these genres are super fitting as they celebrate non-conformity, emotional vulnerability, and rebellion against mainstream norms, including rigid gender roles. Their DIY scenes have long been havens for outsiders, fostering community and expression for trans and queer people. Many trans artists have also shaped these genres, and fans continue to find solidarity and survival in their raw, defiant sound. So why did you choose trans healthcare?
Isabel Xiao:
Why did I choose trans healthcare? Because trans people are in danger, and there are lots of rich people in Cville, lots of rich kids who spend, like, 70 bucks a week at Trin so I think that we should take advantage of their money and give them something to you know, come to give something, give them opportunities to spend their money towards a good cause.
Dana Sun:
Isabel has actually put on many different shows benefiting different causes. We’ve done a house show supporting Gaza food kitchen, and most recently, Isabel hosted and played a show at Tea Bazaar benefiting Legal Aid Justice Center. WXTJ has many shows coming up, highlighting student and Charlottesville bands alike. We’ve had jazz, house music, and punk. You can stay posted about all upcoming shows on our Instagram account. The house show benefiting trans healthcare will take place on August 8, on 1310 John Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, at 8:30 pm
Dana Sun:
More information will be out soon on the WXTJ Instagram account. Come out to support your local music scene and donate to trans healthcare. Arts this week is supported by the UVA Arts Council and Piedmont Virginia Community College. PVCC Arts presents a rich array of dance music, theater, and visual arts programming. Learn more at pvcc.edu For wtju. I’m Dana Sun.
