Hong Kong singer’s transgender journey, and new song with lyrics sung before and after gender transition and surgery
- Hong Kong singer SY’s song Obstacle Course has lyrics recorded before his transition began, and after taking testosterone and having gender-affirming surgery
- Assigned female at birth, SY experienced years of self-loathing and confusion before transitioning to male in his 20s. Now he helps others by sharing his story
Musicians often trawl their hearts and souls when seeking inspiration for lyrics. Hong Kong singer-songwriter Xavian Wu Siu-yin, who goes by the artist name SY, dug extra deep.
In his song “Obstacle Course”, released in February, SY explores his transition journey. Assigned female at birth, SY transitioned to male in his early 20s.
What makes the song so unique is that the Chinese version features lyrics sung by SY before and after his transition.
“It starts with a female voice because it was originally recorded in 2018, before I started my transition,” says SY, who turns 30 this month.
01:37
Hong Kong transgender musician SY charts transition journey in new album ‘Obstacle Course’
In 2019, his vocal cords started changing as a result of taking the male hormone testosterone.
“My voice got so deep that people kept asking me if I had a cold,” he says. “I had to adapt to my new vocal range and learn how to use my new voice from scratch.”
