Queen SirJET has never shied away from pushing boundaries, and her latest EP, The Torture of Consent, is no exception. A fearless storyteller, she channels personal struggles into hauntingly honest lyrics, exploring themes of identity, loneliness, and resilience. Raised in suburban Chicago and Scottsdale, Arizona, she grappled with gender dysmorphia from a young age, only fully embracing her true self after moving to Hollywood. Her musical evolution—from her 2012 debut Shout-out to the Lonely to her critically acclaimed 2020 album Empowered Bottom—has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to authenticity. Now, in her fourth collaboration with producer Velvet Code, Queen SirJET delivers some of her most introspective work yet, confronting painful memories and celebrating self-acceptance through bold, evocative songwriting.
How has your identity informed your music, especially on this latest EP, The Torture of Consent?
For most of my life I’ve been aware that I am very much a woman in a man’s body, and I no longer hide it or apologize for it. In that sense I’m not afraid to refer to myself as “she” or “her” in my lyrics on this EP. This is the first time I’ve done that in the twenty plus years I’ve been writing music; and it feels quite natural. As nonbinary performers, singers are so often encouraged to keep their song lyrics gender-neutral for fear of alienating fans. I’m at the point where I don’t want to play it safe anymore. I want to make the music I want to make and see what follows. The title of your EP is powerful and evocative. What inspired it, and how does it reflect the themes explored in the project?
The phrase came to me in a dream, and it basically means the regret you feel when you agree to something that intuitively you knew was not a good choice, but you did it anyway. You could say I’m often the poster child for bad decisions. I’ve made so many career choices, hiring people who said they would help me and didn’t, both as a singer and a porn persona, and that sense of regret found its way into a bunch of songs on the EP, like “Release Me” and “Male Femininity”.
“Release Me” is a high-energy anthem that feels both liberating and urgent. What message were you hoping to convey with this lead single?
I’ve always had stars in my eyes. I had this pop star vision of myself since I was young, and I’ve pushed and pushed myself so much, and so many times I feel like I have failed and then had to start over. “Release Me” is a song about realizing how hard it has been to succeed and asking that higher self who put those goals in my head in the first place to let me let go. The truth is I cried my eyes out while writing the song, because it was so hard to admit defeat; but realizing how much it hurt to let go, I added that last line to the chorus: “but I’m making sure you all remember me” as a way to say “I may feel defeated, but I’m not giving up.” And that is the message of the song: feel your pain but then pick yourself back up and keep going.
Your music often blends genres and challenges conventions.
JET Steams!
By Chris Feliciano Photos: Magnus Hastings
How did you approach the creative process for this EP, and were there any unexpected influences?
The producer, Velvet Code, and I, worked on one song at a time, but there was still some blending. For example, some lyrics that were originally meant for “Alive” found their way into “Break Free” and “Male Femininity”. I started to notice themes of failure and wanting to be accepted were finding their way into each song. Collectively though, the strange thing is the first line of every track was the first thing I heard while listening to the backing tracks. Each time the song would just grow from that opening line. It was just a strange coincidence that it happened with every song.
The concept of consent can be interpreted in so many ways—emotional, societal, sexual. How do you explore these layers in the EP?
Sexual consent has been a huge part of my life for years. I’m not ashamed to admit there have been quite a few instances where I gave my body to people who I shouldn’t have in exchange for promises of fame. I think that’s a reoccurring theme in my songs. I have often tried to use my body to get what I want, but unlike those women you hear about in the tabloids, my exploits didn’t amount to much. That’s where the line in “Stay with Me” comes from where I say “one too many men/ am I a bad person?” Am I a bad person for trying to use people who were actually using me?
a nude model since I was 23, I literally had to learn that nudity was not the norm, and every year I feel like we’re being told a new form of censorship on social media. If we want to keep our accounts active, we have to keep adjusting to these new rules, and so we have to keep adjusting and tweaking our art in order to stay visible.
What do you hope listeners feel or experience when they hear The Torture of Consent from start to finish?
Empathy. There is no greater reward as a singer than to hear someone say they resonate with what you are singing about. There may be queer subjects in the songs, but the songs are not about being queer, they’re about being human, and realizing that pain and healing are universal.
Looking at your evolution as an artist, how does this EP mark a new chapter in your career?
I’m recognizing my strengths as well as my flaws on this album, and typically in the past my songs were simply about my pain or my sexuality. So, in a way I’m showing a different side of myself. The sex and pain are still there, but they come with a sense of knowing myself better than I have before.
What was the vision behind the music video for “Release Me,” and how does it tie into the broader narrative of the EP?
We chose the space to film before we had created the concept for the video. It was this set of rooms with different lighting and backdrops. I loved it because it was very dark like the song. Then the director, Brad Hammer, had this idea of a voyeur type theme. What if someone was watching me perform in each of these rooms and getting off on it, and it became a forbidden peep show type concept? Like the idea of torture vs. freedom explored in the EP, you can see in the video that in some rooms I’m very restricted, and in other rooms I’m able to move quite fluidly.
In an era where self-expression is both celebrated and policed, how do you navigate the balance between personal freedom and societal expectations in your art?
If you could sum up The Torture of Consent in one word or phrase, what would it be—and why?
“This is Me.” It sounds corny, but yes, listen to my words and you will hear who I truly am, beyond the costumes, beyond the body, beyond the stories people form in their heads about me. These lyrics are the real me.
I’m currently on my third instagram account. What was once safe to post on there, for example a bare butt, is now considered a violation. As someone who’s been
Visit https://linktr.ee/iamsirjet
FRANKIE GRANDE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WITH “Rhythm of Love”
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Frankie Grande, the multi-talented performer known for his work on stage, screen, and as an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, is stepping into the music scene with his debut single, Rhythm of Love. Released via Casablanca Records / Republic Records, the track signals the arrival of his first full-length album, set to drop in Summer 2025.
Grande’s debut single is a powerful statement, blending infectious beats with a radiant sense of hope and optimism. Rhythm of Love was co-written by Grande alongside Alex Chapman (notable for his work with Kim Petras and Charli XCX), NOVDOR (known for collaborations with Troye Sivan and Charli XCX), Neil Ormandy (James Arthur), and Molly Irvine. The track’s production, helmed by Prince Fox and NOVDOR, gives it a fresh and energetic pulse perfect for dance floors and Pride celebrations alike.
Despite drawing from some dark inspirations, Rhythm of Love shimmers with an undeniable joy. The song’s driving rhythm and upbeat melody make it destined to become a standout track in LGBTQ+ spaces and beyond. As the song’s pulsating chorus declares, “It’s your rhythm of love that’s lifting me up deep into the night.”
The single’s release is accompanied by a vibrant music video directed by Austin Nunes, known for his work with Troye Sivan. Filmed at New York City’s iconic nightclub The Box, the video plunges viewers into a wild, unforgettable night led by Grande himself. The visuals are packed with dazzling choreography, stunning fashion, and nonstop energy. Grande commands the screen with a presence that captures both his theatrical background and newfound pop-star prowess.
Frankie Grande’s journey to this debut single has been years in the making. While he’s widely recognized for his Broadway performances, reality TV appearances, and family ties to global pop star Ariana Grande, his musical career has long been bubbling under the surface. According to Republic Records President and Chief Creative Officer Wendy Goldstein, hearing Frankie’s songs for the first time was a revelation.
“I just remember playing the songs for Wendy in the studio and being like, what is happening? I didn’t know I had it in me. I didn’t know it was possible,” Grande recalled.
For Grande’s fans, this moment has been a long time coming—and it arrives at the perfect time. With his vibrant personality, heartfelt storytelling, and unshakable positivity, Rhythm of Love is poised to become an LGBTQ+ anthem. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor, celebrating Pride, or just looking for a feelgood jam, Frankie Grande’s latest release is sure to leave you moving to the beat.
Stay tuned for more music, announcements, and surprises from Frankie as his highly anticipated album release draws closer.
Photo by Andy Henderson
Jasmine Basanes is more than a beauty queen—she is a trailblazer, advocate, and role model. This year, as the world observes Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, Basanes is making history as one of the first two transgender models to compete for the title of Miss Georgia USA.
Her journey is about far more than a crown. It’s about breaking barriers, increasing representation, and paving the way for future generations. It’s about using her platform to amplify voices that have long been silenced.
Growing up in the Philippines, Jasmine was captivated by the world of pageantry—the glitz, the glamour, and, most importantly, the profound impact titleholders had on society. “I always dreamt of competing and saw myself winning!” she recalls. That dream began taking shape when she entered her first competition in December at Miss International Queen USA, a prestigious Las Vegas-based pageant for transgender women. Though she didn’t take home the crown, the experience ignited a passion that only grew stronger.
Her decision to enter Miss Georgia USA was both personal and political. “With the current attacks on trans people and immigrants, I knew now wasn’t the time to stay in the shadows. It was time to fight for our seat at the table,” she explains.
Jasmine recognizes the significance of her participation. “It’s amazing to be one of the first transgender contestants competing for Miss Georgia USA,” she says. She shares this milestone with transgender model Bella Bautista from Cartersville, GA, who is also competing this year.
She believes visibility in pageantry and media is essential in combating anti-trans sentiments. “It gives us a chance to tell our stories and show the world that we’re not to be feared or shunned—we’re just trying to live our lives.”
Support from friends, family, and allies has been instrumental in her journey. Before competing, Jasmine founded At the Cove Atlanta Inc., a safe space for transgender and non-binary individuals in Georgia. Though the organization dissolved due to lack of funding, her dedication to advocacy remains unwavering. She continues volunteering with LGBTQ+ nonprofits, staying committed to uplifting her community.
Beyond activism, Jasmine’s career as a makeup artist and model has been a powerful tool for change. “As a makeup artist, I’ve helped people with gender-affirming makeup application. I know how overwhelming it can be to walk into
Trans Model Jasmine Basanes Competes for Miss Georgia USA
By Robert Hassilow
a makeup store and feel lost—I want to be the person who guides them. Seeing someone smile at their reflection is priceless.”
As a model, she emphasizes the importance of mental health. “We have to take care of ourselves and our bodies,” she says. But for Jasmine, beauty goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about inspiring transgender youth to believe in their dreams. “I’ve always wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger.”
She is also acutely aware of the political challenges facing the transgender community, especially with the rise of antitrans policies. Her advice? Take action while prioritizing self-care. “We can’t do this alone. We have to come together—write to local officials, attend town hall meetings, and educate those willing to learn.”
For allies wondering how to support the transgender community, Jasmine offers simple yet powerful guidance: “Correct people who misgender us. Educate yourself. Fight for our rights. Be loud in your support.” A moment that deeply moved her was seeing a father wearing a Protect Trans Kids shirt. “I nearly cried. I felt so seen and safe.”
As her pageant journey unfolds, Jasmine is prepared for the inevitable challenges. “Living in the South as one of the first transgender contestants, I know there will be hate and backlash,” she admits. “I’m mentally preparing myself to keep my head high and disconnect from social media if needed.”
Her resilience comes from remembering her younger self. “I think of young Jasmine—crying herself to sleep, feeling hopeless. I don’t want any other child to feel that way. I want my life to leave a meaningful impact.”
For transgender individuals aspiring to enter pageantry, her advice is clear: “Do your research. Be passionate. Build a strong support system. Be kind. Be yourself. Go for it. We need more of us on that stage.”
She also calls on pageant organizations to embrace inclusivity. “Hire team members who are accepting, educate them on pronouns, and use nonbinary language. Showcase more trans stories and empower transgender people to compete.”
Jasmine Basanes is not just making history—she’s shaping the future.
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Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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You a ract what you fear. I’m so scared of 42.3 million dollars.
I’d like to allow myself 8-12 hours of alone time every morning to prepare for the day.
I made some bad choices in life, but I never bought a pair of crocs.
Stable? That’s for horses.
I don’t care if my parents are disappointed in me. I’m not impressed by them either.
I love surprising my metabolism. It never knows whatʼs coming; either starvation or 27175 calories all at once.
I’m built di erently. Like incorrectly, I think.
I know one thing that’s not doing its job in the government, and that’s high cholesterol.
