Guitarist Josie Scott of The Mark of Cain Announces She is a Trans Woman

Official Statement Released

Josie Scott, guitarist and vocalist for the Australian heavy metal band The Mark of Cain, has announced she is a trans woman. Scott stated that observing younger trans individuals living authentically contributed to her decision to embrace her identity.

On Monday, Scott released a statement to fans via the band's social media. In the statement, she confirmed her family recognizes her as Josie or Jo and that she identifies as a trans woman. The 63-year-old indicated a decision to embrace her identity as she aged.

Scott stated that observing younger trans individuals living authentically contributed to her decision to embrace her identity.

Background and Personal Journey

Josie and Kim Scott co-founded The Mark of Cain in Adelaide in 1984. Their debut album, "Battlesick," released in 1989, later saw a US release through Henry Rollins. The band was inducted into the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame in 2022.

Scott reported experiencing gender dysphoria since childhood, having previously anticipated living without fully expressing her identity. She indicated that her experiences with gender dysphoria influenced the band's music, notably their 1995 album "Ill at Ease," produced by Rollins.

Scott reflected that the band's often-perceived masculine image served as a means to mask her internal dissatisfaction and inability to live authentically.

Decision, Impact, and Fan Reception

A period of recovery from long Covid in 2022 prompted Scott to evaluate her life and potential regrets. Scott concluded that she had not lived authentically and would regret not having the courage to do so.

She cited the visible authenticity of younger generations as a factor in her decision to embrace her identity in her later years. She described the process of living as herself as liberating yet challenging, with the resulting happiness outweighing obstacles encountered.

Scott expressed belief that the band's core fanbase, who might relate to feelings of alienation, would understand and accept her announcement. Scott affirmed that her gender identity would not alter the band's musical output or performance, stating they would continue to produce hard heavy music.

The announcement received numerous supportive responses from fans, and the band Frenzal Rhomb also expressed support.