Canadian Singer-Songwriter Bells Larsen Forced To Cancel U.S. Tour Dates Over Anti-Trans Visa Requirements

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On a recent Friday, Canadian musician Bells Larsen announced that they are forced to scrap their upcoming U.S. tour due to visa complications resulting from the Trump administration’s gender-based restrictions affecting transgender people.

This week, Larsen, a transgender man, posted on Instagram about receiving an email from the American Federation of Musicians. In the message, they stated that Larsen was no longer eligible to apply for a Visa because US immigration now only accepts identification documents that match the gender assigned at birth.

In simple terms, since I’m transgender and my passport reflects this, I can’t currently tour in the United States,” Larsen wrote. “I’m uncertain whether to add ‘at this moment’ or ‘anymore’ at the end of my previous sentence, as the current social and political climate leaves me unsure about which phrase is more accurate. The timing of this announcement, occurring just two weeks before the release of my album that deals with my transition, isn’t lost on me.

Previously, President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January asking for changes in documents like passports, visas, and Global Entry cards to match the holder’s biological sex. Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adjusted their policies according to this executive order.

Originally, Larsen intended to perform in several U.S. cities such as Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and others this spring. However, a certain mandate has left him shattered, saying his dreams have been dashed. He expressed, “I’m holding a very broken heart, grappling with the uncertainty of whether or when I can tour in the U.S. again.” Larsen wrote, “I am not overstating when I say that my transition revolved around Blurring Time. This album represents, in many aspects, my life’s labor of love. With each passing day, I grow more heartbroken as the gap between the world where this project was born and the one it is being launched seems to widen.

The recent changes in immigration policies have sparked concern within the music scene. Neil Young, a citizen of both Canada and the United States, recently criticized Trump, expressing his fear of being denied re-entry into the U.S. after his tour in Europe this summer. “If the mere fact that I believe Donald Trump is the worst president in our nation’s history could prevent me from returning, what does that say about freedom?” Young wrote. In simpler terms, he wonders if these policies limit personal freedoms.

Earlier this week, Larsen expressed concern over whether or not to go ahead with the tour due to “disturbing accounts at the border” and “troublesome news reports.” He mentioned his intention to carry out the tour as safely as possible. However, discussions with immigration attorneys and an email received this week made it apparent to him that there was no safe or viable option for moving forward under the current circumstances.

Apart from Larsen, there are other transgender artists in the entertainment world who’ve voiced their concerns regarding the executive order’s effects on them. Back in February, Hunter Schafer disclosed that she was issued a passport with her gender listed as male. In response, Schafer expressed frustration, saying “A letter and a passport can’t change this, and I despise this administration.” She didn’t provide a solution, but felt it necessary to share her experience. She concluded by stating, “This is genuine, so yes, I’m angry.

Larsen’s Canadian concerts will proceed as scheduled, and you can secure your tickets through his website. At the end of his message, he urged fellow Canadian musicians to lend support by attending each other’s performances, checking in on one another, and sharing travel guidelines to ensure everyone stays informed about safety measures, enabling us all to make wise decisions for our well-being.

Though it’s been increasingly stressful, I plan on staying true to myself in the spotlight, hoping that people might find strength and comfort in the music I create. I view it as a privilege, a responsibility, and an opportunity to share queer happiness, strength, and release with my audience through my project. I can’t wait to bring Blurring Time to stages throughout Canada this spring, summer, and fall.

Read Larsen’s full letter below:

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2025-04-12 02:54