Beautiful Boy Unmasked

BY: Tiffany Goldstein

The mainstream media can often portray a misleading representation of transgender individuals and crossdressers. Outlets like newspapers, magazines, TV, and the music industry tend to refuse to acknowledge their existence. Whether you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you may feel discriminated against or deeply misunderstood to a mass audience. However, a Sydney based electronic duo is looking to make a positive shift in the right direction.

Cam Nacson and Toby Chew are the powerful heartthrobs/musicians that are taking a proactive stand against the media. Their band Moza released a new single entitled “Gold,” which represents the stark reality of a crossdresser’s journey and self-exploration. Although this is not the first music video by an LGBTQ community member to hit the internet, this video has touched thousands with its incredibly positive message and unique take on drag.

“Gold is about how the people we love the most bring out our favorite version of ourselves, the version we love most, the version we’re most proud of, the best version,” Moza told Partae Magazine. The band went to director Madeline King and cinematographer Miller Best to help tell the story of a strong man who was once struggling with self-acceptance.

“Cam & Toby wanted the video to portray self-exploration of a young man trapped in his mundane existence from which he escapes by embracing his true self,” says King. “The video explores themes of self-doubt, male depression and liberation against the backdrop of the stereotypical male role of a small town mechanic.”

While the video exposes several societal issues of gender stereotyping, it highlights the beauty of expression. Raphael Dubois plays the small town mechanic who discovers his true identity through experimenting with makeup and a blonde wig. In the video, the wig symbolizes freedom in one’s self.

With a powerful music video like “Gold” going viral, we hope that people learn to accept, acknowledge, and be true to themselves. Sometimes seeing a story about someone else being brave, will drive us to do the same.

Moza’s single “Gold” is now available on YouTube, Vimeo, and Spotify.