Canadian Musician Bells Larsen Cancels U.S. Tour Due to Visa Issues
Canadian artist Bells Larsen announced on Friday the unfortunate cancellation of his upcoming U.S. tour due to visa complications linked to the Trump administration’s policies on gender identity. The trans musician expressed his disappointment through a heartfelt post on Instagram.
Visa Troubles and Identity Recognition
Larsen, who identifies as a trans man, stated that he received communication from the American Federation of Musicians informing him that he could no longer apply for a visa. This change in policy is a result of updated U.S. immigration regulations, which now enforce that identification documents must reflect one’s assigned sex at birth. “To put it super plainly,” Larsen expressed, “because I’m trans (and have an M on my passport), I can’t tour the States.” His uncertainty about the future is palpable, as he notes, “I truly don’t know which phrasing holds more truth.” The timing of this announcement is particularly poignant, falling just two weeks before the launch of his album centered on his transition.
Executive Order and Its Implications
In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that all immigration documents must align with an individual’s biological sex. Following this, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated their policies accordingly. This has raised significant concerns among artists, including Larsen, who had expected to tour in major cities such as Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He lamented, “This requirement has crushed my dreams,” reflecting on the deeply personal significance of his album, Blurring Time, which he regards as a culmination of his life’s work.
Impact on the Music Community
The current immigration policies have caused a ripple of anxiety throughout the music industry. Notably, Neil Young, a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., voiced his worries about being barred from returning to the U.S. post-tour in Europe. He remarked, “If the fact that I think Donald Trump is the worst president… could stop me from coming back, what does that say for freedom?”
Prior to his announcement, Larsen had been grappling with the decision of whether to proceed with the tour, citing concerns about “border horror stories” and negative updates from the news. After discussions with immigration attorneys and the recent email, he concluded that continuing was not feasible.
Broader Discourse on Trans Rights
Larsen is not alone in facing the effects of these policies. In February, fellow transgender artist Hunter Schafer revealed her own struggles with identification issues, stating that her passport incorrectly labeled her sex as male. She passionately conveyed, “A letter and a passport can’t change that and fuck this administration.”
Future Plans and Community Support
Despite the setbacks in the U.S., Larsen confirmed that his Canadian shows will proceed as scheduled, with tickets available on his website. In his message, he encouraged fellow Canadian musicians to support one another by attending each other’s shows and staying informed about travel regulations. “While it has been progressively nerve-wracking,” he stated, “I will continue to be my most authentic self in the public eye.”
Larsen expressed his commitment to fostering queer joy and empowerment through music, stating, “I can’t wait to perform Blurring Time on stages across Canada this spring, summer, and fall.”
For further details, read Larsen’s full letter below:
For more insights and updates, check out the source: Hollywood Reporter.