Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace Discusses “Pretty Girls (The Mover)”

On 2014’s Transgender Dysphoria Blues, Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace dove deep into issues of gender identity and her coming out as a transgender woman, and she’s recently launched an advice column over at Noisey that’s covered everything from appropriate pronouns to tattooing as a form of therapy. But this kind of openness wasn’t always so easy, as “Pretty Girls (The Mover)” from Against Me!’s 2005 album Searching For A Former Clarity proves. Though not the first song of hers to do so, the track hinted at Grace’s gender dysphoria, stopping just short of revealing everything. As she discussed with The A.V. Club at Rancho Recordo in Fenton, Michigan, Grace changed a key line, swapping “gender identity” for “irresponsibility” out of fear that she’d out herself-and the simple song about a crush never felt right to her after that. It wasn’t until the band was touring on Transgender Dysphoria Blues that the song became a staple of live sets, and the line about gender identity re-emerged. It speaks to Grace’s ability to continue updating songs in search of the truth, and this stripped-down take on “Pretty Girls (The Mover)” foreshadows her upcoming “Killing Me Loudly” solo performances, which promise music, spoken word, and Grace’s uncompromising aura.
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[@safhirarovida8850]

how come she was swearing but sounded so classy? damnn

[@masonleviathan1918]

SHES SO GORGEOUS IT MAKES MY HEART FLUTTER

[@cova4218]

Cutest swearing ever.

[@teresabartlett1052]

it surprised me that she didn't like this song, that's one of my favorites.

[@r0b0t1ctree6]

No wonder I loved this song when I was younger and hadn't realized I was trans yet.

[@ohitscasey3166]

the very beginning is so cute oh my gosh

[@carolinbickley3763]

She's adorable I'm smitten with her 💞💋

[@chipzor]

Hahaha, the cursing at the beginning cracks me up ^^

[@gabrielalemes5351]

Gosh, I am so in love with her... Brilliant!

[@pixelsandplanners]

I've always loved that song! I love when they play it live now.

[@aimeemadigan]

I love you, Laura Jane!

[@olympiawa7891]

She looks so good in this interview. Very sexy.

[@skylerfredson8723]

I need a gif of her swearing.

[@ryanp.933]

As a fan - It sucks hearing the album version of the song is "cringe worthy" I fucking love that song!

[@coreykuefler-terweeme7268]

my crush lol.

[@johnnyscifi]

Damn...Former Clarity is my favourite...