We were lucky to catch up with Jeffery Tay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jeffery , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Taking a risk, as I’ve learned from my own personal journey, can be an incredibly transformative and liberating experience. My story of risk-taking revolves around a pivotal moment during my master’s graduate recital and thesis defense, where I decided to come out as gay and, in doing so, share my unapologetic perspective on LGBTQ human rights.
I embarked on this journey with a thesis that delved into the complexities of LGBTQ human rights and ventured into sensitive territory by discussing the privilege of white men in the history of human rights. It was at this juncture that I faced an intriguing challenge: all the judges for that day’s thesis defense happened to be white men. This created a palpable sense of unease, as I feared that my candid and “very gay” performance – which included waving the rainbow flag on stage – might make them uncomfortable, potentially jeopardizing my score and academic future.
Yet, as I stood there, I made a conscious decision to set aside these concerns and focus on the essence of my purpose. It was about more than just grades; it was about using my platform to express my profound love for the LGBTQ community and my unwavering commitment to the cause. In that moment, I decided to regard the event as my personal concert, an opportunity to let my true self shine, and to passionately convey my message.
In the end, my decision to take this risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have predicted. The judges, despite their initial reservations or discomfort, embraced my performance and my thesis defense wholeheartedly. They appreciated the authenticity of my presentation, and it underscored the significance of addressing these important issues. It was a heartwarming reminder that taking a risk, even in the face of uncertainty, can lead to profound moments of connection and understanding.
My experience underscores that taking risks, particularly when advocating for essential causes like LGBTQ human rights, not only empowers us to be true to ourselves but can also spark genuine change and open minds. It is a testament to the fact that, sometimes, the boldest actions yield the most profound and positive results.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In a harmonious journey that intertwines passion, talent, and advocacy, allow me to introduce myself as Jeffery Tay – a multifaceted artist, singer-songwriter, and music educator. My musical odyssey, like that of many starry-eyed youngsters, began when I fell head over heels in love with music at the tender age of 10. This enduring passion propelled me towards the keys of a piano, setting in motion a lifelong quest to become a superstar in the realm of music.
Hailing from China, I embarked on a remarkable journey that led me to one of the nation’s premier music colleges, culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in 2012. Just a year after tossing my graduation cap into the air, I took a significant leap by signing with an agent and unveiled my inaugural original album in 2013. A mere two years later, my second album graced the airwaves, and I found myself traversing the expansive landscapes of my homeland, gracing an array of stages, including those of illustrious TV shows and interviews.
Throughout my career in China, I had the privilege of amassing an impressive collection of awards, marking my contribution to the world of music. However, 2018 witnessed a pivotal turning point in my life as I embarked on a transformative journey that would lead me to the shores of the United States. In search of greater musical horizons, I pursued my studies at the renowned Musicians Institute, where I embarked on the path to becoming an independent artist. In 2019, I proudly emerged with the Certificate of Independent Artist program, marking a significant milestone on my musical voyage.
The year 2022 marked the culmination of my studies at the Musicians Institute, as I graduated with flying colors. Notably, I achieved the highest accolade during my Master’s graduate recital and thesis defense, earning the esteemed title of Magna Cum Laude. This milestone not only granted me my first Master’s degree but also served as a testament to the unwavering dedication I hold for my craft.
Beyond the realm of music, another facet of my identity comes to the forefront – I proudly identify as an LGBTQ+ musician. My most cherished accomplishments include an invitation from the San Francisco Community Health Center to represent the Asian & Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ community and perform at the San Francisco Pride event in 2022. As a musician, I am deeply committed to utilizing the power of my music to advocate for LGBTQ+ human rights. Simultaneously, in my role as a music educator, I aspire to leverage my knowledge to support and guide queer teenagers navigating the often challenging terrain of self-identity, helping them overcome discrimination and school bullying.
In the following pages, I invite you to delve deeper into my world of melodies, advocacy, and musical expertise. Through my work, I hope to foster a harmonious world where every note resonates with the beat of equality and acceptance for all.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most enriching facet of being an artist transcends the mere creation of visual or auditory masterpieces; it lies in the profound ability to convey one’s innermost thoughts and concepts to others. In the realm of art and music, we wield a unique power – the power to influence, inspire, and connect with individuals on a visceral level. Every brushstroke, every lyric, and every note resonates with the capacity to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who encounter our work.
What sets the artist’s journey apart is the enduring legacy it leaves behind. Our creations stand as timeless testaments to our existence in this world and, more significantly, our contribution to society. Consider, for a moment, the alternative: a life driven solely by the pursuit of wealth. Once that chapter concludes, the riches amassed simply change hands, fleeting and ultimately devoid of personal legacy. However, as an artist, my compositions etch themselves onto CDs, find refuge on the vast canvas of the internet, and persist long after I have taken my final bow.
In the realm of art, even in my absence, the pieces I’ve crafted continue to grace walls, adorned with my distinctive signature, or dwell in the boundless expanse of the internet. Our artistic creations serve as a living narrative, a story that transcends the confines of time. As an artist, my music, my paintings, and my sculptures have the capacity to speak to generations yet unborn, a testament to my existence and a bridge connecting my soul to those who come after me. In the art we create, we find immortality, leaving behind a perpetual resonance that captures the essence of the human experience. This, to me, is the most gratifying aspect of being an artist.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back on my creative journey, there is one resource I wish I had discovered earlier, and that is the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture and support. My path as an artist led me from China to Los Angeles, and it was in this transition that I began to truly understand the profound impact of LGBTQ+ culture on one’s sense of identity and artistic expression.
In China, the societal landscape was markedly devoid of information regarding LGBTQ+ culture. While it is not a crime to be gay in China, government censorship rigorously suppressed any public discourse on the subject. This lack of visibility and open dialogue contributed to a pervasive misunderstanding of the LGBTQ+ community and, regrettably, gave rise to numerous tragic consequences. Many queer teenagers, bereft of the guidance and support they needed, grappled with immense internal struggles, feeling as though their very identities were sources of shame and sin. School bullying, a relentless affliction, continued unabated.
I vividly recall the sense of isolation and vulnerability that I, too, experienced during my formative years in China. I yearn for a world where I had discovered the LGBTQ+ culture earlier, where I could have shed the cloak of secrecy and embraced my true self without fear. The earlier I could have immersed myself in this vibrant, accepting culture, the sooner I could have channeled my authentic thoughts and emotions into my music, uplifting not only myself but also those who walked a parallel path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
My journey serves as a testament to the profound impact of LGBTQ+ culture in empowering individuals to embrace their identities and express themselves through their chosen art form. The resource I wish I had known about earlier is the power of community, acceptance, and understanding, which can transform not just an artist’s creative journey but also the lives of countless LGBTQ+ individuals who deserve love, acceptance, and the freedom to be their authentic selves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tay_jeffery/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jefferytaymusic
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jefferytaymuisc