The pioneering transgender writer and rock musician has been writing, performing and releasing music for years with his own bands like Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, Minor Planets, Pop Combo and RZA (he had the name first, by the way). He’s worked with producers like James Murphy (pre-LCD Soundsystem) and Wharton Tiers (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.). He’s opened for legends including U2, Iggy Pop, The Replacements and X, to name just a few.
Out.com called him “one of the genre’s first true transgender rock stars.” He told Billboard, “he didn’t feel safe publicizing himself because of his transgender identity. But now, he’s ready to let the world know exactly who he is. “I want my voice to be heard, and I want to be able to support working with other transgender people and artists.”
Lenny transitioned in his early teens in New Orleans where he also attended NOCCA. He credits two doctors his parents took him to at Tulane Medical Center for saving his life as a young and frightened trans kid.
Lenny surreptitiously attended school as a boy until his senior year, when he was outed by a classmate. He was asked not to return to school and was issued his diploma via mail.
After ‘graduation’, he went on to form the aforementioned bands, eventually moving to NYC where he continued to hone his craft and becoming a fierce activist for trans causes speaking at universities, PFLAG events, Queer Memoir and other spoken word performances. Many of his releases have raised funds for groups such as Trans Lifeline, PFLAG, Trans Women of Color Collective and House of Tulip (in his hometown of New Orleans).
While primarily considered an indie/punk rock artist, he explores other genres including Latin (Lenny is half Cuban), jazz, electronica, pop and orchestral ballads.
With his latest release “Where is Safe” Zenith will be donating 100% of the proceeds to causes supporting trans youth and their families in at-risk states.
The song details his own experience transitioning as a young teen and the nightmare he recently had about other trans kids not finding finding a place to be safe.
It was recorded by his long-time friend and collaborator James Pertusi, who contributed his time and also played bass.
He is working on a new album set to be released in 2022.
Lenny Zenith’s first solo album What If The Sun