Lenny Zenith: A Transgender Pioneer in Music and Life

Lenny Zenith is more than an artist—he’s a trailblazer in the transgender community, whose life and music have broken boundaries and shattered stereotypes. His career, spanning decades, includes leading iconic bands like Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, Minor Planets, Pop Comb and RZA as well as his collaborations with industry legends like James Murphy and Wharton Tiers. Lenny’s genre-bending sound draws from his Cuban heritage, merging rock with jazz, electronica, and orchestral ballads, resulting in a body of work that’s as diverse as it is powerful.

Lenny’s personal journey as a transgender man began in his youth in New Orleans, where he struggled to find acceptance while facing the challenges of adolescence. As a young transgender person, he found sanctuary at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) and life-saving support from two compassionate doctors at Tulane Medical Center, who guided him through a difficult time.

Yet, even with this support, Lenny’s path was filled with hurdles. Outed in high school by a classmate, Lenny was forced to leave McMain Magnet School (New Orleans), completing his education in isolation. Despite these challenges, his strength and determination led him to continue his musical career, though his transgender identity remained hidden from the public eye for many years. Fear for his safety kept him silent, but Lenny’s artistic expression always reflected his inner truth.

Now, Lenny is no longer silent. In 2018, he fully embraced his identity with the release of What If The Sun, followed by the 2022 trans anthem “Where Is Safe,” a powerful response to the growing threats against transgender people, particularly youth, in the United States. With He/Hymn, Lenny steps forward once again—boldly sharing his story through music that speaks to the universal need for acceptance, love, and healing.