It is 8:01 p.m. Jan. 30. The doors of The Union, located at 18 W Union St., have just opened for the Athens Trans Takeover, and Constanze Brodbeck is wandering the practically empty floor of the venue, waiting for the crowd to filter in.
Brodbeck is a senior studying film, as well as the coordinator of the Trans Takeover event. Brodbeck was approached by Trans PSA to organize a benefit show that would feature transgender artists and raise money for the group.
“Trans PSA is a group looking to bring trans spaces and events to Southern Ohio and the Athens area specifically, so we’re hosting potlucks and shows like this to help people get together and help people connect,” Brodbeck said.
It didn’t take long for a sizable crowd to join Brodbeck. The first resounding bass thump of the night rang out around 8:30 p.m., immediately pulling the group from the bar to the dance floor with magnetic power. DJ Groundfloor set the tone for a night of high energy with an electric set, seamlessly blending elements of hyperpop, techno and trance.
Brodbeck took the stage next under the name Connie Conrad, bringing with her only an electric guitar and haunting vocalizations. She synthesized the influences of Midwest emo and folk music, debuted original songs from all eras of her life and brought together the crowd exactly as she hoped the event would.
“I think it’s really important right now for trans people to connect and to know each other … not just online, but to have a local trans community who they can rely on when things get dicey,” Brodbeck said.
Jane's epic scream during one of their songs at the Trans Takeover. Jan. 30, 2025, at The Union.
Following Connie Conrad was DYL Jane, the solo project of Jane Hoover. Hoover drums for the local band Snail Satan, but for solo shows she ditches the skins in favor of a synthesizer and guitar.
“It’s my first solo set not at Casa (Nueva), which is where I work so it’s very low pressure,” Hoover said.
Hoover had no reason to fear the pressure of The Union stage; in between songs, she commanded the audience to “clap if you like trans people” and was met by the night’s loudest and longest round of applause. Hoover also received resounding moments of applause for her dreamy musicianship, from her raspy and powerful vocals to skillful manipulation of the synthesizer.
As Hoover wrapped up her set and the transition between artists began, attendees couldn’t help but notice the sudden influx of red and black outfits among the crowd. This could only mean one thing: the arrival of Blush. The all-fem group began their set by featuring the songwriting of drummer Caden Primmer and brought the evening to an unexpected close.
Connie Conrad singing loud and proud at the Trans Takeover. Jan. 30, 2025, at The Union.
The final name on the lineup was DJ TGirl $wag, the stage name of Spike Robertson-Boyd, a senior studying music production. Robertson-Boyd described the style of DJ TGirl $wag as “hard groove, techno, trance … rave-oriented,” and the artist looked forward to showcasing this style for a good cause.
“It’s really great to try to … build these spaces where trans people can go and exist around other trans people without having this constant fear or anything else going on, so it’s really awesome that we have those spaces,” Robertson-Boyd said.
However, the artist’s equipment was damaged by a spilled drink earlier in the night and DJ TGirl $wag was unable to perform as planned. Fortunately, Robertson-Boyd was able to make back the cost of the damages through a GoFundMe organized by Kat Goecke. So far, $560 has been raised to fix the equipment.
“My partner was supposed to play a benefit show for the trans community in Athens last night, their equipment was ruined by a spilled drink without the artist's knowledge,” Goecke wrote in the GoFundMe description. “The mixer and CDJs need to either be replaced or fixed. All proceeds would be helping trans artists fix their equipment and be very much appreciated.”
According to Brodbeck, the event raised about $1,300 with tickets and art market sales. This money will help Trans PSA organize future events; the calendar for March includes a monthly potluck scheduled for March 2 and another performance event March 15.
“F--- the government, come hang out, come support,” Hoover said. “Feel some joy, feel some sadness. There’s art to be had in times of darkness, there’s hope.”
