Rae Spoon

After almost a month in hospital after getting an ileal conduit, I’m happy to say I’ve been released.

The surgery seems to have worked. My health is complicated, so anything that happens always turns into ten things. Thanks to Chelsea, Doug and Lee who took turns being in the hospital everyday with me. The kind of care I got made my path so much easier.

I’ll be in Toronto for the next while recovering and receiving home care. You all make life a thing worth going through the wringer for. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Swipe for hospital photo hahaha

ID1: Rae Spoon (a disabled, white, non-binary person with yellow hair) is wearing a grey t-shirt cut off at the shoulders, yellow sunglasses, black shorts and platform sneakers leaning against a white wall.

Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with yellow hair and joke eye-ball glasses on) is sitting in hospital bed holding up a banner seen by UZG and covered in candy from a care package.

I came out as trans in 2001. I see how much everyone is doing for future generations and I’m cheering for you all!

The opposition is only evidence that we’ve already won. Who wouldn’t benefit by not being obligated to a list of rules based on some assigned s*x?

Photo by


ID: Rae Spoon (a disabled, white non-binary person with yellow hair) wears a grey shirt cut off at the arms and yellow sunglasses. They are leaning in a white wall and looking into the camera.

A photo that one of my fave pals took this summer.

Continuing the yellow theme to announce that I’m going for surgery to create an ileal conduit on Friday in Toronto. I will soon be in the coveted position of adding a urostomy to my ostomy collection.

It’s a 10 hour surgery and my recovery is hard to predict because of my complicated health. I have lots of pals around helping me out and projects to work on.

I’ll post updates here. Thanks for supporting me on my continuing health journey.

Image Description: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with yellow hair and sunglasses and a grey shirt cut off at the shoulders) holds a yellow spray bottle up with one hand in front of a white wall.

Do you have any photos or videos of me performing live this summer? I’d love it if you sent them to me! DM me! Repost

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with yellow hair, a black lace tshirt and leather shorts) sits at the edge of a stage with their legs hanging off. They have a microphone up to their mouth and are singing. Behind them there’s an abstract blue and red graphic.

review of Not Dead Yet. Link in comments.

Image Text: "they are able to work within the archetypal three minute pop formula to condense and distill three years of life, love, suffering, loss, and self-discovery, while pulling no punches and foregoing all platitudes" spins Not Dead Yet

Image description: Quote from Cups and Cakes review with an image of the album cover for Not Dead Yet below. A photo of Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with yellow hair and Not Dead Yet written on their chest in pink paint.)

Thanks for the spins college/community radio! Number 11 on last week is cool! I’m free for phone interviews with folks from radio shows! DM me or email coaxrecords at gmail.com

ID: a visual of the chart for Earshot national top 50 for Canada community and college radio for the week of Sept 19, 2023. Rae Spoon Not Dead Yet is at #11.

A lot of folks are going to counter protest the “Million Person March” tomorrow. I wrote a new column about my experiences as a youth with systemic gender and s*xuality repression in a fundamentalist pentecostal home in the 90’s. Thanks to Lee Pepper for editing it. Link in comments.

ID: An image of Rae Spoon (a white, trans/nonbinary, disable person) of their head and top of their shoulders. They have short yellow hair, blue eyes and a black knit collared shirt. They are turned a bit away from the camera and are looking into the distance. There is a peach, beige background of photo paper.

Check out this amazing project made by Kim Kinnakin of myself and q***r other folks who have experienced chemotherapy and/or cancer! Chemo Emos, Cancer Qu**rs, & Other Heroes Facebook group link and Vimeo link in comments.

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with short brown hair, a great sleeveless shirt and a visible PIC line on their left arm) sits next to Kim Kinakin (A white, q***r man with medium length brown hair and a white button down shirt) in front of a white wall with a shaded window between them.

Image text: It is with great honour and respect that we share this powerful, raw and inspiring interview with Rae Spoon and Kim Kinakin as they discuss living with Cervical Cancer (including side effects and ongoing complications), permanent Colostomy & Nephrostomy, Multiple Myeloma, Kidney Disease and HIV (and other health issues), through the lenses of gender and s*xual identity while accessing support and services within Canada.

This is the 3rd in a series of 4 interviews from Chemo Emos, Cancer Qu**rs, & Other Heroes

Please share!

Tour Throwback. When you find your soul mate in your home town.

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, no binary person with yellow hair and wearing a red mesh shirt) lays on a white pillow with a Peter’s Drive In (blue and white printed cup with a white straw) milkshake on the white pillow next to them.

Health Update:

Hello folks, I’m cancelling my fall shows to address some ongoing health issues. I’m hoping to rebook Ontario and Maritime shows in Spring 2024. Also, I plan to tour Europe in summer 2024 (outdoor shows).

I’m sad to delay shows, but overall so happy with the album and life in general. I can still work in Toronto and Montreal and do remote engagements.

I have chronic kidney infections from my bilateral nephrostomy tubes and haven’t been responding to oral antibiotics. I may end up on IV antibiotics soon (which will mean hospitalization or home care in Toronto). There is a surgery planned to create an ileal conduit (try to get rid of my neph tubes) in Toronto. I’m not sure when it’ll happen, but I’ll post about it when I know.

“While this all sounds grim, Not Dead Yet is anything but. Not only does Spoon showcase their considerable skills in writing endearingly infectious pop melodies, they also present songs of defiance and anger that still manage to celebrate the joy of being alive after staring down death.” cover article

Thanks

Link in profile

ID: Photo of Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary, disabled person with yellow hair, a black mesh t-shirt over a black tank top) smiles holding a microphone while reaching one hand to adjust the k***s on their live vocal effects pedals. There’s a mural that’s half black and half red, blue abs yellow behind them. The headline reads: Spoon took up new activism in health-care system.

I chatted with about my new album on Link in comments

ID: CKUA page reads: Rae Spoon Celebrates Their New Album

Photo of Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non binary person with yellow hair and trucker glasses looks into the camera).

Love you Richard! Thanks for all of the songs you wrote. Your story is strong and we’re singing it.

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person who has yellow hair) sings Richard Laviolette’s song “I Might Need Someone To Tell My Story When I’m Gone” while looking into the camera with green bushes and a red humming bird feeder behind them.

Full video link in comments

Though I try to organize
Things still take me by surprise
Dust flies up into my eyes
And leaves me hanging on
My childhood’s a blur somehow
One day I’ll forget me now
I might need someone to tell
My story when I’m gone

I spend time with all my friends
I like to hang out with them
They cluck around like old hens
And tell me when I’m wrong
They call me when I’m all cooped up
Bring me soup and help me up
I might need someone to tell
My story when I’m gone

Pieces of me disappear, I lose something every year
They say one day I won’t be here to tell the road I’m on
Whether it takes guts or glory, I won’t die here feeling sorry
I might need someone to tell my story when I’m gone

My folks have been around the bend
They’ve been there and back again
Been to hell and made some friends
That they’d bet their life on
No when we sit and play our music
I write it down so I don’t lose it
They might need someone to tell
Their story when they’re gone

When I’m old and no one knows me
Flicker out like those before me
Winter’s come and we walk slowly
To the land beyond
Think of what I’ve left behind
Who is still around to find it
I might need someone to tell my story when I’m gone.
CHORUS

Wolfville workshop Sept 13, Wolfville show Sept 14, Halifax show Sept 15

Image Text:
This is something you need to know about. is coming to the Valley. They will be playing an immunocompromised accessible, Covid-safe show on Thursday, September 14, 7pm. Open-air, at Wolfville Recreation Centre, Rotary Park, 7 Victoria Ave. $20/$10/pwyc. All welcome, please mask.
ID: A blue and pink Riso print version of Rae Spoon Not Dead Yet Poster with an image of the head and shoulders of Rae Spoon (a white, non binary, disabled person looks into the camera).

Thanks to and for a memorable show in Regina!!

ID: Jaye (a white non-binary person wearing a black hat, shirt and shorts with an electric guitar) crouches and smiles behind Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary person with yellow hair and a read shirt) who is smiling.

Regina show with. tomorrow night! See you all on Willow Island!

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary disabled person is standing up wearing a sheer black shirt). Rae has yellow hair, red eye makeup and dark green lip stick. They’re looking into the camera lens.

Can’t wait for the Halifax show with Catholic Gaydar! Info in comments.

Sept 15 7pm Outdoor Backyard Show, masks requested (we’ll have some at the door). Reserve with Eventbrite. $10-20 sugg donation at the door.

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary disabled person is standing up wearing a sheer black pants and shirt with a leather trench coat and white shoes). Rae has yellow hair, red eye makeup and dark green lip stick. They’re looking into the camera lens.

Tomorrow at in Edmonton! Looking forward to seeing Free to attend! Masked folks to the front and space made for them during my set.

ID: Black Background with yellow and white writing schedule for Purple City Text in comment link to Edmonton show

Tonight in Calgary, I play at with 7pm-9pm. I’ll make sure there’s space for masked folks at the front. It’s a dream to play with my pal Ezra’s kids because they ROCK.

Info in comments

ID: An image of Aiwen, 11, (wearing a shirt with a tie, black skirt and red flowers in her hair) and Micah, 9 (wearing a purple shirt with a tie and black pants). They’re both doing rock poses next to each other.

“Not Dead Yet is the kind of record ABBA might’ve made if ABBA had made a record about confronting one’s own mortality.

Its profound snapshots of fear, anxiety, trauma and revelation are dressed up in infectious beats and synth sounds and delivered with just the right amount of Autotune.”

Thanks for the kind write up! Playing Lethbridge tonight, then Calgary, Grand Prairie, Edmonton and Regina. Show info and review in comments.

ID: Photo of Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non binary person with yellow hair, red eye make up and dark green lipstick). They’re wearing a translucent black shirt. They look directly into the camera.

Text in image in profile and review link

“Not Dead Yet is an album brimming with the joy of being alive — as well as the vulnerability that comes with sharing your trauma and being cracked right open and put back together again.”

Read the rest of the review of the album on website Link link in comments.

ID: Text from CBC Music review. Link in profile for text. With photo of Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary disabled person with yellow hair wearing a translucent shirt and pants with a black leather trench coat and white loafers.) They have red makeup on their eyes.

“Not Dead Yet is an album brimming with the joy of being alive — as well as the vulnerability that comes with sharing your trauma and being cracked right open and put back together again.”

Read the rest of the review of the album on website Link link in profile.

ID: Text from CBC Music review. Link in profile for text.

Tomorrow at with We read from our book Green Glass Ghosts published by

Masks mandatory. We will have some paper masks at the door.

On Tuesday, August 22nd at 6pm, join Massy Arts, Massy Books, and Arsenal Pulp Press in welcoming musician and author Rae Spoon and illustrator Gem Hall for a reading of Green Glass Ghosts.

Venue & Accessibility

The event will be hosted at the Massy Arts Gallery, at 23 East Pender Street in Chinatown, Vancouver.

Registration is free and required for entrance.

The gallery is wheelchair accessible and a gender-neutral washroom is on-site.

Please refrain from wearing scents or heavy perfumes.

For more on accessibility including parking, seating, venue measurements and floor plan, and how to request ASL interpretation please visit: massyarts.com/accessibility

Covid Protocols: Masks keep our community safe and are mandatory (N95 masks are recommended as they offer the best protection). We ask if you are showing symptoms, that you stay home. Thank you kindly.

ID: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled non-binary person with yellow hair and a black lace shirt) looks into the the camera.

Tomorrow I will join my long time touring companion .berner at the first in Vancouver. It’s very meaningful for us to return to the stage in places attempting to limit COVID transmissions and create access conversations.

Link in comments

–Start time around 6pm, 2 sets with an intermission.

Workshops!:
–From 4:30pm to 6pm.

–Corsi-Rosenthal Box Making
Come and help us make 10 CR Boxes to donate and/or bring your own box fan (in the box), 4 MERV-13 Filters and Duct Tape to make your own. There will be lots of supplies to decorate them with.

–N95 Mask decorating.

–Postcards for healthcare with Do No Harm BC.

Cheap Thrills!:

–Kids’ Games

–Raffle Prizes

Covid Safety Protocols: N95 masks required and provided. Stay distanced from others if eating or drinking.

Masking is a simple act of love—a sign that the person wearing the mask is considering the needs of others, especially the high-risk people who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who have undergone the most isolation and trauma. The Clean Air Festival would be incomplete if only people who are insulated from the impacts of COVID were able to attend.

Where: The Pavillion at Trout Lake (John Hendry) Park, East Vancouver
When: August 20, 2023. 4:30-9:30 pm

Admission: FREE! Suggested Donation of $10

We acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Image description: Rae Spoon (a white, disabled, non-binary person with a visible pouch for their nephrostomy bags in their left side, black shoes, lilac shorts, a checkered white and green shjrt, yellow hair and a white N95 mask) stands next to Geoff Berner (a white man in a white shirt, black shorts, a white captain’s hat and brown sandals) stand next to each other waving. They are standing on grass in front of a tree and a fence.

Little access preview video for Victoria tonight

'Rae Spoon took their second chance at living and made themselves the best damn album of their life' review for Not Dead Yet

Review link in comments.

Thank you Jim Di Gioia for your tireless, nuanced reviews of my music over the years. To hear words like this from you about my new album is so impactful.

Image description: Dominionated website header over a photo of Rae Spoon (a white, non-binary, disabled person with yellow hair and Not Dead Yet written across their chest in pink ink) with the quote written above below the photo.

Hello Victoria, Saltspring and Vancouver. 3 shows and a reading coming up! I’m warming up on this tree swing.

Vic Aug 18, Salt Spring Aug 19, Vancouver Aug 20 and Vancouver (reading Aug 22).

Image description: Rae Spoon (a non-binary, white, disabled person has yellow hair and is wearing a black shirt, kilt and sandals) is swinging on wooden tire swing in front of a fence, a lawn and some trees.