“Because I’m trans, I can’t tour the States”: Bells Larsen on canceling U.S. tour

Bells Larsen, a Canadian musician-songwriter, has postponed his scheduled tour of the United States. He was forced into this after immigration policies were altered in the U.S. and made it impossible to obtain a visa. Larsen, a transgender man, claims the new policy keeps him and those like him from being able to travel freely for business.

He had intended to tour in cities such as Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. The tour was aimed at promoting his new album, Blurring Time, which is set to be released on April 25. The album features music that was recorded prior to and subsequent to his gender transition, tracing his progress in sound.

Larsen reported that it was very hard to cancel. He explained that the policy harmed not just his tour but his career as well. He now doesn't know if he'll ever be able to perform again in the U.S. He wrote on Instagram about the situation, explaining it to fans:

“To put it super plainly, because I’m trans (and have an M on my passport), I can’t tour the States,” Larsen wrote. “I hesitate to include a ‘right now’ or an anymore at the end of my previous sentence because — in this sociopolitical climate —

He further added:

"I truly don’t know which phrasing holds more truth. The irony of this announcement falling exactly two weeks before the release of my album, which is about my transition, is not lost on me.”

Why did Bells Larsen cancel his U.S. tour?

In April 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) altered its policy. The new policy states that all legal documents utilized for visa applications should align with an individual's sex assigned at birth. This policy change comes after an executive order issued during the Trump administration.

Bells Larsen's Canadian passport indicates that he is male. However, since he is transgendered, he was informed that U.S. immigration no longer recognizes documents that don't align with an individual's assigned sex at birth. That meant that he couldn't obtain the visa to perform his U.S. shows.

Bells Larsen received word of the new policy from the American Federation of Musicians. They advised that under policy as it then stood, his application would very probably be denied. Consequently, he canceled eight scheduled performances.

What does this mean for his music and fans?

Bells Larsen had scheduled the U.S. tour to promote Blurring Time, his new album. The album contains songs based on his experience as a trans person. It contains a blend of vocals done before and after his transition.

American fans were waiting to see him live. The concerts were also an opportunity for Larsen to establish his fans in one of the largest music markets in the world.

How are other artists affected?

Bells Larsen is only one of the artists affected by this policy. Other Canadian trans musicians are experiencing the same challenges. T. Thomason, another Halifax-based artist, has canceled scheduled performances in the U.S.

These artists claim that the new policy inspires fear and risk. They fear being unfairly treated or kept out. Others fear for their safety while traveling. These are challenges that make it difficult to organize performances or reach fans in the U.S.

The U.S. is a crucial site for artists to establish their careers. When they are not able to tour there, they lose out on significant opportunities. Most agree that the rule fails to promote the liberty of artists to communicate and reach new audiences.

What happens next for Bells Larsen?

Bells Larsen (Image via Getty/@bellslarsen)

Bells Larsen describes the cancellation as a significant setback. He had struggled to organize the tour and meet with fans.

He also aims to draw focus to the visa policy and the impact it has on trans individuals. In an open letter, he stated that the policy "crushed his dreams." He wants people to realize the very real impact that immigration policy can have.

For the time being, Larsen is concentrating on his music and fans in his home country. He might travel to other nations where laws are more accepting. However, it is not known if or when he will return to the U.S.

Larsen's tour cancellation illustrates how immigration policy can profoundly impact artists and their art. His experience demonstrates that visa regulations are not merely about forms. They have a significant impact on individuals' lives, careers, and futures. As more artists come forward, the problem is receiving attention. But unless the policy is altered, many trans performers will be confronted with the same issues.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava

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