Complexity of Change: Queerness and Gender Roles with Brooklyn Artist Piper Toohey
Written by Kendall Kelly @RazzleKendazzle 2/17/26
On their 5th year living in the city, but only a few months playing music with an accompanying band, Piper Toohey is confidently stepping into a bolder sound. Whether they’re making melodies or writing prose on Substack, writing music has been something innate in them since middle school.
Art creates a safe space for us all, especially queer people. Whether you’re shaping something for yourself or experiencing a moment with others, there’s so much magic in a moment brought together by being present in a melody. Do You Think I’m Handsome? certainly opened up a tender comfortability in the room as I experienced it live with the full band. “A lot of things are about to change” rings out again and again as the song crescendoes and collapses on itself for one last bashful “will you still like me anyway?”
Photography by Kendall Kelly
Labels can be incredibly affirming ways for queer people to present themselves to others, but the stereotypes that come with them often leave some of us feeling like we still don’t fit the expectations others have laid out for us. The depth of one’s personality goes far beyond their gender identity or sexual orientation. In an age where thousands of labels, nicknames, and communities exist to inform, empower, and represent different types of queer people, there also lies a paradoxical system of conformity. Themes of the anticipation of change, the desire to be loved unconditionally, and wanting to live up to everyone’s expectations are underscored by an intensifying sonic soundscape. Piper also explained the song's meaning goes beyond queerness. “A lot of people have an idea of what they should be in relation to others, but you’re going to have faults and change in a relationship.”
The song is performed solo beautifully but reaches a higher magnitude when played with the full band. Toohey describes playing with a band as having an extension of oneself. Initially nervous to be leading a group of talented musicians through their own music, they were delightfully surprised with the enthusiasm and collaboration that followed their first few band practices. “I thought no one wanted to be there, then I had everyone telling me, ‘this is so fun, I love playing this part.’ It was like, ‘what the hell?’” The validation from the group helps establish they’re on the right track with the project.
Piper’s band has a show coming up February 22 at Arlene’s Grocery. You can also check out their Substack, Bandcamp, and DYTIH Tiny Desk Submission Performance at their Linktree here:
Photography by Kendall Kelly