Luxembourg electro-pop artist Chaild has a message for everyone in pride month. “Be nice to each other,” he says. “If we manage to support each other, and not shade each other, that’s one step ahead. We have oppressing figures we need to fight together.” Still in his early 20s, Chaild (pronounced “child”) points to a lack of queer representation in Luxembourg. “I feel there is a lack of a community in Luxembourg and there isn’t a queer lifestyle,” he says, adding that despite feeling he never had a figure to look up to, he was inspired by growing up in Luxembourg.

When it comes to LGBTQ safety, the experience of queer people depends on race and how queer they look. He said being a white man himself is a privilege even if he is gay. “I get away with a lot of things trans people or people of different nationalities can’t get away with,” he says. He thinks that queer people being in danger in Luxembourg is something that’s is never talked about.

On the other hand, he also emphasises the need to not compare Luxembourg to bigger cities like Paris or Brussels. “I feel in danger whilst visiting Paris. It’s a bigger city. I never felt in danger in Luxembourg, which is ironic as Paris is considered more of an open city”.

Chaild explains that trans issues have grabbed his attention recently, and he is educating himself on the topic. “I have been diving into trans activism…and I realised tons of shit that is wrong with people,” says the artist. He agrees that society has moved its gay hate towards trans people, in comparison to 20 years ago. It’s horrible to witness, he explains, saying that in today’s society it is tolerable to be gay or of different sexual orientations, but trans people are experiencing hatred.

But Luxembourg is like a bubble queer wise, and queer people need to realise that they can have potential friends out there that accept them for how they are, even if their close circles don’t necessarily do so.

Watch Chaild’s video for Sick Water featuring Luxembourg rapper Maz.

He wants to address queer youth in Luxembourg and to assure them that they are not alone. Also, to look for allies beyond the borders of the grand duchy, given the fact that queer communities are bigger in the neighbouring countries. “Luxembourg queer youth…don’t feel like that’s it, don’t feel sad that you’re not represented and don’t feel alone.”

Makeup and fashion are a form of self-expression and his way of fighting gender norms. But he prefers to express himself through his music, and to make a statement and rather than be pigeon-holed to one gender or another. “I try not to be imprisoned by a certain gender norm and try to channel that in my music videos.”

On the other hand, Chaild feels like his sexual orientation overshadows his artistry. He reckons the media is more interested in him being gay than him as an artist, and he is repeatedly asked about his coming out story, rather than questioned about his work. “We are living in this country when there is not a lot of representation, so I don’t really mind.” Indeed, if his experiences lead to him having a voice on a bigger platform, to reach people that are going through similar situations and help them, then it is worth answering media questions.

In the meantime, Chaild has no plans to release music earlier than next September, although he has several tracks that he worked on during lockdown. “I’m being quiet right now because of the covid situation, but I never stopped working. I recorded something in January that is super queer but people will love it.”  The artist was in Paris when we spoke as he is in talks to join new management at “Filature” and is in the City of Lights sessions with the company’s producer.

Finally, what message would he like to voice? “ If something doesn't affect your life be nice. Be good and happy pride month”.

Chaild performs at Neimënster on 7 July as part of a carte blanche for local production company Charlotte in Red that also features Portuguese artist Fabia Maia and DJ Koromoto. Info and tickets .