Singer duets with pre-transition self

Dylan Holloway, a musician and former X Factor finalist, has released a series of videos in which he duets with recordings of himself from before his gender transition. Performing under the name Dylan and the Moon, Holloway combines his current vocals with earlier tracks, creating a dialogue between his past and present identities. The videos have resonated widely on social media, praised for their emotional depth and message of self-acceptance. Holloway, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, emphasized the importance of embracing one’s entire journey rather than rejecting earlier versions of oneself. Holloway’s decision to revisit his pre-transition recordings came at the suggestion of his mother, who encouraged him not to delete his past work. Reflecting on these earlier performances, he expressed gratitude and compassion for the person he once was, highlighting a shift within the transgender community where there is often pressure to disavow former identities to gain acceptance. Instead, Holloway advocates celebrating the whole self, acknowledging the complexity of identity and growth. His experience growing up was marked by isolation and pain, particularly during puberty, which he describes as the most difficult period of his life. These struggles have informed his work as a mental health advocate. Initially known as Lots Holloway, he gained recognition as part of the band MK1 on The X Factor in 2012, before stepping away from that persona to transition in 2020. Beginning hormone treatment in 2021, Holloway faced the risk of altering his voice, a critical element of his career, but ultimately embraced the changes with excitement. His transition has been a positive turning point, allowing him to align his identity with his artistry. In recent years, Holloway became the first transgender winner of the BBC music competition Project Icon and has performed alongside notable artists such as Lewis Capaldi and The 1975. Beyond music, he actively promotes mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace authenticity and change, using his platform to foster understanding and acceptance.