Cliks look to downplay transgender issue

App.com – By Ed Condran – Correspondent

When The Cliks showcased at the South by Southwest music conference/festival in Austin, Texas, six weeks ago, singer/guitarist Lucas Silveira was aware that many of the music journalists in attendance were drawn by the curiosity factor.

Nine months ago, Lilia Silveira became Lucas Silveira courtesy of a sex-change operation.

“I’ve been Lucas all along,” Silveira said while calling from Gainesville, Fla. “My brain was one gender and my body was another gender, so I fixed it.”

Silveira, who was weaned on a steady diet of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest while growing up in Toronto during the ’90s, never had musical issues.

“I’ve always loved it kind of heavy and loud,” Silveira said.