Lou Reed's Trans Muse: A Trailblazing Figure in 1970s Music

Rachel Humphreys: A Complex and Influential Muse

Rachel Humphreys was a transgender woman who had a profound impact on the life and work of musician Lou Reed. She was the inspiration for his album "Coney Island Baby" and many of his most famous songs. Their relationship, however, was marked by violence, betrayal, and silence.

A Journey of Inspiration and Complexity

Humphreys was born in October 1952 and lived until January 1990. She met Lou Reed in the early 1970s, and they quickly became lovers and creative partners. Humphreys's influence on Reed's music is undeniable, as she inspired lyrics, songs, and artwork that explored themes of gender, identity, and sexuality.

Despite her significant influence, Humphreys's story has remained largely untold until recently. A new documentary, "Lou Reed's Trans Muse," sheds light on her life and her complex relationship with Reed. The film explores the ways in which Humphreys's identity and experiences shaped Reed's music, while also examining the challenges she faced as a transgender woman in the 1970s.