Mark of Cain vocalist and guitarist, Josie Scott, has publicly come out as a trans woman, sharing her journey in a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook.
The musician opened up about her lifelong struggle with gender dysphoria and her decision to live authentically. Her statement addressed both personal challenges and what this means for the band’s future.
“Allow me to try get straight to the point with little or no bullshit, or at least I’ll try. As I’ve aged, and mortality is ever closer, I’ve decided to embrace, rather than endure, who I am,” Josie Scott said. “I’ve struggled with what is called gender dysphoria my whole life, since I was about 8 years old, and I always assumed I’d just live my life, complain a lot, and die leaving some clues in my songs and journals for family to read and think ‘oohaahh what a very strange (albeit talented) person.'”
Scott explained how her internal conflict influenced her artistic expression and philosophical outlook.
“As a result of my internal conflict I found myself drawn towards the literature of the outsider, and the existentialist writers and philosophy of ‘yeah it’s all shit but let’s try push through anyway, be stoic, be a man,’ sort of philosophy,” she continued. “My internal conflict and struggles were inherently responsible for my searching for a way to exist, but still accept, some of the futility I saw in my life. So, I often wrote about being an outsider, about feeling a little different and the idea of trying to push through no matter how dire you felt things were, to embrace the crap and try make it through life.”
The decision to come out was influenced by her experience with COVID-19 and a desire to live without regrets.
“The real background to my decision now though harks back to when Covid hit. The first bout in 2022 left me with long covid and while I was sick, it caused me to reevaluate how I felt about growing old, navigating sickness, and whether when the time came to leave earth, I could do so, with no regrets,” Scott said. “My answer was a big, ‘No, you’ve never been authentic.’ I knew I would always regret not having the courage of my convictions to live my life. Seeing so many young people now able to embrace who they are and live authentically without as much bullshit as existed when I was young helped shine a light on the possibility that maybe i can finally be me in my autumn years.”
Scott also reflected on how the band’s masculine image served as a cover for her true identity.
“Mark of Cain was often interpreted as a very masculine, testosterone driven band, which greatly acted as a way of being as a ‘beard’ for me in many ways,” she explained. “Much of what was interpreted as masculine was often being generated from my internal rage about my own dissatisfaction about myself and the paralysis I felt in being unable to live as me. It’s been liberating to finally live as myself albeit challenging at the same time, but the happiness I feel outweighs any obstacles I’ve faced so far.”
Regarding her identity and the band’s future, Scott clarified her position and reassured fans.
“My family and close friends know me as Josie, Jo for short, and given where I identify on the gender spectrum, I fit within the paradigm of being a trans woman,” she said. “I feel that the real fans of the band, who found us through their own feelings of alienation or otherness will understand the difficulty I’ve faced, of feeling different, and being on the outside, and will be ok with my announcement.”
“What does this mean for Mark of Cain? Absolutely nothing,” Scott concluded. “We’ll continue to write, record and perform hard heavy music and I may look a little more androgynous but everything else remains the same. As ever, thanks for listening.”
Scott’s announcement comes from a band with deep roots in Australia’s alternative music scene. Themes of alienation and outsider identity have long been central to their artistic expression.
The band’s official website revealed that Mark of Cain was formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1984 by brothers John and Kim Scott. They have remained at the helm throughout the band’s four-decade career. The band initially featured Rod Archer on vocals before John Scott took over lead vocal duties. This established the core trio lineup that would define their sound.
The band’s musical influences and philosophical approach align closely with Scott’s personal journey of internal conflict and searching for authenticity. AllMusic documented that the Scott brothers drew inspiration from post-punk acts like Joy Division and Black Flag. They also drew from literary figures including Herman Hesse and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This created a dark, brooding sound that reflected themes of existential struggle.
Mark of Cain has maintained a significant presence in Australia’s alternative metal scene for nearly three decades. The SA Music Hall of Fame noted that the band has embraced many styles of music throughout their career while creating their own unique sound. This sound has resonated with fans who identify with feelings of alienation and otherness.
The band’s longevity and consistent core membership have allowed them to develop a devoted following who appreciate their authentic approach to heavy music. Scott’s announcement reflects the same commitment to authenticity that has characterized the band’s music. This suggests that this personal revelation may deepen rather than change the connection between the band and their audience.
