“I’ve decided to embrace who I am”: Aussie rock icon of Mark of Cain comes out as trans

The guitarist and vocalist of long‑running Australian heavy metal band The Mark of Cain, has publicly come out as a trans woman, marking a significant and deeply personal milestone in her four‑decade career with the group. The announcement was made in a heartfelt statement shared on the band’s social media on Monday night.

Scott revealed that she is now living openly as Josie, explaining that her family have long known her by this name. In her message to fans, she wrote that “given where I identify on the gender spectrum, I fit within the paradigm of being a trans woman”, adding that seeing younger trans people live authentically had “helped shine a light on the possibility that maybe I can finally be me in my autumn years”.

She described her decision as a move to “embrace, rather than endure, who I am” after many years of internal struggle. Scott has previously spoken about experiencing gender dysphoria since childhood, explaining that the band’s famously aggressive, masculine image at times acted as both a mask and an outlet for her internal conflict. She has suggested that elements of the band’s work - including their mid‑90s album Ill at Ease - reflect this long‑running personal battle. 

Scott’s announcement has been met with a strong wave of support from fans, fellow musicians, and members of the Australian music community. Many have praised her courage, with supporters expressing admiration for her honesty and her commitment to living authentically. Online responses have highlighted how the band’s music has helped listeners through their own experiences of isolation, struggle, and self‑discovery.

Despite the personal changes, Scott reassured fans that The Mark of Cain will continue to write, record and perform. The band, formed in Adelaide and active for over 40 years, has long been recognised for its intense, hard‑driving sound - something Scott says will remain unchanged. 

Her message concludes with gratitude to those who have supported her journey so far, alongside hope that living openly will allow her to “finally live as myself”.