Mort d’Hélène Hazera, voix de France Culture et militante trans

Hélène Hazera, a distinguished French journalist and radio producer known for her profound contributions to the music world and her steadfast activism for transgender and LGBT rights, died on October 5 at the age of 74. Her career, spanning decades, was marked by her pioneering presence as the first openly transgender woman on public radio in France and her influential work in chronicling French chanson.

Born into a family deeply rooted in resistance and political engagement, Hazera's upbringing was shaped by complex familial dynamics. Her parents were both members of the French Resistance during World War II, while her maternal grandmother was a lesbian who struggled with heroin addiction. These early influences contributed to Hazera's nuanced understanding of identity and resilience.

Hazera began her journalism career in 1978 at Libération, a leading French newspaper, where she initially covered television before focusing her expertise on the chanson genre. Her passion for music and words was reportedly inspired by her mother, who introduced her to traditional songs that left a lasting impression. Throughout her tenure at Libération until 1999, Hazera championed underrepresented artists, including advocating for the rediscovery of forgotten singers such as Nitta-Jô and spotlighting emerging acts like Les Têtes Raides.

Parallel to her journalistic pursuits, Hazera actively engaged in LGBT activism. She was affiliated with the Front Homosexuel d’Action Révolutionnaire (FHAR) and the Gazolines, groups that played pivotal roles in the 1970s queer liberation movements in France. Later, she became involved with Act Up, an organization at the forefront of combating the AIDS crisis. Her activism was informed by personal experience, including her own struggles with gender identity and the social stigma associated with it.

Hazera’s transition from male to female was conducted with remarkable discretion in public discourse, though she never shied away from discussing the challenges faced by transgender individuals. She candidly addressed moments of hardship, including a serious adolescent mental health crisis and periods of economic precarity that led her to sex work. Yet, her recounting of these experiences was often laced with wry humor and defiant spirit.

Beyond print media, Hazera held a significant presence on France Culture, where she produced and hosted programs dedicated to chanson and its cultural significance. Notably, her long-running show Chanson boum !, which debuted in 2005, became a beloved platform until its conclusion in 2017. During her final on-air interview, Hazera reflected on her career with modest irony, emphasizing the collective nature of creative work over individual accolades.

Her artistic endeavors included appearances as an actress in films by influential directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and Marguerite Duras, further attesting to her multifaceted talents and immersion in French cultural life.

In 2026, a documentary titled Hélène, trésore transnationale by filmmaker Judith Abitbol was released, offering an intimate portrait of Hazera’s life and legacy. The film explores her role as a trailblazer in transgender visibility and her contributions to music journalism.

Hazera was also vocal in critiquing contemporary cultural policies, notably expressing disapproval when President Emmanuel Macron’s inauguration featured only anglophone singers, underscoring her commitment to French musical heritage.

Her death has been reported by several French media outlets, including Libération and telerama.fr, which highlighted her enduring influence as a voice for marginalized communities and a guardian of chanson traditions. Hélène Hazera’s life and work remain a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and artistic dedication.