Jacqueline Marie Evancho is a 16 year old American classical crossover singer who gained early recognition at a very young age. Since 2009 she has issued an EP and six albums. Within those there is a platinum and gold album and three Billboard top 200 songs. She has also released three solo Public Broadcasting Service concert specials.

Evancho sang at the Inauguration for President Trump. However, when Trump rescinded Obama-era protections for transgender people she had to take a step back and change her tune.

The 16 year old singer opened up about the backlash she received for her appearance at the Inauguration and how and why she wants to sit down with Trump and her transgender sister, Juliet and talk about transgender rights.

Evancho said, “I performed because it’s always been about the honor, not about the politics. I try my best to stay out of politics.”

When Trump took actions that could harm Evancho’s sister, Juliet she felt like she had to speak up and say something because her sister is a person just like everyone else.

She said, “Because at this point, something had changed that was going to affect a cause that I believe in. It was going to affect my sister, who I truly love, and people that I know. It was just a natural instinct. I had to do something about it.”

Now 18, Evancho’s sister Juliet- born Jacob- struggled with her gender identity from a very young age. She slowly came out to her parents and came out publicly in October of 2013.

Because of her public exposure, Evancho is used to bullying and paid no mind to the online taunts. However, when her sister was singled out she took it personally. In October Juliet filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Pine-Richland School District after being barred from using the bathroom of her choice.

Evancho is planning to meet with Trump to talk about trans rights. She tweeted;

“@realDonaldTrump- THANK YOU for being open to meeting with me to discuss #trans rights. I’ll be in DC on 3/30 and 3/31. Can we meet?”