It's Not a Choice
Transgender People in America
Transgender people in America, especially kids and young adults, are experiencing a different, and in some ways easier, transition than people who transition to their authentic gender later in life. With these people, we - society - are called to broaden our perception of human expression. Transgender youth and young adults have a complex narrative that they must navigate. Luckily, there are many gender-affirming mental and medical professionals to aid in this journey. Conversely, there are many obstacles from people and institutions who misunderstand, judge, hate, and resist human expression different from their own.
With this project I aim:
1. To use art and public exhibition as a medium to raise social awareness of transgender youth and adults, the inner and outer processes they experience, the day-to-day obstacles they experience, and how their families are affected.
2. To shed light on transgender people and their lives as part of the fabric of our society, to humanize their existence and make them tangible as people, not just a demographic or an abstract construct.
3. To advocate for transgender youth and adults through visual evidence and storytelling in support of their rights.
Danny – 15 – Trans Boy
High School Student, likes to sing and draw – play ball
“I’m not pretending.” - “It hasn’t been easy.”
Luke – 15 – Trans Boy
High school student, Loves playing the piano and is interested in Archeology and Anthropology
“Being a trans boy doesn’t make me less of a boy.”
Landyn – 14 – Trans Boy
High School Student - Loves animals,
cooking, and skateboarding
Moe – 35 – Trans Man
Science Teacher and Drag King
Loves to paint, hike, go fishing and mudding
His goal is to get a PhD in Biology
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” Stephen Hawking
Ames – 26 – Non-binary
Works in retail; loves to color and is a writer of poetry.
Their goal is to achieve a master’s degree in Social work
“There are more than two genders.”
Moe and Ames
Gail – 21 – Trans Woman
Student of Gen Studies, wants to study Psychology
Freelances in computer repair; loves to read science fiction and nonfiction
Enjoys going to the shooting range.
“I’m just a girl like the rest of you.”
Bella – 20 – Trans Woman
Dietary aide at retirement facility. Wants to go back to school.
Loves animation and cartoons. Wants to become an animator.
“I am a woman.”
Alex – 17 – Trans Boy
High School Student
Loves to draw and create digital art. Likes music – heavy metal. Wants to make his own comic.
“I want to be treated like all other students.”
Algernon – 21 – Trans Man
Works as EMT, going to Paramedic school, wants to go to Firefighter school
Loves hockey
“Take your life into your own hands.”
Luke – 15 – Trans Boy
High school student
Loves playing the piano and is interested in Archeology and Anthropology
“Being a trans boy doesn’t make me less of a boy.”