Today is Trans Day of Visibility, a holiday meant to bring awareness to trans people and to celebrate our lives.
Perhaps more relevant than ever in today’s climate, Images of Trans Humanity is a photography project shining a light on transpeople amidst a barrage of attacks on our community for political gain.
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“This is not a Build-A-Bear. Your results are entirely dependent on your anatomy and your surgeon,” a trans man named Owyn said in a viral TikTok.
The GOP’s efforts to dehumanize trans people have been devastating to our community. Our current president is making his entire reelection campaign on smearing trans people has been measurably harmful to a community that’s already been put through hell several times over in the past few years.
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Which is why reminders of our basic humanity are more important than ever. On President’s Day, the group behind Images of Trans Humanity rented four studios and hired four photographers and videographers to capture images and videos of dozens of trans people.
These photos are meant to remind viewers that trans people are people—something that should be obvious, but apparently is not—and cast a visual refutation to the hateful rhetoric spewed by MAGA conservatives. This small, non-intrusive act inspires people to support trans people in their daily lives and do something to stand up for our civil rights.
The subjects of these photographs are also interviewed one-on-one to give viewers a more personal experience and facilitate empathy.
Victoria Elizabeth Foster opens up about how discovering she was trans gave her hope and a vision for the future.
“It feels great when people see me,” said Katra Ariello
“I felt the most transformed when I looked into the mirror, and I wasn’t trying to change anything anymore,” said Ianne Fields Stewart.
Images of Trans Humanity is also using the project to promote Advocates for Trans Equality, a charity organization dedicated to fighting for the political and legal rights of transgender people.
It is tragic that projects like this need to exist for people to care about us. One day, I hope to be seen as a person and not just a political statement in the public media.
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