"I wanted to photograph people in a way that challenged the assumptions people make about transgender people."
"When I began thinking about my own transition in 2008, I worried what people would think of me, and how they would see me," photographer Rhys Harper recently explained of being transgender and photographing trans subjects. "As a photographer ... I wanted to photograph people in a way that challenged the assumptions people make about transgender people, and gender non-conforming people."
The result? "Transcending Gender," a stunning and honest series of photos following trans-identified and gender nonconformists who are proudly content with where they are in life. Harper's photos shift away from "the physical aspects of transition and what is in someone's pants," (which he believes too many gender-focused photo essays do) and focus on the people themselves. And it shows! Harper's photos are happy and carefree and fun. See some of them, along with Harper's captions, below.
1. Aiden
"Aiden is a taxidermist and Native American two-spirit tribal artist who
lives in Boise, Idaho. He also loves cars, specifically his
Gambit-themed Mustang that he has been customizing for the past few
years. He says one of the most defining moments in his life has been the
death of his soul mate, whom he lost to suicide — [his friend] gave him
the courage to live life and find the happiness everyone deserves."2. Andrea
"Andrea is an activist and cartographer who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was just featured in the Arkansas Times."
3. Arin
"Arin is an Oklahoma teen who just published his first novel, Some Assembly Required. He is currently attending college in Oklahoma and plans to have a career in the outdoors."
4. Chris
"Chris is a country boy living in Oklahoma. He works as an EMT dispatcher, but when he isn't working, he is riding four-wheelers, hunting, and getting muddy out in the backwoods of Oklahoma. He also is passionate about gun safety and wants to get his gunsmith license in the future."
5. Eri
"Eri grew up in the pool — she was on the swim team, and spent much of her life swimming in her parent's pool, where I photographed her. She was recently the subject of the documentary TransMormon, featured on Upworthy, and works for a holistic health company."
6. Sister Estelle
"Sister Estelle is an Episcopal nun who is currently renovating an old Victorian home as a safe home for people in transition."
7. Fallon
"Fallon is a professional mixed martial artist (MMA) fighter from the Chicago area. She has also been involved with national trans advocacy efforts and regularly writes for national LGBT media."
8. Kaleb
"Kaleb is a professional cat rescuer in North Carolina. He manages a shelter in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, where he takes care of more than 70 cats and kittens. He lives in a small apartment on the shelter property and works tirelessly to take care of the shelter cats while rescuing cats from the local kill shelter. In his limited spare time, he likes dancing to Olivia Newton John in his apartment."
9. Kallie
"Kallie is a veteran, engineer, and aspiring professional cyclist. She
is passionate about trans military rights and says that she would go
back to serving her country in a heartbeat if the military were to
change its policies regarding trans people."10. Lana
"Lana is a third-generation firefighter who is in her 34th year of service. She was promoted to lieutenant in 1992 and to captain in 2000. Recently, she started volunteering as a mentor for a local court program that helps women who are survivors of human trafficking and are in the court system move forward with their lives in a positive way. She also serves on the national board of directors for GLAAD."
11. Landon
"Landon is a former U.S. sailor and trans military activist. His story made headlines when he was discharged from the military for being trans after being up from a promotion while he was deployed. Since returning from deployment and leaving the military, he has been an outspoken activist for changing the military's policies and allowing for open trans service. He also loves animals and has an adorable dog named Maizie."
12. Mattee
"Mattee is a Native woman living who is doing HIV/AIDS work for a Native nonprofit health center in Albuquerque. She identifies first and foremost as dine', which is a Navajo word that means 'of the people.'"
13. Natalie
"Natalie is a wildlife biologist who has recently been studying mink populations along the Sheboygan River. She is also a bow hunter and does falconry. She is pictured here with her bird Bam Bam. In addition to her love for all things outdoor, she volunteers her time with several national organizations, including an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence."
14. Zoe
"Zoe is an amazing DJ, photographer, and activist. She spins every Saturday night at a local Cleveland nightclub, and is also involved with local activist efforts to assist trans women of color in the area and also nationwide."
"Transcending Gender" is showing at ArtRage in Syracuse through January 17.
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