Accompanying statement

“The Real Me”

A few years ago, a close friend came out as transgender in their fifties. Their courage to undertake such a profound life change inspired me to use photography to challenge the often dehumanizing narratives surrounding trans lives in the media.

The Real Me documents seven individuals (some with their partners) who have experienced a gender transition. Each image presents them as they wish to be seen today. The project is a celebration of human uniqueness, free from stereotypes, commentary, or judgement.

As Jem, one of the participants, reflects:
“Looking back at my life before, it’s as if I lived with the volume turned down, trapped in an invisible box that made me sad without knowing why. I often felt like I was a consciousness piloting a body that was disconnected and separate from me. I want to live openly and authentically.”

Collaboration was at the heart of this work. Through conversations with each person, we built trust and shared life experiences, some harrowing, others joyful. Together we shaped photographic concepts that naturally unfolded into three themes:

• Activities – daily life and rituals of meaning

• Relationships – moments shared with partners

• Portraits – expressions of presence and identity

I have chosen a layout for my images that is based on aesthetic coherence and reflects the dignity and individuality of each participant. This project leaves me with moments of connection, insight and friendship and a renewed conviction that, as we all progress on our human journey, more unites us than divides us