Share your authentic gender expression journey through your image and words.
I am a professional photographer seeking to collaborate with transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people on a photographic portrait project celebrating gender expression. I believe that the open, fluid expression of gender enriches our communities and human experiences. Let’s work together to create an exhibit of portraits and personal narratives written by you that honors your agency and showcases the deeply personal ways we navigate gender.
Your Voice
You hold the authorship of your story. You are invited to write a short first-person narrative of 100–300 words reflecting on aspects of your journey, a notable moment, or the joy of living authentically. Your words will be displayed next to your image, ensuring your perspective is the primary lens.
Your Image
We will collaborate to create a black and white studio portrait that complements your narrative and feels reaffirming. You will review portraits as we create them providing input on your presentation. A portrait session will take 1-2 hours and will be done with studio lighting in front of a portable backdrop in my studio or at a location where you feel most at ease
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Your Privacy
Your safety and comfort are paramount. You have full control over how you are identified: you may choose to remain anonymous, use a pseudonym, or include your name.
The Exhibit
Approximately 25 studio, black and white portraits and personal narratives will be completed for an exhibit that travels throughout the Catskills region. Your portrait(s) and narrative will be featured on a custom framed panel. As a thanks for your collaboration, you will receive a high-quality print of your portrait on archival, artists rag paper.
Join the Project
If you are interested in contributing your voice and image to this celebration of gender diversity, I would love to hear from you.
Contact: drewharty@gmail.com
My femininity, when she finally had room to breathe, came with a driving force to express love. She loves in ways he was never allowed to. I still laugh when I tell my brothers “I love you,” because I know it lands in a space where men don’t often hear it.
When I was about ten, I became aware of men who were very masculine. Around “hot” guys I felt shy, unsure of myself, suddenly visible. I decided I needed to learn how to walk like a dude.
It hurts to watch the people like me drown in the tar. You need to help these people. Anything that can make people feel welcome on this earth is worth doing. And a lot of people on this earth have yet to realize that.