WE ARE NOT NEW;
a hand-bound hardcover book

For this body of work, I explored the experiences, emotions, and physical changes I’ve gone through during my social, medical, and personal gender transition. This has the viewer confront any accidental (or purposeful) biases that they may have against any trans individuals, and educate without the ‘education’ towards this subject being spoon fed. I’ve luckily been a panelist in the high country for trans education, whether that be in front of a class at Appalachian, or at a local church, I’m aware of the best ways to project information so that it may be more easily absorbed and understood without people getting too immediately fearful or dismissive.
I want to affect the viewer with both the personal experience and the more impersonal- and hopefully touch heavily on themes that all people can relate to, like body dysmorphia and the inability to fit into the theoretical ‘box’ that is our western viewpoint on gender. Hopefully there won't necessarily be questions raised, but answered. This piece is for both solidarity and education, as well as a personal space for venting for me personally. The questions that I would want raised would be more of a ‘how can I further educate myself’ and ‘how can I actively participate in support and help.’

As for any fellow trans individuals reading this who have gone through similar experiences- know that I truly understand.