They/Them
Most people – including most transgender people – are either male or female. But some people don't neatly fit into the categories of "man" or "woman," or “male” or “female.” For example, some people have a gender that blends elements of being a man or a woman, or a gender that is different than either male or female. Some people don't identify with any gender. Some people's gender changes over time.
People whose gender is not male or female use many different terms to describe themselves, with non-binary being one of the most common. Other terms include genderqueer, agender, bigender, and more. None of these terms mean exactly the same thing – but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female.
As an LGBTQIA+ ally I have always been vocal and supportive for those within the space. Through the years I have met many wonderful people that sit under the umbrella who I love dearly - some of whom have been family. The recent trans-hate, “gender critical” groups, and campaigners have become very loud amongst UK social media and I found myself wanting to support my trans & non binary/gender non conforming (GNC) friends & family in whatever way I could - which is when this project began to form.
Traditionally, portraits were only made of the socially elite - those who could afford the artist and the pigments. In modern times though, art is hugely accessible and generally more affordable to all. With social media often taking on the role of a gallery space, I found it fitting to produce these portraits via a digital medium, in the digital space, to be displayed on the very social media sites that are used by these hate groups and individuals.
All of the people painted here are GNC and all volunteered to be a part of this project. All of the pieces of writing alongside them, are their own words. As an ally it is important to use our privilege to make the space for our friends to speak and to be heard. This is their space. These are their voices. Please sit - read, learn and listen.
Note: This page & project is under construction. As I finish each portrait I will be adding things here - I want all of those involved to have all the time they need to write something to go with their painting, so these will also be added as we go along. Some have also chosen not to write anything with their portraits and I fully respect that choice. Thank you for your time and patience in this process
EIRA
They/Them
Words are in progress
SHEILA
They/He(/She)
For me, coming out as trans was simultaneously the most terrifying and freeing experience. Terrifying because it meant being seen, and freeing because it meant ... being seen.
Genderfluidity means that my sense of my gender shifts and changes over time. Think more continental drift, rather than daily weather report. Largely, I prefer to present as masc or androgynous, but there are days or weeks when I feel the opposite. I consider myself to be under the trans-nonbinary umbrella - I do not fit within the traditional binary of men and women as a so-called "third gender," but somewhere outside of that altogether.
The photo Elfy used as a reference for this portrait was taken just after I had my hair cut short for the first time in 4 and a half years. As an actor and model, my hair length had previously been dictated by my agents, but I'd just landed my first professional acting role, and been allowed finally to chop it all off for the part. This was the feeling of knowing that everyone else saw me the way I did. This was the feeling of looking in the mirror and recognising myself; something I hadn't been able to do since I was 19.
I know I still have a long way to go on my journey with my identity and my gender, refining my understanding as I go, as I learn more about myself and learn more from those around me. I am forever indebted to my trans siblings who paved the way for me and gave me the knowledge I needed to see myself properly for the first time, and gave me the confidence to say it out loud. I have boundless love for you all, and boundless love as well for all trans folk who haven't come out yet. I look forward to meeting you as and when you do.
Hope the GCs tremble in their shoes when I say: yes, I have pronouns, and I'm not afraid to use them
MORGUE
Xe/They
Years ago I never would have questioned my gender or identity. I was raised as a woman, so I thought that must be what I am. But when my adult years came and I realized I had no idea who I was and only had been following expectations and what was "popular" everything came into question.
I had started to realize that while I felt comfortable in my body, I wouldn't really consider myself as just a woman. The more I researched, the more nonbinary people I met, the more I realized THAT is what felt like home.
Along my journey, my pronouns have changed a few times. Slowly pushing out She in favor of They and Xe as those have been the ones that resonate with me the most. I even altered my name a bit from Morgan to Morgue. While I don't hate my unisex name, I prefer Morgue as there is no gender attached to it.
In specific situations, I do feel comfortable with being referred to as she. In my relationship, I love being called she by my boyfriend and it gives me butterflies when he calls me his girlfriend. It's just how our dynamic has naturally worked out and he's one of the few I few comfortable with calling me by she.
For me, realizing my identity was one of the most freeing things, and since then my confidence is higher than its ever been. I feel like I am truly myself and if there is any advice I could give, it's to always be yourself. No matter who that is, no matter how you identify, it is always valid and you deserve life and love above all else.
TART
They/Them
Gender And sexuality have always been things I never felt I understood.
I’ve never fit into a box. Never felt I was a boy - ever since I was little, when I came out as pansexual, I put those feelings of not being your typical ‘boy’, as reflections of my sexuality, away.
Then I met a boy who opened all these ideas of gender to me and I never looked back. All these things in my life which never made sense that I always brushed under the carpet suddenly resurfaced and suddenly made sense. I never felt I was a boy I never felt connected to my masculinity and I finally understood what that meant for me.
Realising my gender identity, was the single most comforting thing in my life. Everything just clicked, I could start living the true me, I got a new name changed my pronouns and started being able to be the me I’ve wanted to be my whole life. So to those kids or adults out there questioning don’t be afraid to be yourself cause you are perfect 💜
YEVARA
They/Them
Words are in progress
Eli
He/They