IDES OF GENDER
by
ZACH OREN
SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 3
Artist Statement:
"Ides of Gender"
Photography and text by Zach Oren
"Ides of Gender" is a photo series documenting the trans community in the United States. Since September 2017, the series has led me to 49 states where I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and photographing 434 incredible people. From the inception of this project, I wanted to celebrate everyone under the trans umbrella; honestly and with integrity.
Focusing on hidden, day-to-day moments, my goal was to photograph the human experience. As I was invited into someone’s space and entrusted with the narration of their journey, each portrait became an intimate collaboration. From a devout Muslim in Florida, an active-duty police officer in South Carolina to an activist in Alaska, I’ve been humbled as folks held space for themselves so unapologetically. The honor of making a fellow queer person feel seen, in turn, validated my own queerness and left me feeling undeservingly rewarded and grateful for the past four years.
“...and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable, is that which is also the source of our greatest strength.” - Audre Lorde
Representation Matters.
Abigale
David
Mica Ella
Acton
Haru
Mickey
Alli
Hollister
Natalie
Rio
Amber
Josh
Noor
Christopher
KJ
Paulie
