In many ways, we are hardwired. Hardwired in beliefs and ideals taught to us from birth by society. Gender is one of those identifiers that we are taught to believe is either-or; simplified down into a binary of two choices. We categorize physical features as either strictly male or female, then assume someone’s identity based on those categorizations.
The portraits highlight the face of someone who identifies as Non-Binary, and invites us disassemble the assumptions we make about someone based off of their physical features.
Simultaneously, this project exists as a platform for individual Non-Binary experiences and personal stories.
The portraits highlight the face of someone who identifies as Non-Binary, and invites us disassemble the assumptions we make about someone based off of their physical features.
Simultaneously, this project exists as a platform for individual Non-Binary experiences and personal stories.
“I first discovered I was Non-binary about 4 -5 years ago. It was a couple days after pride when I came out and came to terms with who I was, because I honestly didn't know the term for what I was feeling. Why I felt sometimes neither and not one or another. I think there is a difference between Gender Fluid and Non Binary. Gender Fluid for me is being able to identify with all genders and being able to move freely from one to another. Non Binary is not identifying with any gender, and being able to just be. There wasn't any time gap, from my discovery and coming out to others. The second I found out what the name was for what I was feeling I let the whole world know. My parents, my siblings, my girlfriend at the time, my friends.... my dogs lol. Everyone knew. Did everyone support me? No, but the ones who did, stayed.
I don't always feel supported by the LGBT community. I identify as a Non Binary Lesbian, and that always brings up questions : "If you're Non Binary then how can you identify as a Lesbian?”. There's always some push back from someone in the community. Even when you explain it. We're a part of this community so the least you could do is respect it. The absolute least.
When it comes to misgendering, accidentally. I never get mad, I never get upset, but I do let them know what my pronouns are and asked for them to be used in the future. When it comes to purposeful misgendering, I don’t acknowledge them because you can't have a conversation with anyone committed to misunderstanding you, it’s just a waste of time.
The best advice I would give to someone struggling with their identity is: Don’t worry about it. Don’t stress too much about labels, and if there is a label you identify with then claim it. There are no wrong answers and nothing is set in stone.
I'm hoping for more acceptance, I get it if people don't understand but I want there to be less cruelty and less anger and hate towards something so harmless. More acceptance from the LGBTQ community and everyone else.”
I don't always feel supported by the LGBT community. I identify as a Non Binary Lesbian, and that always brings up questions : "If you're Non Binary then how can you identify as a Lesbian?”. There's always some push back from someone in the community. Even when you explain it. We're a part of this community so the least you could do is respect it. The absolute least.
When it comes to misgendering, accidentally. I never get mad, I never get upset, but I do let them know what my pronouns are and asked for them to be used in the future. When it comes to purposeful misgendering, I don’t acknowledge them because you can't have a conversation with anyone committed to misunderstanding you, it’s just a waste of time.
The best advice I would give to someone struggling with their identity is: Don’t worry about it. Don’t stress too much about labels, and if there is a label you identify with then claim it. There are no wrong answers and nothing is set in stone.
I'm hoping for more acceptance, I get it if people don't understand but I want there to be less cruelty and less anger and hate towards something so harmless. More acceptance from the LGBTQ community and everyone else.”