Showing That Transgender Is An Umbrella That Covers An Array Of Identities

The San Diego State University library is currently displaying the exhibit “This is Trans: A Photography Journal of Love and Awareness” in the Donor Hall. The exhibit is a portion of portraits taken by photographer NV Gay to demonstrate that there is no single way to be transgender and to celebrate the many diverse identities within the trans community. The full exhibit can be seen online. 

The exhibit is part of events to celebrate Women’s History Month by the SDSU Women’s Resource Center. 

“The work of the Women’s Resource Center is rooted in a commitment to gender equity, and trans-inclusive feminism is an essential piece of our mission,” said Alex Aikyo, Assistant Director at the WRC. She continued, “When we found NV Gay’s work, and all of the joy and beauty contained in these portraits, we knew we wanted to share this exhibit with our community.”

Gay began their project in 2021 to show their portrait sitters as they are and to capture their full identity. They work with their subjects to get to know who they are and seek to portray that in their portrait. Gay works very hard to ensure that all the photos they take are affirming and uplifting. They make a point of allowing the subject to choose the final portrait and each subject also responds to the prompt, “What does it mean to you to be trans?” Gay said, “I want to capture people’s souls, not just their image.”

One subject photographed in the exhibit wrote, “I don’t look at it as being trans, I look at it as being free in my own skin, being happy to be who I wanna be, and look how I want, in this judgmental, cruel world.”

Another said, “My journey is what I make of it. Not everyone is my friend, but I treat everyone with kindness to see the beauty/light of complexities in our society.” 

In a talk to highlight the exhibit opening, Gay expressed their hope that people (regardless of their gender identity) would understand that there are many ways to be trans and that both gender and sexual identity can remain fluid and will grow and change as people explore the world.

Members of the SDSU trans community had the opportunity to add their images to the online exhibit through photo sessions with Gay. Between the opening keynote and the portrait sessions, more than 60 people interacted with Gay and engaged with the exhibit.

Gay also encouraged cisgender people to use their privilege and voice to protect the LQBTQIA+ community. Their recently-published book, “The Queer Allies Bible,” emphasizes three pillars to being a good ally: be respectful, educate yourself, and be active by using your talents to advocate for the community.

The “This is Trans” traveling exhibit started with an exhibition in Columbus, OH (Gay’s hometown) and grew from there. They have travelled all over the country and internationally to take portraits and the exhibit is constantly expanding. Gay said, “Photographs are hard to erase; they document our story and remind us that we are tomorrow’s ancestors.” When asked how they are changing the world, Gay said, “By showcasing that each person’s story is worth sharing and by uplifting those who might never be seen or heard.”

“This exhibit and keynote are extremely important, especially in the current modern-day climate that is incredibly hostile to transgender folks," said Sol Nie, Programming Lead at the WRC. "What we hope to accomplish at the Women’s Resource Center is to highlight trans voices using our platform. Being able to host this exhibit that is filled with trans joy has absolutely delighted me.”  

The exhibit will be in the library until the end of March and everyone is encouraged to come see these wonderful and meaningful photos.