Transgender
Exhibition and upcoming
Chrysalis Translife in Asia - A photographer’s journey to learn
this photo was taken during the PRIDE festival in Yangon Myanmar. The date was 2014, before the current atrocities occurred when people felt they could open up.
WARIA: transgender women in Indonesia who identify as biological men who present as women. The term is a portmanteau ofwanita(woman) andpria(man). Historically, waria have been accepted in some Indonesian cultures, but today face significant challenges due to social stigma, discrimination, and lack of legal protection. Many experience difficulty finding stable employment and are sometimes forced into sex work, while others find community and support through grassroots organizations and safe havens. I had a great time with these women, many were hardcore due to hardships, many would die early due to self injecting silicone (or what passes as silicone). Actually I spent a lot of time with a group of Waria who sang at traffic stops. My being there made their job more exciting and they made a lot more money…the people in cars thought they were stars. And they are.
Visiting Eine - Chow Kit - KL Malaysia
Eine: Chow Kit, KL, Malaysia. I met Eine during the day in Chow Kit, not much going on and her English was great so we hung out the whole day. She loves to pose for photos, I have a million of them. Her roommate at the time was very shy and demure. I stayed with Eine for about a week getting to know her, she told me her childhood story about growing up in a small village in the north of Malaysia - and how the men would buy her birth control pills in exchange for services. Eine is completely desensitized by her body, she has been in the trade for over 20 years. This photo was taken a few years after our first meeting. I was exhausted and laid on the floor with my camera…she loves to be photographed!
Koh Samui: Thailand - The DIVAS - the hardest working girls in show business. Amazing dedication and talent. I first met Campbell (not seen in photo) Sabrina (far left) Maria and June in the early early 2000s. I found their work and style captivating, asked their permission to photograph the group and was granted access front and back stage. I became friends with some of the girls (who spoke English), this photo was taken in 2014, I met them first in about 2004.
SURPRISE here is Maria again and now we see Campbell. This was in 2004. Very low light and was new at photography, but I like the blurred effect…also was nervous, it being the first time photographing and being inspired to get to know better the transgender community.