We started the Discovering Gender Project in order to:
- Bring positive media attention to gender non-conforming individuals and the issues that impact them
- Create a safe space for gender non-conforming people where they feel represented, encouraged, and supported on their journeys to live as their most authentic selves
- Educate people on sex and gender (and the differences between the two) and to represent as many forms of gender expression/identity as possible
- Educate people about the mental health challenges faced by gender non-conforming people, how to help and to direct gender non-conforming people to appropriate, helpful resources whenever applicable
- Humanize gender non-conforming people by illustrating that they are valid, they exist in large numbers, and they are vibrant, essential parts of our larger communities
We aim to accomplish these goals by:
- Photographing and interviewing as many gender non-conforming humans as possible across the United States
- Using Instagram as a community building tool and platform to share images and positive, personal messages
- Showcasing interviews/personal narratives/images here on the Discovering Gender blog
- Publishing a hard-copy book that encompasses educational topics, personal stories, messages, and images
- Being a positive, helpful resource for those struggling due to their gender
Press:
Outwire 757 - Discovering Gender Project Explores Lives of Gender Non-Conformists
Q Notes - Photo Projects Explore Gender, Couples
Q Virginia - 2018 Autumn Issue (pgs 109 -112)