Following yesterday's news that the U.S. government is considering a policy which would eliminate the recognition of trans people, Melbourne-based artist Frances Cannon decided to use her large Instagram following to bring some positivity to the community.
Aiming to celebrate and amplify the bodies and voices of trans and gender non-conforming individuals, Cannon reached out to her trans followers, asking them to share some insight into their day-to-day lives and experiences, while sending in a photo to be illustrated.
The results were stunning.
"I am a trans non binary queer man," wrote Bruce.
He continued: "I’m Latinx and Indigenous and I go by he and they pronouns. I’m a painter, writer, lover and a healer. My goal in life is to help others, make people feel safe, practice and educate on consent culture and sending loving kindness to other people."
Beneath their illustration, Oliver said: "I’ve got ‘x’ on my passport, ‘f’ on my birth certificate and ‘m’ on everything else."
"People like us have always existed. Society is just trying to catch up."
"In 2015, after coming out, I got kicked out of my dad's house," Robin wrote beneath her illustration.
She added: "In 2016 I got fired from my job at Starbucks for being trans. I spent most of 2016 and 2017 in an abusive job canvassing on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign; constantly overworked and drastically underpaid while enduring brutal harassment almost daily. But I got out."
"Today I make decent money working normal hours for a think tank in DC. I live with a partner who loves me. I have a troubled relationship with my parents, but I have friends who love and support me. I write, I cook, I survive. It's not easy, but it is better."
"I am of female spirit," wrote Danielle.
"Gender is non binary and yet I find myself with a strong female identity. Because of our healthcare and the way it has supported me, my outsides now match my insides. I will continue in any way I can to make sure the future trans community is held the way I was."
Alex opened up about the ongoing struggles of gender dysphoria: "I'm non-binary trans and having a very dysphoric night and I would love to see myself drawn the way I would like to see myself," they wrote.
"I am working at looking at getting top surgery and want to look a little more masculine. I am on testosterone but for now this is how I look."
They added: "Non-binary trans and forever fighting!"
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