As a white cisgender woman, I have always been fascinated by the femininity and grace of those who identify as transwomen. Their ability to embody and express their true selves, despite societal challenges, is truly inspiring.

Through this art project, I had the privilege of getting to know Anna on a deeper level and capturing her beauty in a way that honours her authenticity and agency. We worked together to decide how she wanted to be represented, ensuring that she felt comfortable and empowered in the process.

 However, the reality for many transwomen, including Anna, is that their femininity is often met with violence and discrimination. In 2021 alone, the Human Rights Campaign recorded a heartbreaking 50 fatalities of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, disproportionately affecting Black and Latinx communities.

 Anna has witnessed firsthand the fear and vulnerability that can come with simply existing as a transwoman in public spaces. This project is not just about Anna’s personal experiences, but also a tribute to all transwomen who bravely confront these challenges on a daily basis.

 I hope that through this art project, we can raise awareness about the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community and work towards creating a more inclusive and safe world for all.