The Importance of Trans-Affirming Spaces for Photographers
- Logan Zarnegin
- Dec 17, 2024
- 2 min read
The Issue With Non-Affirming Photography Spaces
As the beginner photographer I once was, I constantly searched for ways to learn more about photography from different resources such as blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, and workshops near me. Spaces made by cisgender, straight people can be helpful if someone is looking for general advice or support in photography, but they do not necessarily go the extra step of ensuring safety for marginalized folks within the space.
As I dug deeper into this issue, I noticed there are not very many dedicated spaces, either online or in-person to help trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming folks feel comfortable bringing their whole, authentic selves to the art of photography.
What I Hope to Accomplish
Trans-affirming spaces for photographers give folks an opportunity to bring a wide variety of photography genres to a place where they can receive feedback, support, and general camera troubleshooting advice without fear that they will be judged or harmed for being who they are. I know I have purposefully not shared photos in community spaces where I felt my photos and me as a person may be judged because of the queerness depicted in them. Having a community of like-minded trans folks to support each other in their photography journeys plays a crucial role in community building and giving trans people a space where they feel they can elevate their photography skills.
Join Me!
Social, emotional, and physical safety are paramount in the launching of this blog. If you are a queer or trans photographer or artist looking for feedback on an art project, looking for advice on how to use a camera, or just looking for a community to be creative, you have come to the right place. I am glad you found this blog, and I hope you stick around!
*I use the word trans as an umbrella term to account for genderqueer expressions and identities including nonbinary people and gender non-conforming people. I am open to suggestions on updated language!
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