This project is mainly about giving space to the dignified privacy of the trans experience. It aims to shine a light on trans joy and peacefulness, instead of the suffering and contested elements of our identities that are normally foregrounded . Through meeting a variety of members of Cambridge’s small but thriving transgender community, I gave my photographic subjects free reign to explore how and where they wanted to express themselves, and in their own words.
“I wanted to capture trans individuals in their safe spaces in Cambridge”
When our civil rights are contested and fundamental identities are debased by an increasingly hostile national media and government policy, providing a platform for quiet dignity feels more important than ever. I wanted to capture trans individuals in their safe spaces in Cambridge: be it their kitchens, bedrooms. or even getting a haircut. ‘Pride in Private’, has been a project I have worked on over the last few terms - the photos alongside the individuals quotes aim to give voice to members of this community, to show how they find peace and friendship within their University experience.
Oscar (he/him)
“I think as a trans person it’s especially important to cultivate your own space where you don’t have to worry about performing gender. Starting at Cambridge meant worrying constantly about first impressions and how I was seen, but luckily the trans community here is strong and I’ve not had to worry about the same abuse as high school.”
Tayo (they/them)
“I don’t call food the great unifier, because I think that erases a lot of the violences around it, but it’s true that everybody has to eat something! And the processes of cooking and eating (not just the ‘healthy’ stuff) can be a really important act of care for yourself and others.”
Hassan (they/them)
“Sometimes a cigarette and a nice sunset are all you need to forget about the stress of deadlines and worries that you don’t fit in, because the path is there for everyone to enjoy no matter what you look like or who you are.”
Coby (they/them)
“It’s nice to have a little corner somewhere quiet, just to exist for a little while, wherever it is. I think location is usually temporary but space is always with us, wherever we go.”
“It is primarily in sharing our home spaces that we have learned to love and care for each other”
Frankie (he/they) & Daze (they/them)
“I think we both really appreciate home comforts and also have found a lot of comfort in each other during this year. Being in each other’s homes is always very peaceful and joyful and I never quite know the boundary between my home and theirs. It is primarily in sharing our home spaces that we have learned to love and care for each other”
Charli (she/her)
Photography: Alex-Parnham Cope
