Trick (What You See vs What You Know) is a series that highlights trans bodies. It is about being open and comfortable with who you are. Being comfortable in your own skin is a huge aspect of living life as a trans person and for most of us, that is not a reality until much later in life. In many cases, we are seen as strange or labeled as outsiders because we are constantly being pushed aside. Trans lives are especially at risk because in some cases, people see trans individuals as manipulators and liars because they are “hiding” who they truly are. This series is meant to turn that harmful narrative around and show that transgender bodies are just as beautiful and welcoming as anyone else. 

In addition to challenging societal narratives, this series also acts as a personal diary for me. Growing up I always knew that something was different about me, however, I could never pinpoint exactly what it was. I knew I enjoyed more “boyish” activities like video games, martial arts, and building. I was always seen as slightly weird by my friends because I never wanted to play dress up or dolls. The day I realized that I am trans was the day the world became a little more clear. However, this was also terrifying. What do I do now? Will people still want to be seen with me? Am I some sort of freak? All of these are questions I asked myself and only began to answer as time went on. For a while my own body felt like a foreign place to me, like I never truly belonged there; however, this series shows how much I have grown within myself and how my own self-image has gotten stronger. The images are soft, intimate, and show parts of me (literally) that outsiders normally do not see. By using my own body as a model to represent the trans community, I am not only showing the world how beautiful trans people can be, but I am also reminding myself that it is important to feel comfortable in my skin no matter what life has to throw at me.