These three photos were intended to encompass my journey of self-discovery and self-expression. As a nature lover (with a particular adoration for birds), I decided that creating an owl-inspired mask and venturing into the woods to take my photos would feel most authentic to me. The three photos separate my journey into three key moments and feelings.
The first photo, Escape, reflects the feelings of apprehension and anxiety that I felt as I started to question my gender identity, wondering whether what I felt was real and being scared that I was going to make the wrong decision. It marks the moment I escaped from society’s norms and what others wanted of me.
Beauty symbolises the times when I first started to see glimpses of my true self and enjoy experimenting with my self-expression. To me, it encompasses the moments of ‘this feels right’ and beginning to feel more comfortable in myself.
Finally, Freedom represents the full acceptance of my gender identity and the feeling of being free to express myself comfortably and confidently. This is a stage that I am only just entering, with the support of my friends and family, and I hope to continue feeling this freedom more and more for the rest of my life.
G. Francis
he/him
G. Francis is a queer trans man who is originally from Hampshire. He currently works in education and spends his free time engaging in as many creative activities as he possibly can!
Growing up, much of his creative experience was based around the performing arts: music, drama, and a little bit of dance. Although he rarely has time for performance these days, he hopes, one day, to return to the stage.
Francis joined the Queer Creatives group in 2020, wanting a creative escape from the pandemic and a chance to engage with others like him. Within the group, he has been encouraged to explore his creative side through previously unexplored mediums, photography being one of them!