Photographer Annie Tritt Wants to Empower Trans Youth with Art
Pictured above: Olivia
New York City photographer Annie Tritt is the creator or TranscendingSelf, a photo project—and community—supporting transgender and gender-expansive youth between the ages of 2-20. She photographs these kids and shares their stories with the community she's created on Facebook, sharing what it means to be an authentic human.
"It's really hard to grow up being trans or nonbinary because you are being invalidated by society," explains Tritt. "What that results in is a suicide attempt rate that's close to 50%."
"I wanted to examine who we are at our core."
Pictured above: Jay And Rosie
"I wanted to examine who we are at our core and how one finds the strength to be their unique self when society is pushing them to conform," Tritt told PRIDE. "I wanted to show what happens when a person is empowered to live their truth. Each young sitter, offers a raw, yet unique, glimpse at and understanding of, gender and personal identity before social constructs subdue individuality."
"Online platforms are critical. They serve as space for your people to hear that they are beautiful and supported. It allows for questions and answers and community building. It helps us connect. Supported and connected humans thrive and in turn, so does society."
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"I don't know how to solve poverty. I do know how to solve that suicide rate."
Pictured above: Chloe
Tritt is using Facebook and Instagram to create a "positive, supportive and safe space where people ask questions, connect and function as 'a community beyond the photos.'"
"I don't know how to solve poverty. I do know how to solve that suicide rate." she says, hoping this online community will help these kids, and others out there, know they're not alone. "That rate drops to really close to their cisgender peers if they are supported at home and in school."
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"I want to give each of these young persons a voice."
Pictured above: Ellie
Tritt has launched a campaign to raise funds so many more of these trans youths can share their stories. "So far I have photographed over 30 participants in the US, England, Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland," she explained. "I have 50 more youth signed up across the world, and the list is growing. I want to give each of these young persons a voice. The project needs to be as diverse as possible."
"Each young sitter offers a raw, yet unique, glimpse at, and understanding of, gender and personal identity before social constructs have wholly shaped their character. I will continue and develop the breadth and diversity of subjects. The long-term goals for Transcending Self are a book, an interactive website, and public exhibitions."
"I can't do this without your help."
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"The project helped me in so many ways." - Azaj
"I feel safer knowing that now that I have so many people supporting me. I feel like anything is possible."
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(L-R) Matt Damon in 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'; Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen on 'Hannibal'; Michael K. Williams on 'The Wire.'Paramount Pictures/Miramax; NBC; HBO
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