This Couple Photographed Their Evolving Trans Relationship
Vasiliki Marapas — May 17, 2014 — Lifestyle
References: whitney.org & refinery29
Opposite-oriented transgender couple Rhys Ernst and Zackary Drucker offer an intimate glimpse into their personal lives with 'Relationship,' a photo series currently on display at the Whitney Biennial. The series, which features 46 photographs from the couple's personal collection, chronicles Ernst's transition from female to male and Drucker's transition from male to female. The result is an incredibly poignant, tender series that explores intimacy, identity and gender.
The photographs include a close-up of Drucker's growing chest; the pair showing off the matching bandages from their latest round of hormone shots; and other insignificant, mundane moments from their daily life.
The couple's ongoing gender transitions were a secondary element of the series. Drucker explains, "Of the 46 images on display there’s a few select images in which I would say, yeah, maybe that was actually explicitly about a gender transition. [But, it all] becomes about a transition when the audience is primarily cisgendered."
The photographs include a close-up of Drucker's growing chest; the pair showing off the matching bandages from their latest round of hormone shots; and other insignificant, mundane moments from their daily life.
The couple's ongoing gender transitions were a secondary element of the series. Drucker explains, "Of the 46 images on display there’s a few select images in which I would say, yeah, maybe that was actually explicitly about a gender transition. [But, it all] becomes about a transition when the audience is primarily cisgendered."
Trend Themes
1. Transgender Relationship Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with transgender individuals to create more diverse and inclusive representations of relationships.
2. Exploring Intimacy and Gender - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new products and services that cater to the specific needs and experiences of transgender individuals in relationships.
3. Documenting Personal Journeys - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating platforms or technologies that allow individuals to share and document their personal journeys of transition and self-discovery.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating transgender narratives and experiences into mainstream photography to challenge traditional notions of gender and identity.
2. Fashion and Beauty - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing and producing gender-affirming fashion and beauty products that cater to transgender individuals and their unique needs.
3. Art and Culture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Supporting and promoting art and cultural events that explore the complexities of gender and relationships, providing new perspectives and facilitating dialogue.
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