Transcending Self is a life-affirming storytelling project consisting of narrative stories— portraits and interviews— with transgender and non-binary youth ages 3-20 and their families. You may find wisdom and courage, you might find heartbreak and love. You may learn something about yourself or your family and friends. You will find truth and love.
The young have so much to teach us if we only listen.
Welcome in.
“My heart told me I’m a boy and I’m copying it.
I’m copying my heart.”
— Jay, 5, Luton, England
Nearly half of all transgender and non-binary youth will attempt suicide before the age of twenty.
This is preventable.
When transgender children are supported both at home and school, these statistics drop close to that of their peers. Familiarity with transgender people is the top predictor of support.
He asked for a haircut. I said, “absolutely not!”— I thought it was enough to let him dress in “boys clothes.” He asked, “If I had cancer like the kids in the commercial (Saint Jude’s), I would lose my hair?” Without really thinking, I said, “Yes, people with cancer lose their hair.” He then asked, “How can I get cancer?”. I understood then it was time for the haircut.
— Noah’s mom
Transcending Self is comprised of photos and interviews with transgender and non-binary youth aged 4-20 and their families.
Lilly, 12, Chico, California
“While Lilly knew exactly who she was, it took me a few years to accept and embrace it completely. All I ever really needed to do was follow her lead, listen to her, embrace what she loved and was passionate about. I think this is true for parents of cisgender kids too – we have our own agendas as parents. The lesson is to let go - support and love unconditionally. Lilly, at age 8, told her mom – in no uncertain terms – that she was a girl. Truth is in my mind – she always has been.”
— Lilly’s Dad
Lilly, 12, Chico, California
“While Lilly knew exactly who she was, it took me a few years to accept and embrace it completely. All I ever really needed to do was follow her lead, listen to her, embrace what she loved and was passionate about. I think this is true for parents of cisgender kids too – we have our own agendas as parents. The lesson is to let go - support and love unconditionally. Lilly, at age 8, told her mom – in no uncertain terms – that she was a girl. Truth is in my mind – she always has been.” — Lilly’s Dad