In 2023, more than 300 trans people were murdered globally, the majority being between the ages of 19 and 25, and 94% were trans women. In February of 2024, a 16 year old trans kid in Oklahoma was beaten in his school’s bathroom by three girls; he died the next day. An ambulance was not called, the school administration did nothing to protect him, and the police ruled his death a suicide based on the presence of an anti-histamine and an anti-depressant in his system. This story is far from unique, but it hit me particularly hard and it serves as the unfortunate inspiration for this project.

“Genocide / Liberation” depicts trans people who experience fear in their day-to-day lives because of their identities. Despite that, they are filled with joy, love, and friendship. It is important to show these images together to highlight the injustices faced by trans people daily, though they can lead full, happy lives when given the chance. Behind every victim is a real person with hopes and dreams.