Reassign is a photo series that depicts transgender individuals in Cuba. Captured by photographer Claudia Gonzalez, the series aims to follow the difficult and complicated journey undertaken by these individuals.
Gonzalez came into contact with young transgendered people with help from CENESEX, an institution that has played a key role in sex education and LGBT rights reform in Cuba. While CENESEX prevented Gonzalez from capturing the intimate portraits she wanted, she went ahead and captured the photos in unofficial sessions.
The photographs consist of diptychs that appear to depict the individuals pre- and post-gender reassignment; however, these shots were actually captured on the same day and are intended to be symbolic rather than literal.
While much imagery projects transgendered Cubans in the context of poverty and sex work, 'Reassign' offers a refreshing and alternative gaze.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Transgender Rights
- Increased visibility through respectful and empowering depictions of transgender individuals opens up opportunities for innovation in advocacy, healthcare, and media.
- Symbolic Imagery
- The use of symbolic imagery in depicting transgender individuals offers new opportunities for innovative storytelling, art, and representation.
- Unofficial Documentation
- The potential for innovation in unofficial documentation of marginalized communities using new technologies opens up opportunities in photography, social media, and journalism.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Advocacy
- Opportunities for advocating for transgender rights and representation through media and art abound as respectful and empowering depictions of transgender individuals become more visible.
- Healthcare
- Increased visibility and documentation of transgender individuals' experiences opens up opportunities for innovation in healthcare, particularly in the development of more accessible and gender-affirming healthcare practices.
- Media
- The powerful use of symbolic imagery in portraying transgender individuals can lead to innovative storytelling in a variety of media such as film, literature, and digital media.
