Joshua Rashaad McFadden says the people in his photographs are more than their most painful moments. In this photo essay, he celebrates their humanity
Black transgender and nonbinary activists have long made history fighting for civil rights for all people. But are others fighting for their rights—or honoring their lives?
Born in New York City to two immigrant parents, Nance Musinguzi came to Minneapolis for an artist residency program and found something remarkable: a community of color filled with immigrants and queer and trans people. Becoming part of this community helped them realize they didn’t have to apologize for being their authentic self.
When she was 15, Rehema Martinez moved to the United States alone from Australia, where she lived with their adopted family. She moved from state to state, searching for their biological family. Martinez was really searching for a community. In Minneapolis, Martinez found a chosen family through a local transgender youth support group—and the freedom to love themselves without feeling oppressed. “I think that's the purpose of the journey,” she says.
McFadden photographed Avery at Solutions Not Punishments, a Black trans and queer-led organization that seeks to end gender-based violence and mass criminalization. But who is he when oppression isn’t a factor? “I'm a dad. I'm a partner. I'm a son, uncle, an artist, writer, dancer, musician,” he tells McFadden. “I'm a multifaceted person.”D’Jamel Young, Atlanta, Georgia
Now a barber in Jackson, Mississippi, Montage is also the father of the House of Montage, his chosen family. He attributes the “birth” of Tanyun Montage to a local LGBTQ venue called Club Couture City Lights, where he has long been a performer. McFadden photographed Montage at the club—a space that is akin to a second home.Freedom to me is the ability to be able to live in my true skin as a Black queer transman.
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