Matter

  • Matter reflects on my experience of being transgender, referencing parts of my trans body and trans experience I am confronted by, while also thinking of a future body that was yet to come.

    I use illustration and poetry to explore childhood struggles in relation to body dysphoria, belonging, self-acceptance, and personal growth. This book further represents my body with the three changing dust jacket covers; to signify the changing self-portrait as I navigate my gender transition (and gender expression).

    I created ‘Matter’ in 2016 as a way to articulate my thoughts and feelings about my body, and how my trans experience has shaped who I am. But also to reach out to any other person experiencing a similar narrative. It’s so important trans people know that they are loved, are not alone, and know that they matter.

matter.png
about ‘matter’.png
content warning & acknowledgement.png
5 bath.png
6 spider.png
7 bed.png
8 binder.png
9 balloon.png
10 too much.png
11 not enough.png
12 difference.png
13 snail crab.png
14 delete copy.png
15 piece.png
16 seven years - edit.png
17 another month.png
18 take me.png
19 home.png
20 roots.png
21 vessel.png
22 seahorse.png
23 unwind.png
24 moons.png
25 hit me.png
27 matter message.png
about the changing dust jackets.png
hazmat.png
diver.png
astronaut.png

About the changing Dust Jacket Covers

  • A dust jacket is an outer cover, with folded flaps, wrapped around a book. These feature with the physical printed copy of this comic.

    Each dust jacket has a different ‘body suit’ illustration: Hazardous Material (HazMat) suit, Scuba Diving suit, and Astronaut suit. These suits protect the body and are labeled “F”, “X” and “M” to represent different stages of my gender transition.

  • The Hazardous Material / Hazmat (”female”) suit represents a cautious stage where I felt unsafe and uncomfortable in my body and identity.

  • The Scuba Diver (“neutral”) suit represents an initial exploratory stage in my transition, delving deeper into my gender identity.

  • The Astronaut (“male”) suit is about further or a future exploration, feeling hopeful for when I’m finally able to be myself, in my own space.