Matter
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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.
About the changing Dust Jacket Covers
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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.
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The Hazardous Material / Hazmat (”female”) suit represents a cautious stage where I felt unsafe and uncomfortable in my body and identity.
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The Scuba Diver (“neutral”) suit represents an initial exploratory stage in my transition, delving deeper into my gender identity.
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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.