Photography
My Cloths are Having a Talk
2023
Digital Photo
This piece juxtaposes the dress I wore to my high school prom and the suit I acquired after graduating with my undergraduate degree, allowing these garments to converse with one another as representations of different facets of my identity. Through this interaction, I aim to explore how clothing reflects gender expression, while intentionally removing my own body from the scene to deny the viewer the opportunity to objectify my trans experience.
When I first came out as a transgender man, I knew my journey didn’t fit neatly into one box, yet I was consumed by the fear of rejection and harm. I began to understand myself as genderfluid, but fully accepting that part of me has been a continuous, challenging process. It’s still something I am learning to love and embrace.
In this work, I step out of the rigid expectations of gender and allow the clothes to embody that conversation. By removing myself from both the image and the narrative, I deny the viewer access to my body, choosing instead to focus on the internal dialogue of self-acceptance. This piece is an exploration of my ongoing struggle to reconcile and love all aspects of myself, beyond the objectification and limitations imposed by society on trans individuals. This is my experience, unfiltered and unbound by external expectations.
A Malong can be Worn in Many Ways
2023
Digital Photo
The malong, a traditional Filipino garment, is a symbol of versatility—both in its function and style—and has historically been worn by people of all genders. Its adaptability allows one to fashion it in various ways to suit their needs or desires in any given moment. In this photograph, I wear the malong in different forms—pants, skirts, and dresses—while deliberately turning away from the viewer, obscuring my face and body.
The exploration of my gender and gender expression is deeply personal and vulnerable. The malong, a garment imbued with the traditions and expressions of my ancestors, serves as a conduit for my own exploration of fluidity. Just as the malong can be reshaped and redefined, so too am I learning to embrace the fluidity of my gender. By shielding myself from the viewer's gaze, I deny them the opportunity to objectify my body, compelling them to confront the more intimate, internal aspects of my trans experience—moments that cannot be reduced to fetishization.
Testing Testing one two Three
2022
Cyanotype on paper
8” x 10” inches
These images capture the used vessels of testosterone medication I’ve relied on throughout my journey with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In navigating my gender-affirming care, I encountered numerous challenges, particularly in administering the testosterone. My first attempt with injectable testosterone was difficult due to my strong phobia of needles. I was fortunate to have supportive partners who helped me with the injections, but over time, I sought more agency in my medical care.
I worked with my doctors to try alternative methods, beginning with testosterone patches. Unfortunately, the adhesive caused chemical burns on my skin, leading to irritation. I then experimented with the gel, but my skin wasn’t absorbing enough of the testosterone. Despite these methods not being successful, I felt empowered by my willingness to explore and try what was available to me in order to find a solution that worked for my needs.
Ultimately, I returned to injectable testosterone and discovered a device called Inject-ease, which allowed me to self-administer my shots. This tool, which covers the syringe and needle and uses a spring-loaded trigger to inject, gave me a newfound sense of freedom and control over my care.
Through this process, I not only found the method of testosterone administration that best supported my transition, but I also came to appreciate the strength I gained from confronting my fears and advocating for my happiness. The act of self-administering these injections became a symbol of my resilience and my ongoing pursuit of self-authenticity.
Untitled (Filipino Americans)
2022
Lumen prints
8” x 11” inches
This series was created in collaboration with Filipino American artists Cyrena Rosati and Zak Ashburn, exploring our complex identities through lumen prints. These prints were developed using acids found in common Filipino ingredients, such as soy sauce and vinegar, blending cultural elements with the chemistry of creation.
In the images, we experiment with visual symbols that reflect our experiences as racially mixxed Filipino and white Americans. We depict ourselves wearing bolo ties and cowboy hats, eating pancit and white bread, and reading Captain America. These seemingly contrasting elements speak to the hybridity of our identities—how we navigate the intersections of heritage, history, and personal experience, balancing the cultural influences of both our Filipino roots and our American upbringing.