After moving to New York City in high school, I took my mom’s old camera and began photographing unknowing people who I found interesting. Photography allows me to be curious, explore what I feel I need to know, and seek a deeper understanding of this world and myself. My camera gives me a reason to approach people, to get closer, and to ask the questions I otherwise can’t.

This summer, with the support of a grant from Binghamton University’s Summer Scholars and Artists Program, I dedicated my time to Them: A Series of Portraits and Interviews of Transgender and Genderqueer Ultimate Frisbee Players in New York City.

While national debate about trans women’s involvement in sports flooded the news, I thought about my experience playing ultimate frisbee in New York City. Here, space for gender diversity is built into the language we use. Positions like DoW, DoC, and DoM allow players to choose their matchups, and it works because people show up with mutual respect and a shared love for the game. 

I wanted to go to the transgender and genderqueer players themselves, to see if my understanding matched their experiences. I asked about what playing this sport is like for them, how they experience their gender on and off the field, and what this community means to them.

This series is composed of nine portraits and interviews with players in New York City. Some slight edits were made for clarity and flow, but everything you’ll read is their own words.

Them exists as a zine, community exhibition, and an ongoing body of work.