This collection of photos are part of my personal year-long gender bender photo series. The aim of my photos was to project masculinity and femininity in ways that are not commonly depicted in our everyday life. I wanted to challenge gender norms and expectations through fashion, hair and makeup.

This series is essentially an exploration of my own queerness, aimed at pushing gender boundaries as I know it. Growing up in a traditional Asian family meant that there were clear expectations on what I could, and couldn’t do as a girl. I wasn’t allowed the space to dress, act and speak in a way that wasn’t gender-bound. The lack of space to do so hindered a lot of my personal growth surrounding my identity and sexuality. Fortunately, I am now able to create this space in my art to connect with my own masculine and feminine energies alongside those that I work with.

An important aspect of this series for me is sharing this safe space with others who may also need it. I know how important it is to be able to wear your identity proudly and that’s why I also try to work with a mainly queer team. I wanted to allow them to have a space where they can be themselves, unapologetically; where masculine and feminine energies can co-exist regardless of one’s gender.