Renegiciating Gender and Identity Through the Lens of the LGBTQ+ Community

"In Between Worlds" is a long-term project that redefines the complexities of gender and identity by exploring how individuals within the LGBTQ+ community navigate self-expression and identity between the personal and the societal. Through portraiture, documentary-style life records, and conceptual fashion photography, this project examines the fluid, multifaceted nature of identity, capturing its evolution as it breaks free from rigid societal expectations. The second participant, Holli Xue, offers a compelling narrative of self-discovery and self-expression. Holli is a nonbinary individual whose calm, independent exterior contrasts with the passionate, vibrant inner world she holds. This project delves into how Holli and other participants in the LGBTQ+ community forge their identities in a world that often seeks to impose fixed definitions on them.

A Symbol of Self: Holli's Connection with Nature and Identity

Holli’s personal symbol of choice—the mushroom—reflects her self-contained, grounded nature. Much like the mushroom, she thrives in quiet spaces, embracing a connection with the natural world that offers a sense of peace and resilience. The mushroom, small yet powerful, mirrors Holli’s inward strength and her journey toward self-sufficiency. It stands as a metaphor for her comfortable relationship with both herself and the world around her. Her tattoos, which include references to her favorite books, TV characters, and cultural icons like Bowie, are a visual representation of her multifaceted personality. These inked symbols, alongside her love for animals and unique personal style, showcase Holli's layered identity and the complexities that come with self-definition.

The Power of Portraiture in Understanding Identity

Each photograph in "In Between Worlds" serves as a visual exploration of the dynamic relationship between identity and expression. These images capture fleeting moments that reflect the fluidity of identity, presenting participants not just as static portraits but as evolving stories of self-expression. Holli’s portraits, in particular, reveal the interplay between her exterior calm and the passionate intensity of her inner world. From the vibrant, playful details like her colorful nails to her introspective moments, these images provide insight into the depth of her identity.

Breaking Boundaries: Fluidity and Inclusivity in Identity

The project challenges conventional notions of gender and identity, offering an inclusive, fluid perspective. By highlighting the nonbinary experience, "In Between Worlds" presents identity as something that transcends traditional boundaries. Holli’s personal journey, alongside other participants’ stories, emphasizes how identity is a deeply individual and evolving experience—one that is shaped by personal expression, inner truths, and the embrace of both external and internal worlds. "In Between Worlds" is a call to see beyond surface appearances, to appreciate the complexities of identity, and to create a more inclusive and compassionate narrative within the LGBTQ+ community. Through these portraits, the project aims to spark a deeper understanding of what it means to be “in between” – not fixed, but fluid, evolving, and fully alive.