Transgender Youth

• Prize
• Photographer
  Farida Lemeatrag, Belgium

In 2010 I’ve read an article about transman and immediately I was
fascinated by their story.
Two years later, as a student photographer, I started with my project
about transgenders. In the beginning it was very difficult. It took a very
long time before I could earn their trust and could take their portraits
.
With my portraits I heartly wish that more people look at the
youngsters and their transition without prejudice and learn more about
gender identity and the long way they have to go. I try to raise
awareness with the public and show them beautiful portraits with a
soul.

These youngsters struggle for years with their identity. They have to
overcome a lot of obstacles and disappointment with partner, parents
and family.
Years will follow with conversation and reflection at the psychologist
about the transition.
A period with many doubts about themselves and the definite
operation.

The last few years I made also contact with youngsters via the
transgender Belgium forum. The University hospital UZ Ghent
(Belgium) is well represented with a team who assists and supports
the youngsters. Nowadays, more and more organisations commite to
transgenders and their process.
I’ve made portrets of 40 gender youngsters so far.

• Awards
  2014: Third prize International Photo Prida Award Amsterdam 2014: Foam Amsterdam group exhibitions (Pride Photo award winners) 2014: First prize Go Shoot It - Curieus (Belgium) 2015: Showcase Antwerp (Belgium) Group photo exhibitions Fotonale Brugge (Belgium) 2016: Hommage Bozar 2016 group photo exhibitions Fotonale Brugge (Belgium) Publication: 2015: www.Featureshoot.com -www.mic.com-www.whitezine.com 2016: Internazionale magazine (Italie) 2016: The Walrus magazine (Canada) 2016: Amnesty International magazine 2016: Shoot magazine Belgium