Trannies, to do or not to do?

One of my plurks last week read:

Estan is busy thinking of photo stories for photojourn course project.

Vampirelestat responded:

il give you one estan
the trannies doing the amazing show in roxas blvd

Trannies. Last week, I have been entertaining the thought of doing a series of portraits , specifically diptychs, of transexuals or cross dressing men as a project proposal. While it can be interesting, I was also thinking that it’s already too common a work. I can’t really say who the photographers are but I’m sure I’ve seen many of these before. However, while I’m not as concerned of repeating other projects, there is something bothering me.

Transexuals and crossdressers are fascinating. To the man in the street, it is something that goes beyond the ordinary. The notion of men becoming women or vice versa in outer appearance by changing ones’ lifestyle and manner of living, while acceptable, to more drastic measures like changing one’s anatomy, is something to ponder about.

If I will be doing portraits or diptychs of these people as a project, I can’t help but think, for what purpose? For the sake of course completion? Because they are different, will this kind of work do justice or bring understanding to new light? Or, what I’m more concerned of, will this be interpreted as just another form of exploitation by taking advantage of their difference?

How should this kind of photography be done in such a way that would give justice to the subject? That will present them with dignity? That will not perpetuate stereotypes? It’s a bit of a challenge when dealing with this kind of material as it can get too sensitive. Until I can resolve these questions, it will just remain an idea for now.

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17 November 2008

6 Responses

  1. Sidney

    17 November 2008

    I am working and thinking about this subject since years… it is a fascinating subject…(and in a way also very Pinoy) and since it is something that is happening in life… I don’t see why photographers shouldn’t cover it.
    But I am also struggling to find an angle that respect their way of life without adding to the stereotypes…
    I also don’t feel very confident to do it since it is so sexually tinted. I guess I need to cross some personal boundaries…(and that is probably the main reason why I didn’t document it well.
    But if I can find the help of an insider I will go for it.
    Definitely you will see a series about transsexuals in my blog one day. Bakla’s are very prominent in daily life in the Philippines so you can’t brush away the subject..

    I would say… Estan… go for it…;-)

    What about a series about construction workers (there is a lot of construction going on in Fort Bonifacio)?
    If you are not afraid of heights you might follow some of them while they are working on some new high rise.

    What about OFW’s & seamen waiting for a new assignments. Together with the agencies and all the things related to working abroad.

  2. estan

    17 November 2008

    I agree, there is much to being bakla in the Philippines with their own unique problems and cultural significance that, unfortunately is not being covered. I’ve been pondering about this subject, not only as portraits but on other aspects as well. I still have to think about how to go about it, but not necessarily as course requirement but maybe in the future.
    Construction workers and seamen waiting, wow. I’ve never thought of that! These would be very interesting subjects. As for OFWs, I have thought of it as well and is on my list of possible documentary work.

    Sidney, I really appreciate very much your feedback here. Thank you.

  3. Erik Lacson

    17 November 2008

    Pre! Interesting yan! Would like to see how it would transpire. It’s very pinoy, or at least our trannies here are quite unique compared to what we see in other cultures. Honestly, it’s a subject that I would not cover myself, and that’s probably why I am interested on seeing how you would do it.

  4. SUPERPASYAL

    17 November 2008

    There seriously shouldn’t be a concern about “crossing boundaries” when it comes to documenting the lives of transsexuals. If the coverage is explained to them properly, they will gamely oblige. You won’t be the first time to do this so it won’t really come as a suprise to them.

    Your friend probably meant the group who perform at the Amazing Philippine Theater at the CCP Complex. They travel regularly between Manila, Cebu and Boracay – yes, wherever the Koreans go, they go. In Manila, their home base is the basmement of the Manila Film Center.

    My suggestion is that the documentary should go two ways – an interview, and a photodocu. That way, you can pretty much capture all the facet of their life and lifestyle. Cheers, Estan! And best of luck! :-)

  5. estan

    17 November 2008

    Dylan, interesting comment. The plurker VampireLestat was indeed referring to these Amazing Theater performers. In most successful documentaries, it is always a good thing to explain your intentions to the subject and, like anything that deals with covering people, establishing trust is paramount. Of course, they have been featured on media but what I’m really thinking about is going beyond these short features. It will not just involve a day or two, or even a week but more like a few months. Some photographers delve into their subject even for years! In that way, you would really capture their true selves. That really makes documentary photography extra challenging.

    Thanks for your input.

  6. estan

    17 November 2008

    Pre, thanx for the comment. This theme is still something that has to be developed and conceptualized further.

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