Estan Cabigas

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.