In Transit: A Photographic Autoethnography on Travel as a Meaningful Transitional Time

Abstract

When we think of trans people and photography, we often think of selfies, transition timelines, or stereotypical images like trans women trying to put on makeup. We don’t often think of trans photographers themselves. My research is an autoethnographic reflection from behind the lens rather than in front of it, using photography to explore how travel can be meaningful in relation to gender transition. Travel can serve as a transitional time for anyone, providing an escape from social pressures that allows us to build a sense of self, confidence, and empowerment. A transitional time is especially important during a literal gender transition, allowing for self-reflection and an escape from the discomfort of local stresses. The need to reconstruct and rediscover the self came with a need to reevaluate my photography — returning to a more physical process aided in this as it allowed for a greater material connection to the pictures. The autoethnography explores these themes in the context of passing, surveillance, and learning to navigate LGBT communities and experiences.