PORTRAITS

In this slideshow, I have included shots of Wrestlers from Progress Wrestling, SFX and self-portraits from My Fear of Femininity project. 

 

This project encapsulates my former fear of femininity, juxtaposing my present feminine expression. 

​

I posed in constrained positions drawing inspiration from 'The Male Gaze' theory, men sexualizing women through visual media. I trapped myself inside the frame, sexualizing myself. 

​

Growing up alongside the girls in secondary school who believed "Men are men and women are women" felt alienating. The cliquey, pro eating disorder culture took a toll contributing to my fear. 

​

After coming out as a trans-man, I masculinized myself to create distance between me and the girls, I was too afraid to be feminine, from fear of being ostracised for being a feminine man. 

​

This piece is a battle between societal standards I have faced and who I really am. 

​

Slide 1- Joe Kessler

​

Slide 2- Rob Drake