This photography project was founded by Los Angeles-based photographer Dusti Cunningham and Jacob Rostovsky, a transgender activist whose life passion is working for the advancement of the community.
One of our goals with this project is to showcase the beauty of those who have custommade and bent gender to make it their own.
We are also working with the nonprofit organization Trans United with Family and Friends (TUFF), the mission of which is to give financial assistance toward transition costs for gender-nonconforming individuals. All proceeds made beyond our goal will go towards this organizations mission.
We have been collecting video interviews in addition to the photographs, which we in turn hope to create a documentary. These interviews well really help to give an indepth look at the diversity our culture has in regards to gender identity and expression.
Eventually we would like to publish a book of the work and also showcase the photos with gallery shows across the country.
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Buck Angel: transgender filmmaker, motivational speaker, and advocate
"Dusti Cunningham is an incredible artist and photographer. His images capture the beauty and soul of our community. I love how his work not only transcends traditional gender archetypes but actually redefines what we think as 'queer' with his eloquent, singular and brilliant eye. We are lucky to have Dusti Cunningham as the visual archivist/activist/anarchist of our generation. Generations to come will know us intimately from what he's captured."
—Margaret Cho
"The series is titled "gender bent” and will contain photos of people who have bent, blurred the lines, and custom-designed gender to better suit them—people like Buck Angel, Margaret Cho, Sonique, Mathu Andersen, and Ian Harvie. Also included are families with trans children, drag queens and drag kings, MTF, FTM, MTFTM and many others. These people are parents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters. Their professions range from students to porn stars to homemakers to comedians and executives. Some make a living entertaining as a gender other than their birth gender, others are mistaken for the opposite gender while some identify with neither. While some are more fluid, others have made permanent physical changes in creating their gender. The one tie that binds together everyone in the series is the ability to evolve and adapt. "
-Dusti Cunningham; Photographer and developer of the genderbent project.
What We Need
The money raised with this campaign will fund travel to multiple major cities for photo shoots and interviews with these non-traditionally gendered individuals.
The money will cover transportation, food and printing of the photos for an exhibit.
Accommodations in each city have already been provided; therefore no proceeds from this fundraiser go towards lodging.
Breakdown of costs:
60% travel expenses
32% printing expenses and perk fulfillment
8% Indiegogo fees and services
Please help us by donating what you can and check out the perks starting at $10! All donations are tax-deductible.
Other Ways You Can Help
Help us spread the word!
Please donate now and share this campaign with your friends.
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If interested in participating, please email genderbentinfo@gmail.com.
