Independent Film “Thanks For Coming Out” by MaryJane Grace: Poster Design
Custom movie-poster design based on the following request: “Two friends sitting by a fire, holiday sweater themed design.” Created in Photoshop.
Band Artwork: Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers (Grand Rapids, MI)
Custom request for a t-shirt design based on an image of the band members. Created in Microsoft Paint and expanded to enhance the “8-bit” style for a more retro feel.
Band Artwork: T-shirt Design (Across the Rubion, Mount Pleasant, MI)
T-shirt design based on the concept of “an alien abduction.” Hand-drawn and lettered, then converted to digital using Adobe Illustrator.
Album Artwork: Across the Rubicon (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Album cover design based on the parable of the two wolves and the album title “The One You Feed.” Hand-drawn and scanned, enhanced using Adobe Illustrator to add text.
Personal Artwork: Frankenstein Girls Reimagined (Mindless Self Indulgence inspired artwork)Parody Movie Poster: Custom Composite ArtworkComposite Artwork for E-MoTown: a Pistons Podcast RoomieHub Logo Design (Irving, TX)JunkIt-Waste Removal Logo Design
Transgender: It’s a term most of us are familiar with by now. So why are we talking about this? Caitlyn Jenner is as famous as any cis-gender celebrity, if not more so for her notoriety, so doesn’t that mean that we have already climbed this mountain?
Not exactly.
Token individuals’ success, though it does provide a much-lacking source of media representation, is often a far cry from the average trans individual’s life. The celebrities who are so often offered as examples of how “anyone can make it,” (Ellen Degeneres, Caitlin Jenner) in actuality, would never have the level of visibility and acceptance they have now, had they not already achieved a massive level of fame along with a well-established fan base before “coming out” to the media. And even then, look at the hate that these individuals must face, simply for being a voice for a group that, previously, had none.
The numbers speak for themselves. When we compare statistics of transgender people to cis-gender individuals, it becomes increasingly clear that there is an ongoing trend which is only being supported by the system in place. For example: despite being, on average, more educated than cis individuals, trans people have a lower household income, namely because they simply do not get the same consideration for jobs which they may be equally qualified for. Likewise, trans individuals are 8 times more likely than cis individuals (in every age group) to be below the poverty line.
When we start to talk about the percentage of the trans community that has struggled with mental health or attempted suicide, the conversation gets even more somber.
What a lot of us fail to realize is that it is a much broader term than we think. When we talk about trans people, we are usually referring to either trans men or trans women. However, there are individuals who exist under the umbrella of transgender who do not wish to transition to the “opposite” gender, rather they identify somewhere in between, or even completely separate from those categories.
The problem is, it is all but impossible to find accurate information as far as the numbers of non binary individuals that exist, due to visibility issues, and, due to the standard binary options on most official forms and documents, lack of a venue to express their “other” category. And when we extend that and look beyond the male and female categories, with the little data we have, we can draw the conclusion that non binary individuals are at a distinct disadvantage. While having to experience the discrimination against even trans individuals within the binary, non binary individuals also face the difficulties associated with not fitting into the existing social categories.
As recently as 1994, nearly 70% of professionals interviewed believed their peers in the medical field had given substandard treatment to a patient due to their patient’s sexual orientation. Even medical professionals who have moved beyond this line of thinking and are happy to treat patients of any orientation can struggle with the idea of non binary. The concept of existing outside of a category, especially one as deeply ingrained as the “male” vs “female” binary, can seem incompatible with the approach many medical professionals take. When seeking access to transition-related care, it is unfortunately still quite frequent that non binary individuals must present in an exaggeratedly masculine or feminine manner, as doctors are more likely to acknowledge, and thus, treat, the existence of dysphoria in binary (male to female or female to male) trans people.
Likewise, non binary individuals face problems when it comes to employment, as standard applications feature only “male” and “female” categories to choose from, and are often not considered if left blank. The same is true for housing opportunities. If awareness alone was the solution to the problem, the battle would be not so daunting. Unfortunately, even in cultures where a third gender has been officially recognized, assault and prejudice against individuals in that group remain. Awareness and recognition is only the beginning.
But inaction is not the answer in the face of a daunting task. If one does not make an effort to act in a conscious way, they simply follow the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, we have seen where the easy path leads. Instead of choosing to believe that in time, culture will shift on its own, we can make a decision to be that change.
So what steps can we make towards a more all-gender inclusive society?
1.Use your pronouns.
Openly introduce yourself using the pronouns which you use to identify with, and if you are in a position of power within a group, request that others do the same. Instead of assuming that everyone presents themselves in a way that directly corresponds with the gender identity that they hold, approach gender on a more individual level.
And remember: If you make a mistake, it is important to say sorry, but it is MORE important to make sure you learn the RIGHT way so that you don’t make that same mistake again.
2. Ask questions when you have the chance, listen to and learn from those who have experience.
Deanna Heath: Gender Therapist
Deanna Heath (she/her/hers) is an owner and therapist at Mount Pleasant Counseling, who has been working with trans and nonbinary individuals for years. Listen to her story and learn some of the insight she has gained through her work.
Kai’s Story
Kai Neizgoda (they/them/theirs) is a student activist and intern with the Office of LGBTQ Services at CMU. Check out their story.
3. Understand that trans and nonbinary people just want to have the right to exist.
Jak’s Story
” I will become what I deserve”
Jakson Grubbs (they/them/theirs)
Jak Grubbs is a 21 year old senior preparing to graduate from Central Michigan University with a degree in Psychology and Communicative Disorders. They began identifying as non binary, trans-masculine, about a year ago, and has recently passed their 3 month milestone of being on Testosterone. Grubbs is also extremely involved both on and off campus, as part of To Write Love on Her Arms, a group that focuses on mental health and suicide awareness, Spectrum, a group for trans and non binary individuals, as well as other off-campus activism and volunteer commitments, Jak’s time is usually divided between school, volunteering, work, and their relationship.
Luckily, Birdy Wurtz, 20, is also very involved, and, when not working, spends as much time as possible supporting Jak in their involvements. On April 28, 2016, Jak proposed to their partner Birdy Wurtz, 20, at the Dreamer Coffee Shop on CMU’s campus, where they first met. “My story was so sad before you,” writes Grubb in their proposal video. Having a support system is a huge part of life, and with family not always supporting Jak’s lifestyle choices, Birdy and Jak quickly found home together. After graduation, the two have signed a lease together and will move into their first apartment, where they will spend the summer before Jak begins grad school working. Jak received their acceptance letter to attend grad school at CMU on this date.
LaValley grins towards a teammate as they wait for the match to begin.
Scott LaValley, of Lake Orion, began playing dodgeball at Saginaw Valley State University. When he transferred and began his time here at Central Michigan University, two years ago, he still saw many of the same faces, but this time, they were on the other side of the court.
LeValley is a senior majoring in Biology and Natural Resources, which requires a lot of time commitment to homework and lab work. After rooming with the former president of the team last year, LaValley ended up taking over the position, so. in addition to his class schedule, LaValley is the Team President of the CMU club dodgeball team.
The team practices tree times every week, Mondays from 9-11, Tuesdays from 8-10pm, and Thursdays from 7-9. Usually practice begins with drills, to get everyone warmed up and working together as a team before the action really begins.
“We have our small groups that are good friends, and some of us have played together previous years,” so the dynamic of the team is always evolving, says LaValley. Even with such a large group of people, the team still manages to stay tight-knit. “Everyone gets along when we are on the court… we are family out there.”
His favorite part of the game? “Outside of just having fun… hitting somebody in the face.” LaValley laughs. “When you get them really good, you get to watch that ball arc up, and then CRACK when it hits them. You get such a rush, and like everybody cheers.”
“It really pumps up your team a lot,” LaValley continued- which is what it all seems to be about: playing as a team, getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and working on them together.
LaValley takes a break during practice to tape his fingers. Taping gives players the advantage of a better grip on the ball during play, but if done improperly, or using the wrong tape, can also result in toughening of the skin and difficulty in bending fingers.
LaValley releases one of the two balls in his possession towards an opposing team member during a practice match.
LaValley laughs amid his teammates as he falls to his knees after receiving a hit to the chest, which he fumbled to catch, making him out. “He spends a lot of time either in the air [making catches] or on the floor,” joked teammate and friend Merissa McTaggart.
LaValley exits the court after being hit, disappointment visible on his face. The club status of this dodgeball team makes no difference in the dedication of its team members, and LaValley is no exception, taking losses especially hard when he feels he did not perform his best and do everything he could for his team.
Dodgeballs, when thrown in professional leagues can hit speeds of about 80mph… not something you want to get hit with at all, much less in the face. Usually, the team plays strategically. “If we can take out half their game in just catches,” said LaValley, “we can really modify their game.” But no one can deny the feeling of hearing a ball make contact with an opposing player’s face. “Everyone cheers,” LaValley laughed, “It just amps everyone up.”
Scott LaValley schedules classes for the following semester, during study time with friend Merissa McTaggart at the Down Under Food Court. With dodgeball practices three times a week, in addition to responsibilities as the Team President and scheduling tournaments, LaValley is looking at another busy schedule next semester, but has no complaints.
In a long exposure shot, LaValley runs to the center line where he grabs his pall, winds up, and throws. Neon orange accents on his shoes leave trails. This illustration is meant to depict the stop-and-go feeling of both watching and playing dodgeball: While there are short bursts of intense action with multiple players, as each game gets closer to the end, the members on the court get fewer and farther between, and it is all about waiting for the perfect moment to fire.
LaValley packs up loose balls after practice. The club dodgeball team uses a gymnasium in Rose Hall for their tri-weekly practices. However, relying on the university for practice space can lead to difficulties, especially during winter, with snow days and bad weather sometimes leading to cancelled practices.
Scott LaValley heads home after a two hour dodgeball practice, Thursday, March 24.
I had some exporting issues, so this is a terrible quality version. I just didn’t want to come to class without anything to show. I will update with a properly exported, full HD version as soon as possible.
This is a progress post for the planning on my final, capstone project.
Working title: Beyond the Binary.
I have narrowed down the specific topic I want to discuss, connecting the lives of the individual subjects featured. As I have begun to learn more about the personal stories of these subjects, as well as learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, I have realized that orientation/sexuality/attraction is less relevant to the topic I am interested in discussing. Not that this is not a huge part of any individual’s life, as it certainly is. However, the binary understanding with which we tend to approach the idea of attraction, to a non-binary individual, is effectively useless. When not everyone can fit within this binary frame of thinking, it is time for a shift. Who someone finds themselves attracted to is not who they are, and we need to move away from defining by those standards.
The main focus will be disambiguation between the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender,’ as well as education on language. I will cover this in two parts: Firstly, sex. Specifically assigned sex, which is often misleadingly referred to as ‘biological’ sex, giving a falsely medical view to the term, which is, in our culture, essentially a glorified guess by the Doctor based on what the exterior genitals of an infant, “looks most like.” What is often viewed as so black and white is actually quite non-binary in and of itself.
Secondly, gender. Gender is one’s sense of self “in relation to the social constructs of masculinity, femininity and androgyny.” [1]When most individuals hear the term, ‘gender,’ the definition that comes to mind is more closely aligned with what are actually referred to as ‘gender roles:’ the culturally imposed ideas and associations that are paired with one’s sex.
I will focus on three subjects. I want to emphasize, that despite the apparent “similarities” that can be found between their labels, they have very different stories.
Multimedia Presentation
The main presentation of this story will be the video and copy including still images.
I intend to create a photo illustration based on an existing helpful resource: The Genderbread Person. I want to use this style of representation to allow each individual to “plot” themselves onto the chart, creating a visual explanation that can, ideally, be an approachable way to understand the important concepts, even while still in the process of learning the appropriate language. This illustration should give a basic idea what the project will be about, and as it will include the same individuals interviewed in the video, should give an idea of their story, even if someone does not watch the accompanying film. This portion will also include some examples throughout the spectrum, based on individuals who respond to the survey I have created.
This survey will be circulated throughout as many CMU classes as possible, as well as circulated by Transcend CMU, and, pending approval, the Offices of LQBTQ services.
Gender Reassignment Procedures Linked to Improved Mental Health in Transgendered Individuals-As “non-traditional” gender identities become more commonly recognized, one could argue that transgender individuals have a better opportunity in the United States today than they have ever had. However, procedures and treatments that aid in the physical transition, including testosterone injections, breast reduction or removal surgery, and genital reassignment surgery, are still considered to be “elective” procedures, even when recommended by a therapist or psychiatrist, and as such, are not covered by many insurance providers. According to surveys, approximately 41 percent of trans or gender non-conforming people will attempt suicide, nearly ten times the likelihood of the average American (4.6 percent).
#FLINTMI
Flint Water Crisis Gains Public Headlines-Still no Solutions. What has come to be known as the Flint Water Crisis began in 2014-when Flint, Mich. switched away from Detroit city water- and continued, largely outside of the public’s eye, until it’s climax in late 2015/early 2016, gaining widespread attention, even that of presidential candidates. Still, the city of Flint continues to send bills for the toxic and un-useable water, and despite the thousands of bottles of donated water pouring in from around the country, its residents have no clear answers for how this problem will be solved.
[I included several alternate versions of the text, as I couldn’t decide which looked best.]
Portraits
Calli Kujat, a junior anthropology major from East Jordan, Michigan, holds a smoking match as she lights a cone of incense. A tapestry from India hangs on the wall behind her. “I want to travel…” Kujat said of the degree she is pursuing at Central Michigan University. “I think that I’d like to go into advocacy work… All I really know is that I want to help people.” Kujat transferred from Michigan State University, and hopes to continue her education here at CMU.
Port Huron senior Biology major and aspiring model, Merissa McTaggart, leans back into the vines that cover Smith Hall on CMU’s campus. The headpiece she wears is reminiscent of the spring, when the vines come to life, leaving the side of the building lush and green.
This past week I had the awesome opportunity to chat on the phone with Jenn Ackerman, a Minneappolis photojournalist and filmmaker.
Perhaps best known for her work Trapped, Ackerman studied photography at the Danish School of Journalism.
Trapped takes us inside the Correctional Psychiatric Treatment Unit of the Kentucky State Reformatory to see how a state is meeting the needs of this growing population.
But as Ackerman’s career has evolved, she has begun to incorporate stunning portraiture into her stories, resulting in a cinematic peek into some fascinating characters and moments in time.
To check out my presentation, visit my Presi here.
Baylen Hannah Brown 