Jesse Freidin | ARE YOU OK: Portraits and Stories of Trans Youth Across America
ARE YOU OK:
Portraits and Stories of Trans Youth Across America
Volume 1
‘Are You OK?’ documents the faces and stories of trans/non-binary youth in the United States ready to stand up to political annihilation. Flanked by supportive families, a diverse group of outspoken and deeply loved youth present their strength and joy to the world in a revolt against the country’s attempt to erase them. Participating in the creation of this work is dangerous– we met in hiding behind buildings with extreme discretion in states that want us dead – yet the process of acknowledging each other offers a kind of healing.
In less than three years I photographed and interviewed nearly 150 trans youth in more than half the states in the country. The message loudly articulated is that the only way to have a living trans child is to support them, and that though our American government is legislating us out of existence - our community is strong, and ready to fight back.
‘Are You OK?’ has been presented in conjunction with Harvard University, NBC Boston, PFLAG, Free Mom Hugs, Loyola University, Wayne State University and many more, in addition to winning the esteemed 2023 Critical Mass Top 50 Award.