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Transgender actors are often performing in traditional theater and quasi-amateur plays in India. There are theater collectives that feature transgender actors exclusively. In more recent times, transgender communities are using theater as a vehicle for self-expression, enhancing social awareness, and advocacy. This image of an actor was taken in Varanasi, India.*
-Charles
*No specific gender representation is implied by the word "actor" since the term can be used for both male and female performers.
I am getting a lot of heated replies on FB groups after posting this image, implying that I have some kind of agenda (such as the controversy surrounding transgender athletes). That is a shame, because this image is intended as pure documentary. However, I did research the text in my original post, and so I offered more than the image. I feel like it is sometimes important to give a context, and in this case it is that India is becoming more open-minded about such minorities, who historically have been on the fringes of society, with some devastating consequences for them.
charley5 wrote:
I am getting a lot of heated replies on FB groups after posting this image, implying that I have some kind of agenda (such as the controversy surrounding transgender athletes). That is a shame, because this image is intended as pure documentary. However, I did research the text in my original post, and so I offered more than the image. I feel like it is sometimes important to give a context, and in this case it is that India is becoming more open-minded about such minorities, who historically have been on the fringes of society, with some devastating consequences for them.
-Charles
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This is a subject that creates some rather distasteful comments regardless of the fact that you are photographing a "subject" Charles. No need for posters to "personalize" a persons post. If your context was just about the subject and not raising a social issue then reply but dont judge you FB posters. Speculation can really ruin a nice post!
Dan
charley5 wrote:
I am getting a lot of heated replies on FB groups after posting this image, implying that I have some kind of agenda (such as the controversy surrounding transgender athletes). That is a shame, because this image is intended as pure documentary. However, I did research the text in my original post, and so I offered more than the image. I feel like it is sometimes important to give a context, and in this case it is that India is becoming more open-minded about such minorities, who historically have been on the fringes of society, with some devastating consequences for them.
I'm very happy to see that other countries are becoming more positive and open minded about LGBTQ folks and their rights. Sadly, it feels like the opposite is happening in my country right now (United States), and as an out gay man myself these changes become more scary every day. The aggression and threats from those against LGBTQ people in this country become more brazen and real every day.
Danpbphoto wrote:
This is a subject that creates some rather distasteful comments regardless of the fact that you are photographing a "subject" Charles. No need for posters to "personalize" a persons post. If your context was just about the subject and not raising a social issue then reply but dont judge you FB posters. Speculation can really ruin a nice post!
Dan
Thanks for your wise words, Dan. I was just surprised by the vehemence in which they went after me, and the derogatory nature of their attacks. I shall try to avoid such controversy in the future. As you know, some of the best photographs in history have also been a vehicle for social commentary. But I am too sensitive to place myself in the front lines like that.
Ripolini wrote:
Very nice portrait. I prefer the B&W version. The colors are distracting while the B&W picture forces my eyes to look at the subject's eyes.
I totally agree. I sometimes get slammed for preferring B&W, but it is often because of the distracting nature of color, particularly when I wish to convey a certain mood. There are exceptions, of course.
DanielScott wrote:
I'm very happy to see that other countries are becoming more positive and open minded about LGBTQ folks and their rights. Sadly, it feels like the opposite is happening in my country right now (United States), and as an out gay man myself these changes become more scary every day. The aggression and threats from those against LGBTQ people in this country become more brazen and real every day.
That is very sad. It seems the United States is regressing on multiple fronts, particularly in the context of civil society, where every life should be considered precious and should be protected. The reactions I got on FB made me queasy because of their vehemence, but I can only imagine what LGBTQ people are experiencing these days.
charley5 wrote:
Thanks for your wise words, Dan. I was just surprised by the vehemence in which they went after me, and the derogatory nature of their attacks. I shall try to avoid such controversy in the future. As you know, some of the best photographs in history have also been a vehicle for social commentary. But I am too sensitive to place myself in the front lines like that.
-Charles
In today's world brother DO NOT BE SURPRISED!
With the introduction of "social media" it has become a forum for these attacks! One can "blast away" at your character and use ignorance of social differences as an excuse for their attacks.
Yes I have learned a lesson also and do not "take the bait". I found just not responding the best! The perpetrator of the idiocy finds this most disturbing!
We got you back brother!
Dan
charley5 wrote:
I totally agree. I sometimes get slammed for preferring B&W, but it is often because of the distracting nature of color, particularly when I wish to convey a certain mood. There are exceptions, of course.
-Charles
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I try to use this model as my foundation. It allows room to move within each genre.
"Black and white (B&W) and color photography offer distinct artistic approaches, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Color photography is generally more descriptive and easily relatable, while black and white often evokes stronger emotions and focuses attention on elements like composition, light, and shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the photographer's vision and the specific message they wish to convey. ....."
Dan
Danpbphoto wrote:
In today's world brother DO NOT BE SURPRISED!
With the introduction of "social media" it has become a forum for these attacks! One can "blast away" at your character and use ignorance of social differences as an excuse for their attacks.
Yes I have learned a lesson also and do not "take the bait". I found just not responding the best! The perpetrator of the idiocy finds this most disturbing!
We got you back brother!
Dan
Thanks very much, Dan. I really appreciate your kindness.
Danpbphoto wrote:
I try to use this model as my foundation. It allows room to move within each genre.
"Black and white (B&W) and color photography offer distinct artistic approaches, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Color photography is generally more descriptive and easily relatable, while black and white often evokes stronger emotions and focuses attention on elements like composition, light, and shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the photographer's vision and the specific message they wish to convey. ....."
Dan
