When The Image Speaks Back
Look at an image long enough and it starts to speak back.
This is what I have found gazing at the many images made of myself — whether on a billboard, magazine cover, or cell phone self-portrait. There is something to be said about the haunting nature of a figure frozen in time coming alive in my mind to communicate to me a gospel that breaks silence. At first glance, one might stand in awe of the beauty the figure emanates; and at second, one might notice the grief, one might notice that the figure is disconsolate. Will you listen when she speaks?
It is this kind of inquiry that inspired the theme of Spectrum Volume 2: When The Image Speaks Back. In this collection of essays, interviews, theory, and criticism, Black trans and non-binary people speak for themselves around a range of topics from fatness, desirability, media visibility and representation to gender theory and safety as it concerns being trans or non-binary in AmeriKKKa.
I am very honored to have guest edited this issue, and also to continue a creative-working relationship with Darren Martin, Bold Culture CEO, and Ahmad Barber, Bold Culture Managing Parter & Chief Creative Officer, that began at Morehouse’s The Maroon Tiger. I am also blessed to share the work and voices of contributors Shaadi Devereaux, Ebony Donnelly, Morticia Goddiva, Dee Harper, eli berry st. john, Jamie Lee, Jonovia Chase, Indya Moore, Texas Isaiah, Da’Shaun L. Harrison, Devin-Norelle, and Tiq Milan. I am blessed to know such a brilliant cadre of Black trans thinkers and cultural workers. This issue would be nothing without their spirited and magical being.
The over 62-page issue features a trove of personal accounts, essays, interviews and criticism by black trans and non-binary people re: experiences in the media, marketing, entertainment and advertising industries.
