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Exhibit & Book
AUTHENTIC SELVES
Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families
Photographs by Robin Rayne, Gigi Kaeser, Jill Meyers, and others. Interviews by Peggy Gillespie
Authentic Selves the book version was released by Skinner House in May of 2023 and is the perfect companion to our museum-quality traveling exhibit including photographs and interviews with people of all ages who are trans, nonbinary, and gender fluid along with some of their family members. Through first-person accounts and beautiful images, this exhibit seeks to challenge damaging myths and stereotypes about trans and nonbinary people and to educate people about this group of people.
This exhibit explores the many aspects of gender identity and variance by sharing these important, ground-breaking stories. Authentic Selves celebrates a range of views, opinions, and experiences that are unique and empowering to trans and nonbinary people. By encouraging people of all ages to affirm and appreciate diversity, this traveling exhibit contributes to the process of dismantling the destructive power of prejudice and intolerance. As a remarkable tool designed to prevent bullying and increase empathy and connection, Authentic Selves will hopefully help make the world a safer place for all people.
Authentic Selves can be used in schools, colleges, houses of worship, libraries, museums, conferences, and workplaces to help create safer environments. Bring this celebratory exhibit to your community, along with the book version being published by Skinner House Books.
NEW BOOK and EXHIBIT Available Now. Order the book today. Or Contact us to inquire about hosting the exhibition.
“ At a time when dehumanization of people because of their gender identities is all too common, the Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families exhibit provides a deeply humanizing antidote. It is impossible to view Authentic Selves, or any of Family Diversity Projects' traveling exhibits, without feeling connected to the people in it. The photos are beautiful and the narratives are compelling, poignant, sometimes funny, and often challenging - in other words, human. The exhibit opens conversations on campus in a way that respects and celebrates our trans and nonbinary students, faculty, and staff and helps us create a safe and inclusive community.”
— Kira Hamman, Professor of Mathematics, Penn State University
“When I first wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children’s book to portray a happy loving family of a little girl with two lesbian moms, I had no idea how many families my book would touch and support. In a similar way, Family Diversity Projects touches people young and old with their ground-breaking exhibitions and books. Like Heather Has Two Mommies, their exhibits have both caused controversy and educated thousands of people about the moral equality of LGBT people and their families. These marvelous exhibits travel throughout the world to schools, colleges, libraries, community centers, houses of worship, workplaces, statehouses, and conferences. Wherever they are displayed, the FDP exhibits help to reduce discrimination and bullying of all people who are perceived to be “different,” leading to safer environments for LGBT children and adults. Simply put, the exhibits are unique tools in the fight to dismantle homophobia and transphobia.”
— Lesléa Newman, Author, Heather Has Two Mommies
"Showing the Authentic Selves exhibit at Purdue University was a beautiful, moving, and uplifting experience for the students, faculty, and staff. We had students and campus partners share that the exhibit was impactful, intersectional, and greatly appreciated. Our Associate Vice Provost also communicated her appreciation of the intersectionality shown in the exhibit. Many of our trans and gender diverse students are anxious about what the future will look like for them and were affirmed to see trans folks existing in old age. We recommend that all colleges and universities interested in challenging transphobia bring Authentic Selves to their campuses."
— Janay Danielle Rentas, Coordinator LGBTQ Center, Purdue University, Indiana
The premiere of this new exhibition was at Penn State University - Mont Alto in March, 2023.