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In his most recent project to date, Loren Cameron has focused his lens on the gay and bisexual identified FTM (female-to-male transgender). Observing that increasing numbers of FTMs are pursuing sex with genetic men and/or with other transsexual men like themselves, Cameron attempts to candidly explore what it means to be a transguy searching for intimacy in the gay/bisexual dating scene.
To adequately research and illustrate this, he has sought FTM models via the online medium of gay personals ads. Sifting through hundreds of ads, Cameron approached FTMs online, then photographed and interviewed each of them. These men bravely share their stories about seeking and finding man-to-man love and sex. Newly single himself and seeking a masculine partner, Cameron personalizes his project by placing his own profile on the Web. This work reveals the photographer’s own sexual adventures with men and his bisexual orientation: a reflection which he believes mirrors that of his subject’s very closely.
Desiring sex with men is often a new experience for FTMs, many having always partnered with females. Interestingly, some FTMs begin to identify as gay or bisexual once they change their gender identity. In this unprecedented document, Cameron validates these transmen as being physically and emotionally desirable, regardless of having modified their bodies, asserting that even though they were born as genetic females they are irrefutably male in their gay/bi sexuality. What is it like to navigate the world of dating as a trans gay or bisexual man among men? These transmen talk about first time encounters, casual hookups, and long term relationships. They also talk about the emotional, and sometimes physical risk-taking that is inherent in disclosing their transgender status to any prospective sex partners. Creating classically gay iconographic images to convey his message, Cameron portrays his subjects as handsome and sensual beings. His focus shows us that these men are as virile and as sexy as the genetic men they pursue, and that FTMs having sex with other FTMs is gay sex. This new work is a compassionate and compelling perspective of gay and bisexual FTMs.
Photographer and author Loren Cameron is currently presenting this project in slide format at universities and educational events. To contract Loren Cameron for your event, please contact the author: rexcameron13@gmail.com |