This project is called Portraits for Protest. I wanted to take powerful and beautiful portraits of specific protesters from all walks of life in order to add real faces to the BLM movement. This includes Black men and women, Black Trans, Asian, Latino and Palestinian people. I’m hoping that by doing this, I can get people who are observing the sea of protesters to feel connected and empowered to participate. Along with the photos, I conducted short written interviews that speak to the individual asks of the movement and why people are involved.
1. Who are you?
My name is Dev and I am a black and non-binary artist, model, dancer, beauty influencer and actor currently located in New York City.
2. Is this your first time protesting?
As a femme presenting black trans person, every time I leave the the house and stand in my truth is a form of protest. My existence in itself is protest. My joy and perseverance is protest.
3. What led you to take direct action for the Black Lives Matter movement? Or What led you to organize your own protest?
A number of actions led to the point. For me it was the frequent murders of black people by police officers with no repercussions. It's the almost daily murders of black trans women and femmes that receive virtually no media attention. It's the erasure and disregard for my people. Now is the time to speak up and demand a change.
4. Was there a moment that changed your perspective on racial inequality in America and if so can you describe that?
One of the defining moments for me was the murder of Trayvon Martin because I was the same age as him and it could have easily been me. That moment changed my life forever and clearly showed where I stand as a black person in America. We are constantly reminded that our lives don't matter and that clearly showed it for me.
5. What makes BLM protest today feel different than previous movements we’ve seen or studied?
There is a collective energy that I've never experienced before. There's also public support that I have not seen in the past. Oftentimes, there are a select few black people who are speaking out and fighting, but this time there are people of all backgrounds supporting and holding others accountable. I've also loved seeing how the movement takes a life on it's own in other industries. The beauty world for example is being held accountable for its racist past and being forced to step up in ways that are unheard of.
6. What do you see as the demands of the movement?
There are many demands but the first one is to defund and abolish the police system as we know it. We need to pour the billions of dollars given to the police into healthcare, education, and the communities who are most marginalized.
7. What do you think is next for the movement and how would you like to see it evolve?
I don't know what's next for the movement, but I would love to see a greater focus on the black women both cisgender and of trans experience who are often excluded from the conversation.
8. What do you say to people that are witnessing but maybe feel distant or not involved in the movement?
Figure out ways to step up. Protesting is not the only way to be a part of the movement. Educate yourself, amplify the voices who are doing the work, donate to grassroots organizations especially led by black trans folk. Do your research and hold those around you accountable.
