KANE C. ANDRADE (He/Him)

What first drew you to photography?

I’ve always struggled to express myself authentically. While in school for 3D Animation, photography came as a surprisingly therapeutic outlet for me. I found I was able to craft the stories I wanted to tell through photos much more seamlessly than I could through any other medium.

​

What was your own coming-out journey as a trans man?

This question is hard to answer to be honest. I feel like I’ve “come out” over and over again throughout my life. I knew from a very early age that I was trans, but I didn’t have the knowledge or language to know that that’s what I was experiencing. On top of that, like many young queer and trans kids, I was surrounded by adults who didn’t allow me to safely explore my identity or feel safe expressing myself authentically.

​

How does a charged political climate, where trans rights and people are under attack, inform your art?

It’s a reminder that my art is important, and that I need to be creating and sharing my art and representing trans people now more than ever. This is a reminder that while people try to erase us, we are resilient. 

​

How do you hope your portraits of trans people will impact others?

Growing up, I didn’t really understand what I was feeling. It wasn’t until I saw a trans YouTuber who shared their journey of getting top surgery and starting testosterone that I understood why I felt the way I did. I needed that representation to begin to understand my own trans identity. I hope that trans youth will see my art and feel validated, seen, and uplifted. I hope that kids who are similarly confused like I was can find clarity and hope through more portrayals of trans folks.

​

Commercial Inquires & Press: Kanecandrade@gmail.com