The Art of aging Queer

The art of aging queer echoes my long-standing sensitivity to the marginalized and mavericks and my concern for the well-being and fulfillment of my friends, colleagues and acquaintances from queer communities. The lack of understanding, coupled with a sense of revolt, in the face of discrimination and violence that members of the LGBTQ+ community still suffer, despite significant progress made in recent decades, also motivated the creation of this image. This image aim to break certain taboos about aging and sexuality, and to promote inclusivity, diversity, acceptance and openness. This is a picture of Chloé, a 72 year old transgender woman who started her transition from man to woman at age 67 and went through a vaginoplasty at age 69. She is proud and amazed to have become the woman that she is today as well as an advocate for transgender people. "From the age of nine, I didn't feel good about my biological sex, assigned to that of a boy. I didn't understand why I couldn't be a girl. I have experienced this in shame and guilt all my life by constantly questioning my sexual orientation. I believed that homosexuality was the only explanation for feeling like a woman. Discrimination against homosexuals did not help. I have always loved women but my love feelings were confused; I mixed the love I felt for my partner and the desire to be her. This paradox has been a source of great suffering. Becoming a woman is a huge change. Making a transition from man to woman is a feat, not only because of the surgery, but especially because of the rehabilitation and the learning of a new sexuality. I feel attractive because I am proud and elegant; I am also aware that I impress. I am constantly told that I am beautiful. I feel much more the look of men on me but less that of women. But I love women as much as before, I now consider myself a lesbian."