‘Trans Is Human’ photography exhibition at Outernet

CREDIT: MARIANO VIVANCO

OUTERNET LONDON

‘Trans Is Human’

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION CREATED BY JAKE AND HANNAH GRAF AND SOUNDTRACKED BY YUNGBLUD.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INDEPENDENT,

THIRTEEN STORIES OF TRANS PEOPLE WILL BE TOLD

ACROSS OUTERNET’S SCREENS

Outernet London will host Trans Is Human, a photography exhibition created and produced by acclaimed actor and filmmaker Jake Graf and co-produced by award-winning campaigner Hannah Graf MBE.

The free-to-visit, floor-to-ceiling screens next to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road station, will feature the powerful photography on Monday 17 November at Outernet, the most visited cultural attraction in the UK. Yungblud’s single ‘Hello, Heaven, Hello’, from his No. 1 album, Idols, will soundtrack the exhibition.

Trans is Human elevates and celebrates the stories of thirteen deeply inspiring but ordinary transgender people from across the UK. World-renowned photographer Mariano Vivanco took the beautiful black and white portraits of each of the participants, which make up the exhibition. The photographs are accompanied by stories about personal journeys, battles with adversity and how inner-strength and living authentically can create resilience and hope.

These photos include Sarah, who overcame sight loss to support LGBTQ+ people with disabilities while running marathons, Amanda, a refugee and the first Miss Trans Global Uganda, and Leo, a speaker and life coach with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy who empowers others.

Trans Is Human is an exhibition created by Jake and Hannah Graf. Born in 1980s London under Section 28 and assigned female at birth, Jake knew from a young age that he was in a body that didn't fit. Hannah was assigned male at birth, and growing up in a small town in Cardiff, she hid her innate femininity from her family and friends until joining the British Army in her late teens.

Their journeys have been wildly different. Jake falling into drug and alcohol addiction, Hannah excelling in the military and serving across the world. In 2013, Hannah came out as a transgender woman and became one of the highest-ranking transgender soldiers within the British Army and would later be awarded an MBE. Jake discovered community and purpose in the film industry. Now, they are married and parents to two beautiful daughters.

Hannah Graf MBE and Jake Graf said: 'The idea for Trans is Human came about following years and years of misinformation and the demonisation of the UK’s trans community that left us almost entirely dehumanised. Working with Mariano to allow these very human people to soar was an absolute pleasure and thrill. Now, at such a pivotal moment for the UK trans community, as we face the possible loss of many of our most basic human rights, Trans is Human is more vital than ever. We are supremely grateful to the Outernet team and Yungblud for elevating the campaign and helping to remind the world that trans people are human too.'

Yungblud said: “I’m honoured that ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ will be a part of this exhibition. Trans Is Human is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself, unapologetically. That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do. I’m buzzing to play even a small part in telling these powerful stories.”

Scott Neal, Outernet Creative Director, Culture and Lifestyle said: “The work being done around trans and broader LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. A recent YouGov poll showed 84% of trans people in Britain feel unsafe in public spaces. Trans is Human showcases the humanity behind individual trans stories to highlight that gender identity is just a part of a person’s story. At Outernet, equality, fairness and safety are values we live by every single day. We thank Hannah and Jake for creating this piece and we’re proud to display it for everyone.”

Location: Outernet

Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

About Outernet London:

Outernet London is the most visited cultural attraction in the UK and home to the most advanced screens in the world. Outernet is an immersive entertainment and culture district designed to provide experiences for audiences and brands the likes of which have never been seen before. Outernet features the world’s first of its kind space - The Now Building - containing an immense digital canvas: a 4-storey high, floor-to-ceiling, 360 degree, 16k screen surface. London will kick off a global rollout with sites planned in New York, LA and Europe.

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