I drew this piece to represent the struggle of transgender people in a symbolic style. A mirror doesn’t lie. It stares back at you blatantly and starkly. Teens are not akin to their reflections on the mirror—some struggle immensely, seeing every speckle of imperfection and yearn to be someone else. In my drawing, I’m depicting a young man who sees himself in the mirror as she and she’s reaching out to him, touching him, consoling him. He longs to be her. The juxtaposition of opposite colors, green and red, in the background emphasizes the difference. The following poem is dedicated to my friend who struggles with their gender identity.
Before he, stands a mirror
Before his eyes open,
Tears trickle down his face,
For he is staring into a reflection,
A live image of himself.
Someone he only wishes to be.
Her.
She is him.
But he is not her.
