A project that caught the eye of the world's most prestigious auction house.
UK Black Pride:
16th Century Life Expectancy
For years it has been widely reported that Black trans women have a life expectancy of just 35. This bleak statistic first arose back in 2015 when a report compiled by the ‘Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ found the average age of Black trans homicide victims in some parts of Latin America was between 30 and 35. Although a very real and shocking statistic, it has since been extrapolated, taken out of context, and shared thousands of times across social media - fuelling a rippling effect of fear within the entire Black trans community around the world.
A life expectancy of 35 would put Black trans women on a par with people living in the 16th Century - an absurd comparison - but one that brings to life how misinformation can be harmful, as it precipitates a self-fulfilling prophecy within the community.
This contemporary portrait series highlights the dangers of misinformation - both conscious and unconscious - and engages five prominent Black trans people to elicit their opinions on what needs to be done to ensure the protection of the trans community.
16th Century Life Expectancy seeks to unearth the misinformation surrounding the Black trans community whilst also shining a light on the bias, discrimination, and racism they encounter on a daily basis.
The exhibition was launched at the world’s most prestigious art house, Christie’s, where the portaits became a centre point for a launch event alongside a panel discussion featuring prominent members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
It has the power to connect to those who have never felt connected before.
- Christies -
