Art is most enjoyable when it represents us, much like our favorite clothes to wear. There are many labels in society that assign gender to people according to their appearances, especially with how they choose to dress, and the same can be said for art. Binary gender is pervasive in the art industry, and often times queer artists have been systematically excluded. It needs to be changed. And we will change it. There are artists that are challenging the industry standard through their art. Queer, non-binary, Latinx, fashion photographer Daniel Roa is one of them. They created a fashion photographic series on 120mm film where they photographed queer people who were assigned male at birth as representations of themselves so that we can see what Non-binary representation outside of the cis gaze looks like. The concept is embracing the fluidity of one’s gender and it allows us to see non-binary people as they see themselves because Non-binary identity has no single appearance and representation. Thus, at the end of the day, we realize that we can look the way we are and we can be represented as we want through a queer lens. We talked to Daniel Roa about queer photography series, fashion and the definition of being non-binary. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Daniel Roa.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Brooklyn, New York.

Can you talk about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Daniel and I’m a queer, non-binary, Latinx, fashion photographer. I was born and raised in South Carolina by my Colombian immigrant parents. I definitely think this cultural mix of being a queer Colombian, growing up in the south, has influenced who I am and want to make work to educate those to be more open-minded.

What pronouns would you like me to use?
They/Them

What is your definition of non-binary and what does it mean to you?
I would define being non-binary as someone who doesn’t fit the gender binary of being either exclusively male or female. There is no one-way to be non-binary and each person’s expression of being non-binary is different. Personally, I feel like a “gender neutral” person, where I’m neither male nor female. I can just be myself and not feel categorized; my gender is free to be outside the gender binary.

Tell us a bit about your photography. How did you first get started, and how have you developed your style?
I first started photography when I was visiting family in Chicago. I was messing around with my uncle’s camera and everyone really liked photos I had taken. I also watched a lot of America’s Next Top Model at the time and I loved how creative some of the photoshoots were so I started trying to experiment with fashion photography. I later attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and there I really got to explore photography in depth and experiment with it all I wanted. Now the majority of my work is photographed on film. I just love the colors and intimacy of it.

Photography has been an important site for exploring transgender and gender non-conforming identity. What does it mean to you personally?
Photography is an outlet for me to show others about something they may not understand. Photography is a great visual, education tool.

Can you talk a bit about your queer photography series which has gender-breaking preconceptions? What’s the concept behind the series?
I was assigned male at birth (AMAB), but as you know, I’m non-binary. I have been made fun of, harassed, threatened, and bullied solely for how I physically present myself. This happens not only from straight individuals, but also from the Queer, male community on gay dating apps. There is a huge push towards being stereotypically masculine and anything contrary to that is considered shameful for perpetuating gay stereotypes. I was tired of constantly feeling shamed for being myself. I really haven't seen much non-binary, AMAB representation in the media, let alone the fashion industry. It’s isolating to never see anyone like you represented. To solve that issue, I photographed Queer, AMAB people and styled them in how I would dress myself. Each model is a representation of myself and they’re all wearing "women's" clothing that is mostly, if not entirely thrifted. These photos were created to explore the beauty in breaking the gender binary by embracing the fluidity of one’s gender and the obsoleteness of gendering items such as fabric. This series of photos is more than just “putting a boy in a dress.” These photos represent a group of people who are never represented and actually use people from within the community to represent themselves. I created this series to show that people like me exist and we are beautiful.

Fashion plays an important role in your photography. What is your relationship with fashion? What does this say about you and your art?
Fashion to me is genderless and I believe fashion is an amazing way to express who you are. I believe my art has a clear vision of who I am.

How do you want to bring your perception of gender across in your art?
I just want people to see my art and realize that life isn’t black and white. Gender is a spectrum and I hope through the styling of the models, people can begin to see this.

Do you think your photography dispels misconceptions about fluid gender identity?
I think it definitely helps get rid of some common misconceptions. Many people think androgyny is the ultimate goal of every gender fluid person, but it isn’t. There is no specific “look” that is gender fluid and I believe the many fashion choices made in my photography helps show that there is not a “specific” way to look that is gender fluid.

Where did you get the inspiration for your photography?
Without sounding conceited, my upbringing and myself. My parents always taught me to be who I am. I live a very colorful and quirky life and when photographing/styling I think, “what would I like” and “how would I wear this?”

How about technical details? For instance, what element do you usually search for in a good shot?
The best background. Growing up in the south and visiting Colombia to see family, I’ve been exposed to extremely beautiful landscapes. When photographing, I compose the background as if I’m photographing a landscape. Then I incorporate and compose the model to be the main focus.

I think you show very well what non-binary representation outside of the cis gaze looks like. I saw many images that claiming represent non-binary people but eventually, they are all the products of the male gaze. What do you think the biggest problem with the misrepresentation of nonbinary people in photography?
The biggest problem is not having actual non-binary people involved in the decision-making or concept creation.

Especially for these current times, do you think artists should become politically engaged?
I think it’s important that artists are politically engaged. Some of the greatest pieces of art come from this.

How about the thoughts of seeing more queer models, do you think more people are starting to realize that we need more honest representations of models?
I hope people are starting to realize we need actual representation. I would love to see more queer models. The Queer community exists and we are here to be in your ads, your fashion campaigns, movies, etc.

How has the pandemic impacted you and your art?
I honestly stopped making art for a bit. It was very difficult to and I didn’t feel motivated. Fortunately, I got out of that slump and I am back!

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place?
Everyday, I just try to do small things that make me happy, whether it’s making a chai tea latte, or doing my makeup. I just try to find joy in the little things.

What is your motto in life?
I fortunately have the privilege to say this but my motto is to always be yourself. Life is way too short to be pretending to be someone for other people’s comfort.

To learn more about Daniel Roa please follow them via the following links:
Instagram: @DanielRoaART
Website: www.DanielRoaART.com