My Right Self is a documentary photography series with trans (transgender, transsexual, gender-variant) individuals and couples from Philadelphia. The work is meant to help viewers understand the experiences of transfolks and foster interest in learning more about taking care of trans and LGBT patients.
Transfolks are especially vulnerable within the healthcare system. Clinical settings are often intimidating for patients, especially for those who have experienced discrimination in the past. Even sympathetic providers may lack adequate knowledge and fluency to meet the unique needs of trans-patients.
As a result, trans and LGBT communities face disproportionately high rates of untreated illness and distress and often go without basic screenings as well. Specifically, transfolks are overrepresented in high-risk populations- such as runaway youth, substance abusers, professional sex workers, and the unemployed- known to face higher rates of chronic disease and mental illness.
AMSA’s Committee on Gender and Sexuality has partnered with My Right Self to reach medical student audiences across the country. The photography exhibit will be featured at the national AMSA conference this spring in Washington DC and is available for exhibitions at appropriate venues. Slideshow lectures at your institution and health promotion materials on trans and LGBT health are also readily available by contacting Rob at ARWilliams@gmail.com or going to www.MyRightSelf.org.
My Right Self has been underwritten by a generous Distribution Grant from the Open Society Institute Documentary Photography Project (www.soros.org). Additionally, support was provided by the Mazzoni Center (Philadelphia’s LGBT Health Center), the University of Pennsylvania Department of Fine Arts, and the American Medical Student Association’s (AMSA) Committee on Gender and Sexuality.
Arthur Robinson Williams (Rob), M.B.E., is a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Center for Bioethics where he also earned his Master in Bioethics and is preparing for a residency in psychiatry.
 | Dane and Erin, “There are always things I think people would change about their bodies. I know no man whose chest is big enough, hair-line is stable enough, abs are 8-pack-enough. I don't think I am above all these influences. I wish I were taller and I wish my chest was without scars. Although they are fading slowly, my scars are pretty prominent.” |
 | Jake, “I gained confidence in my ability to pass, not only physically but socially as well. From there I started going to gay bars. Not to hook up, but just to be there, to be around gay men, again, to be in gay space that I felt safe navigating. I liked letting gay men flirt with me. It made me feel validated in my gender.” |
 | Allie and Mel, “The first major change came when I started on estrogen and anti-androgens. For the first time in my life, I felt right. I knew that soon, the male body I possessed would only be male in certain ways.” |