Gialu

“In 2021, within the framework of a test photo shoot, I was visited by an impressive young person. Sent by the modelling agency as a new face, I quickly got to know a person who left me, in addition to fantastic photos, curious and full of questions. Shortly after our first shoot, Gialu outed themselves as non-binary.

Fortunately, despite lockdowns and changing addresses, we remained in contact. And so I was able to follow the journey to Gialu's true I. Gialu uses the pronouns they/he, which I'll now apply as well.

Throughout their lives, many people ask themselves who they really are. Those who can answer the question for themselves often experience a radical change to their lives. Especially when the answer to that question doesn't necessarily fit into the expectations of society.

It was no different with Gialu.

I had the honour of being the first person to photograph Gialu in the atelier after his mastectomy. I couldn't have imagined a more intense transformation. The self-confidence and security they conveyed was overwhelming; the newly acquired strength was impressive and, above all, inspiring.

The scars were fresh, the mood good, the sun friendly: we were able to create a photo series that celebrates a powerful new creation full of joie de vivre. In the process, the massive strength and immense self-confidence coming from Gialu was impressing and inspiring. Each picture came out better than the previous one: And we produced a wonderful character-portrait of a young person, who, against all odds, has found they way of life.

Gialu now lives in Berlin and fights on all fronts for the visibility and rights of trans* people.”