Lifeblood is a photo series that highlights Black trans and queer artists from the U.S. and South Africa to celebrate queer intimacy, resilience, and excellence. The project started with a simple question: What would it look like to be the superheroes we have always needed? I spent the last few months taking a journey around the world, envisioning a version of reality where our identities and experiences are centered and have value. I was hungry to contribute to the lexicon of our vibrant community and uplift those of us who live at the margins of society; those of us who are too messy, wild, and unruly to fit neatly into the box that is considered “positive representation.” This journey gave birth to Lifeblood.

Before arriving in South Africa, I slid into the DMs of two of my BFF’s — Thato Pule and Mlingani Matiwane. I’ve admired these incredible artists and activists over the years, having seen them contribute leadership and wisdom to the movement for free and decolonized education in South Africa, which has become globally known as the Fees Must Fall movement. I’ve had the pleasure to stand shoulder to shoulder with them both as they have fought to bring visibility to the trans community. They have both emerged as leaders and champions of young people who seek a world free of colonial violence and disenfranchisement in “post-apartheid” South Africa. When they speak or enter the room, it feels as if the ground starts to shake. When I had the idea to create a series where Black queer & trans people were depicted as superheros, I knew I had to feature them.

Adrian Elim