‘Authentic Selves’ trans and nonbinary photo exhibit on display at ARHS and ARMS

The Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families exhibit lined the halls of Amherst Regional High School until June 1, and made its way to Amherst Regional Middle School on Friday, June 2. The photo exhibit, produced by Family Diversity Projects, aims to explore “gender identity through spirited, powerful interviews with trans and nonbinary people and their family members,” according to the group’s website. 

Peggy Gillespie interviewed 40 families for the book version of Authentic Selves, and photographers all over the country contributed to it. Each physical exhibit contains 20 photos and the goal is for them to travel nationwide. 

The exhibit premiered at Pennsylvania State University Mont Alto in March 2023. Showcasing the joy and everyday lives of these trans and nonbinary individuals is “important to show in any school at any time,” said Gillespie. The exhibit has moved between a number of other schools and community centers since its first show, staying at each for a few weeks or more.

English department head Sara Barber-Just reached out to Gillespie to see if ARHS and ARMS could show the exhibit, and Gillespie was eager to bring it to the district after the May 9 article exploring allegedly systemic failure to protect trans kids from harm at ARMS. ARHS art teachers Jeff Stauder, Kristen Ripley, and Elena Betke-Brunswick helped hang the exhibit after our school received it from The Center School in Greenfield, who had it before ARHS.

The school’s donation to support the exhibit will come from funds in The Graphic’s club account at ARHS.

Gillespie was surprised to learn of allegations of “corruption and religious extremism” at ARMS. “That’s why I’m thrilled more than anything to have this exhibit in these two schools,” she said. 

Gillespie also noted dehumanization of marginalized groups is a tactic used in their erasure, and this exhibit seeks to instead affirm trans and nonbinary people. This is not her first time collaborating with the district,

Gillespie met the Family Diversity Projects’ co-director Gigi Kayser in 1990. Together, they produced the Love Makes a Family exhibit in 1994 and 1995. Initially, Amherst Regional Public Schools superintendent Gus Sayer declined to allow this exhibit showcasing local LGBTQ+ families in elementary schools. 

At the time, she said Sayer stated that the exhibit was not age appropriate and would encourage the students to think about sex. “What’s the big deal?” said Gillespie.

The high school’s then Gay-Straight Alliance (now called the Sexuality and Gender Alliance) was formed after students marched to Sayer’s office to protest and urge him to allow the exhibit. Once approved, five Fort River Elementary School families sued the district to block the exhibition, subsequently losing in federal court. 

“There’s a way to show ignorant people how these topics can be taught age appropriately– with respect and with an aim of creating safe environments,” said Gillespie. “If one person isn’t safe in the school, nobody is really.”

To learn more about other photo exhibits, or to bring one to your school, check out  Family Diversity Projects general page or their contact link.