Queer Self-Representation: When Portraits Become Voices

The division of the world into “male” and “female” shapes nearly every corner of society: from official forms and medical diagnoses to public restrooms. This binary order conveys an illusion of clarity and naturalness. Yet it hides the fact that gender is not a fixed system but an endless spectrum. People who live outside these categories make that reality visible every day — and too often meet ignorance, incomprehension, or outright hostility in return.

The photobook Beyond Binary (Amazon affiliate link) by photographer and editor Jeannette Petri begins here. It imagines a utopian space for gender diversity where nonbinary and trans individuals speak with both confidence and vulnerability. Conceived as a long-term project, the book functions as an open archive of queer self-representation. It is a plural, visually powerful work that weaves personal stories together with urgent political questions.

Portraits and Handwritten Letters

At the center are portraits and handwritten letters from people with (trans) nonbinary identities. They range in age from 15 to 72 and bring a multitude of life experiences: People of Color, individuals who are neurodiverse or disabled, parents, artists, and activists. What unites them is the courage to present themselves beyond imposed categories and norms.
The subjects answer two questions: “What is your gender identity, and what does it mean for you to be (trans*) nonbinary?” and “What do you wish for our society’s future regarding gender?” The responses span poems, biographical narratives, doodles, and drawings — as varied as queerness itself.
Petri treats gender diversity as an intersectional experience: the letters address not only gender but also racism, ableism, neurodiversity, polyamorous families, parenting, trauma, and discrimination. The portraits radiate pride, gentleness, and resolve, aggregating into a collective statement against the patriarchal order.

Visually, Beyond Binary resembles a collage portfolio from the fine arts world. Photos, handwritten notes, and drawings weave into an open structure that could always be expanded. The cover features a portrait of Quinn set against a pink background, complemented by silvery rainbow lettering—a bold, disruptive visual cue.

“Beyond Binary” is more than a photobook
The book is intimate and personal without becoming private. One can feel the trust between photographer and subjects, and a rare moment of genuine queer self-representation emerges.

Inside, a glossary by Valo Christiansen offers essential terms, complemented by an essay by Luca Mael Milsch titled “Breaking with Time.” The line “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us” could easily serve as the project’s guiding motto. For the publication, a newly developed post-binary typeface was also created—a subtle but powerful statement.
“Beyond Binary” is more than a photobook. It is a document, a manifesto, and a tender homage to the diversity within diversity. It powerfully demonstrates that nonbinary identities are not a fringe occurrence but a normal part of social reality. Especially in times when queer people — and, in particular, trans and nonbinary individuals — are increasingly targeted by right-wing attacks, this publication sends a crucial signal: visibility is political.