Photographer Ezekiel honours Trans Day Of Visibility with intimate portraits of UK creatives
Photography Ezekiel
On Trans Day of Visibility, Filipino British photographer Ezekiel captures the people and community that have shaped her, bringing together a cast of friends, collaborators and fellow creatives in a series of portraits that feel as tender as they are defiant—an ode to trans life, love and visibility.
Through her work for American Vogue, The Financial Times and Dazed and her own wonderfully witty, gorgeously sexy photobook series, SMUT, Margate-based multi-disciplinary artist Ezekiel explores the intricacies and nuances of gender, sexuality, and identity through the queer gaze of a person of colour. Her work documenting the bodies, styles and lives of trans folx is stunning and witty but also political and incredibly important too. To commemorate 2026’s Trans Day of Visibility we invited the Filipino British photographer, filmmaker, publisher and curator to photograph some of her favorite creatives from the community: Osman Ahmed, LCN, Elouiza, Nxdia and danni spooner. The result is, like the rest of Ezekiel’s work, profoundly intimate and powerfully instinctual. Unsurprisingly perhaps, intuition is a key trait of those born under the auspicious sign of Pisces—as is a keen sense of artistry and empathy.
“The shoot was incredible, so lovely and quite emotional. I cried at the end,” says Ezekiel, who is currently commemorating her most recent book Somewhere Between A Doll And A Dog—“an unflinching, confessional, and diaristic archive of transness”—with an exhibition at Crate in Margate. “I was seeing people I’d known for years, some pre-transition, and some I hadn’t seen for three years so it was quite an emotional end to the day but in a sweet and affirming way. Being able to cast friends and people I’d grown and transitioned with at similar times was so special.”
The images are a beautiful dedication to a day that is becoming increasingly meaningful for, and to, the trans community. “I think we’re still trying to figure out how we’re meant to be doing on TDOV; do we give presents to trans people?” Ezekiel laughs. “I guess the point is this; to be visible is to be seen and to be seen is to be loved without question and unconditionally. Loved for whatever and whoever you are.”
Eziekielarchive.com
@Ezekiel
To be visible is to be seen and to be seen is to be loved without question and unconditionally. Loved for whatever and whoever you are
Ezekiel
ELOUIZA
ELOUIZA
Born to a Filipino mother and English father in Oxford, artist Elouiza moved to London to study at both London College of Fashion and BIMM Music Institute because “I was torn between fashion and music. But being a pop star gives me access to both and tbh uni wasn’t for me,” she laughs. The Capricorn—loyal, reliable—is a model too, appearing as Ms. March on the sensational Trans-Charity Calendar 2026 and working with the inimitable Nick Knight. Her manifesto in the form of new single, Reveal drops this very good friday!
You dance, you model, you sing, you write, you create. Where does your creative heart feel most at home today?
On a stage, a table, a club…
You worked with TAAHLIAH on the amazing Boys in 2024, and drop your debut single Reveal on Good Friday! Tell us all.
Reveal is a sexy and satirical club track confronting the way men objectify trans women. I’m doing a debut performance at Lost, Shaftesbury Avenue. The visuals reference Joel-Peter Witkin’s photography, and I’m wearing the Alexander McQueen crucifix mask from the Dante collection, gold python Tom Ford for Gucci heels and Tom Ford for YSL cuffs courtesy of Nordic Poetry. I don’t want to say anything, just serve it.
I LOVE the humour in the trailer that you just dropped and the reference to Louise Bourgeois as a visual influence for the artwork. What other artists have impacted your work?
Any pop diva that’s made me feel c*nt, designers that know how to accentuate THE silhouette. In regards to sculptors, I love Isabelle Alberquerque. My friend gifted me her coffee table book, Orgy for Ten People in One Body. I love a provocative title and the way she uses her body to comment on culture at large; I really relate to that.
How do you hope people will respond to your work?
I hope to ignite controversy and c*nt serving.
You worked with Nick Knight recently, can you tell us much about that project?
Nick is a dream to work with and he is currently making a sculpture of me!
You’re a woman in demand; what are your ambitions for the future?
Doll domination.
What does the word visibility look like to you?
A see-through dress.
How do you celebrate Trans Day Of Visibility?
By being in EE72, period.
What do you love the very most about being trans?
I know it’s cliche but the community. It’s truly enriching.
How was the experience of being photographed by Ezekiel?
It’s always gorgeous, she’s gorgeous!
What makes you happy?
Sunshine. A dress with no underwear on. An ice latte and c*nt-serving songs in my headphones.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
There’s more than one thing that needs to be changed.
@elouiza
OSMAN AHMED
OSMAN AHMED
31-year-old (formerly east, now north) Londoner Osman Ahmed may describe herself as a writer (bylines include i-D, British Vogue, The Financial Times and Harpers Bazaar not to mention her own glorious Substack, Private Parts), but there are no limits to Osman’s talents. When she’s not hosting behind the scenes peeks at Paris Fashion Week for Farfetch, she’s on the catwalk for Connor Ives or creative consulting for Indian luxury label Raw Mango. Is it any surprise to learn she’s a Sagittarius—adventurous, open minded and intellectually curious? Tick, tick, tick!
How and why did you become a fashion writer and editor?
Long story short: I was a figure skater for most of my childhood and teens and while that was a huge part of my life, designing and making my costumes was probably my favourite part. My mum made a lot of our clothes growing up, so I was always around clothes and fabrics and I also have four older sisters. When our parents were out, we’d be glued to MTV and I’d read their magazines that felt like a portal into another world: i-D, Vogue, The Face, Dazed. I started bunking off school when I got a job working for the auctioneer Kerry Taylor, who taught me everything about fashion history. One day she just declared: “You’re going to Saint Martins.” So I did, and so began my treacherous ascent up the precarious ranks of the fashion world. And here I am.
Quiiiiiite obsessed with your Substack, Private Parts. How are you finding the experience of writing purely for yourself?
Not to sound like Drew Barrymore, but it really has been an honour and privilege. It’s helped me keep somewhat sane during my transition. My body might be WIP, but my voice is still the same. The name was a bit tongue in cheek, given how obsessed people are with our anatomy. Nothing is off-limits. I hope people get to know me a bit more via Private Parts because I probably look like a real bitch on Instagram though to be honest, I think there’s about three subscribers, so I also don’t feel any pressure to perform.
How was walking for Connor Ives, not once but twice?
I was so nervous. I actually wrote about what it’s like to walk a show as an, ahem, regular citizen. Turns out it’s like exposure therapy for body dysmorphia! When Conner told me how much he raised for Trans Lifeline—I think more than $600,000 – it was a no-brainer. It’s incredible what he’s done for our community, and most importantly, I love wearing his clothes. The cast was amazing, and there was just so much love in the room. It felt surreal to be around so many girls who understand the struggle.
What does the word visibility look like to you?
Well, it’s complicated. Sometimes I want nothing more than to be invisible, especially when I’m walking down the street being stared or laughed at. I think being truly seen is to be understood for who you are, which is on the inside. Every day, I am seen and perceived by the world, which can be exhausting. You develop a thick skin because you have to in order to survive. But if I can see myself for who I am, that’s the most important thing.
How do you celebrate Trans Day Of Visibility?
Is it a bit like Trans Christmas? Do we get gifts? Red envelopes stuffed with cash? That would be nice.
What do you love the very most about being trans?
I’ve been getting back into Sufisim, and I really do believe that—beyond the external changes—the process of transitioning is one of the most spiritually and emotionally complex recalibrations of the human ego that someone can go through. It is a profoundly mystical process. It makes you question everything. Who are you? Who do you want to be? How do you want to show up for the world and for the people in your life? What do you want to achieve in this lifetime? How can you make the world a better place?
How was the experience of being photographed by Ezekiel?
I adore Eze! We knew each other before, both in previous lives and in this current one. It was my first time being photographed by a sister comrade, and I felt so comfortable I was practically naked within seconds. She very politely suggested I put my clothes back on. I subconsciously trusted her and felt so at ease.
What makes you happy?
Being really silly with my friends.
@OsmanAhmed osman30.substack.com
DANNI SPOONER
DANNI SPOONER
danni spooner, gogo dancer, model and person who does “many other things too”, grew up between London and Essex and now lives in a houseboat that chugs around (mostly) east London. Not only a sailor of sorts, danni is also a fungi fanatic. “I love everything about them,” says the Aquarian (a most progressive, independent, and intellectual of signs). “How they are ancient and their own thing. How they hold hands between everything. The fruit of mycelium is beautiful (the mushroom) and the mycelium itself is incredible. There’s a documentary that explored options of cleaning oil spills and fungi did the best job – I cried!”
You recently shared a photo series ‘they talk when you leave, 2022, which explores your experience of being working class and trans in a rural setting.
I started my life in a caravan with parents who come from fishermen and market sellers. I grew up mostly between Essex and East London and spent a lot of time in nature. One of my family activities was my dad wheeling me around in a wheelbarrow on the seawall. For the series, I wanted to revisit the exact seawall I spent so much time on as a kid and asked my mum to wear a “dad” shirt to wheel me as a trans adult. Her wearing the “dad” shirt is a comment on my parent’s divorce and also a way to play with gender for both of us.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently exploring sound, specifically field recording and making music, listening to tracks with my friend, baby. I’m also developing workshops and dedicating time to my writing.
What does the word visibility look like to you?
Skimming the surface. I think we need more dedication and commitment, especially in times like this.
How do you celebrate Trans Day Of Visibility?
Like any other day.
What do you love the very most about being trans?
Feeling alive.
How was the experience of being photographed by Ezekiel?
Gorgeous! Beautiful! A giggle!
What makes you happy?
The rain, vegan food, the smell of dirt, cuddling my cat, laughing with friends, learning about bugs and fish, the sauna etcera—things of similar sorts.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
All the ways white supremacy has done its thing, and how we all need to do the decolonising work internally and externally.
NXDIA
NXDIA
Sudanese-Egyptian Nxdia was born in Cairo, grew up in Manchester and now lives in London. Though primarily known for their chaotic punk-pop music that evokes the spirit of Paramore, Fall Out Boy and Marina and The Diamonds, creativity runs through this 25 year-old’s bones. “I’m an artist, I love making music, I love expression, I love painting, I love making things,” says the cat loving Gemini (yes, Nxdia is super social, intellectually curious, adaptable, and witty) who is due to release a brand new EP.
You’re about to tour with the iconic Traitor Cat Burns. You’re pals, right?
I love Cat, we met really randomly when I was visiting London a few years ago. I was still living in Manchester at that time and when I went to catch the last train back, they’d all been cancelled. A friend of mine had invited me to a queer bar earlier that night so I went to kill time until the morning. I randomly bumped into Cat and we all got talking. Trains have been a headache many times but this was a happy accident on a long night!
You dedicated your recent single Cool to “everyone in their hoe era”. LOVE!
Yeah, just spread love and get involved baby! I think it’s fun to let loose sometimes and give yourself permission to explore and kiss strangers and make potentially dumb decisions with people you fancy. It’s more to myself so I stop thinking so deeply about people’s assumptions or potential judgement. Focus in on what you feel, what you like and what you fucking want. Hell yeah hoe era (laughs).
As one of the few pop artists to integrate both English and Arabic within your lyrics, what has been the response from people?
Just so much love. I’ve been so grateful to be met with so much excitement. People in my community tell me all the time what it means for them to see someone else from North Africa who looks like me, and who has my background being transparent about who I am. It’s something that I don’t overthink. Resonating with people who live so far away from me but so deeply understand where I’m coming from is so beautiful.
You released the charmingly chaotic, brilliant mixtape I Promise No One’s Watching last year. What are you working on now?
Thank you! I’m working on an EP, dropping super soon. It has been different writing in London, compared to Manchester. I’ve been acclimating and you can hear it in the experimenting with the tracks, the way they jump between genres and ideas. It’s fun and dizzying and unpredictable, like getting acclimated to a new city and figuring it out.
Since we last saw each other you’ve had top surgery—congratulations! How’s life been since surgery?
Freeing! I feel so free. It’s incredible, I thank the sky, the sun, the universe, the moon, myself—anything and everything every day for it. I’ve never felt more like myself, more comfortable in my skin. It’s changed how I express myself on stage, how I do in life, how I feel at shoots. It’s made me feel more like myself than ever.
What does the word visibility look like to you?
Not being surprised to see people who look like you in the media around you. It not being a novelty or a huge win every time. It shouldn’t only be when it’s convenient and popular. Marginalised communities exist all the time, 24/7 and deserve to feel championed.
How do you celebrate Trans Day Of Visibility?
By celebrating the incredible trans friends I have in my life. By being extra queer! Walking around shirtless! Anything and everything affirming with wonderful pals and allies who get it
What do you love the very most about being trans?
Being completely myself. Having to learn who I was and find my way to my identity forced me to get to know myself, and have the confidence and faith that I know myself enough to express myself best. I know my body best, my heart and mind. I’m so proud I respected myself enough to listen to what felt, and still feels, affirming
How was the experience of being photographed by Ezekiel?
So beautiful, calm and lovely. I felt like myself, really at ease. I love being around and working with other queer and trans people, the innate mutual understanding of the process of getting to know yourself better and doing things to affirm your identity is so so special.
What makes you happy?
Humming new songs before they’re out, my cat Rex, journaling, live shows, the local cafe that gives me a little donut with my coffee every time. Lots of things.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I want people to stop giving a fuck what people do when they’re not harming themselves or others. A little more live, laugh, love, here. We are way too entitled to tell people what we think they should do with their lives when we don’t understand it.
LCN
LCN
LCN, 29, originates from Bristol but now finds themselves a resident of London. They first began making music and art as a child and since then have taken their cerebral, high-definition dystopian electronica to places far and wide, from a Radio 1 residency, to sets at Glastonbury and collaborations with FKA Twigs. It’s no surprise to discover LCN, who is currently trying to give up both “cigs and Real Housewives,” is a Sagittarian, the most adventurous and independent of astrological signs, setting up their own record label SZNS7N back in 2019.
When did you first fall in love with music?
Since I was a child I felt it was always inside of me, but going to the Basement Youth Club in Bristol and being encouraged by the youth workers there actually gave me the clearest path. Without that I don’t think I would have had the confidence to pursue or fully realise it as an option.
You dropped two absolutely incredible singles in January. The fantastically frenetic GAT and }{ which feels like it came straight from the Alien: Earth soundtrack. What do those two tracks tell us about your musical mindstate right now?
Thank you so much. These two come from }{, to be released next month. }{ is still fantasy-based but using real world reflection for the everyday; I used to do this a lot under a previous synonym and I’m re-incorporating it again. I’m now trying to balance the fantasy element with post-capitalist realism through sampling everyday sounds and voices that have context in both realms.
How was working with FKA Twigs? And who would you most like to produce music for next?Twigs is a true artist but also extremely curious about people, humble and kind. I found it cathartic to work with her and the team as I was in grief at the time and it was a reflective way to exercise emotions musically in a period of time that was otherwise chaotic. Next, I would say JT, Rosalia, Kim Gordon, TeeZandos and the Sugababes, if we’re keeping in the realm of popular music.
How do you hope people will respond to your work?
I try not to think about that but I’m grateful to the people that do. I hope you can find solace, peace, rage and release.
What’s coming next from you and SZNS7N?
It’s the seven year anniversary which is crazy. I’m planning parties, releases and potentially a magazine with all the art from across the years.
What does the word visibility look like to you?
I struggle with my own because I haven’t reached my final evolution, so it’s still uncomfortable to be physically visible. However, collectively it is acknowledging and learning our long expansive history and whilst the rest of the world debates our long existing existence fighting for the rights and safety of our community. Octavia Butler said, ‘god is change’ and trans people are spiritually abundant and beautiful as such.
How do you celebrate Trans Day Of Visibility?
For me, it is a time of mourning the people who have not had the opportunity to be visible often even in passing. It’s collective action, supporting fundraisers and emailing MPs to stop the violence in all of its various forms.
What do you love the very most about being trans?
I love being with my community, having them see the world within me and seeing them in the same way back and knowing I would die for them.
What makes you happy?
My cat, my partner, and my community. Music too, as long as I’m not in the mixing and mastering phase.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Redistribute all wealth with all context.
@lcy__________
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