The voices of nonbinary individuals are often overlooked. This project seeks to change that by documenting their lived experiences through photography and interviews — exploring both the challenges and the beauty of life beyond the traditional gender binary.
Photographs by myself and Artem Baidala. All interviews and written content by me.
This project was supported by the Vidnova Fellowship Ukraine 2024, implemented by Insha Osvita in partnership with Commit by MitOst gGmbH and the Foundation for Memory, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).
Frederick poses for a photograph in Holosiivsky Forest, Kyiv, Ukraine, July 2024.
“Growing up will fix it — that was the slogan of my self-discovery. But it didn’t. Figuring myself out did,” he shared. Photo by Saf Homin.
“Growing up will fix it — that was the slogan of my self-discovery. But it didn’t. Figuring myself out did,” he shared. Photo by Saf Homin.
Frederik’s journey of self-discovery began at the Kyiv Zoo, where he grew up surrounded by supportive educators and queer colleagues. Now part of the zoo’s educational department and a student of laboratory diagnostics, he balances work in science and activism.
“I don’t feel the need for a full transition. I just want to keep people guessing.”
Identifying under the nonbinary umbrella — probably agender — Frederik embraces ambiguity in gender expression. “I just want to keep people guessing,” he says, reflecting on his choice not to fully medically transition. Coming out to friends and colleagues was met with support, though his family remains distant.
“Most people know me as Dwarf or Stas. But I want everyone to call me Frederik — so they don’t confuse me with others.”
At work, he’s found what he calls his “intellectual family,” where even older colleagues use the right pronouns and stay open to learning. Despite barriers to changing his legal name, Frederik remains determined to live authentically.
Read the full interview here.
Rave poses for a photograph in Unit City, Kyiv, Ukraine, August 3, 2024. “Acting is my big dream, but I want to write books, create a webcomic, maybe even make music — I just love creative things,” they said. Photo by Artem Baidala.
Rave’s self-acceptance began with embracing their true identity and dressing the way they wanted. This led to positive interactions with others, including compliments on their appearance and the first time someone asked for their pronouns.
“One day, I had five people come up to me to tell me how good-looking I looked. One even gave me a Snickers.”
They’ve also faced some negative reactions, with others laughing or staring, but Rave embraces the kindness they receive.
Looking ahead, Rave is focused on their creativity and artistic aspirations. Acting is their primary goal, but they also plan to write books, create a webcomic, and explore music and photography.
“I still want to be an actor, yes. But there are a lot of things I really want to do in life… I hope I can do some other stuff too.”
Rave’s journey continues to evolve with their identity and creative ambitions.
Read the full interview here.
Theo poses for a photograph at the Expocenter of Ukraine, Kyiv, August 1, 2024.
“I don’t want to be tied to the binary system. I see myself as an abstract being, not bound to anything fixed,” they said. Photo by Artem Baidala.
Theo first questioned their gender identity as a child, staring into a mirror and crying because something didn’t feel right. While growing up, they gravitated toward traditionally “masculine” toys and couldn’t relate to being treated as a girl.
“I didn’t understand why I was a girl if I didn’t feel like one.”
In college, a friendship with a trans man introduced Theo to the concept of nonbinarity. As memories from childhood resurfaced, so did clarity. After exploring different labels and pronouns, Theo found that he/him felt most natural — not as a decision, but a fit.
“They/them evokes a sense of plurality. That’s not me. And she/her — it just feels completely wrong.”
Theo’s family has struggled to accept his identity, but thanks to his nephews and time, they’ve started using his chosen name. Friends and colleagues have been more affirming, and even at work, some asked about his pronouns. Despite social challenges, Theo is committed to living authentically.
“I won’t change, no matter how ‘strange’ it may seem to someone.”
Read the full interview here.
Ashton poses for a portrait in Unit City on July 19, 2024, in Kyiv, Ukraine. “Changing my name was the easiest thing I could do — it felt like breathing again,” they shared. Photo by Saf Homin.
Ashton first discovered nonbinary identity online. They were drawn to they/them pronouns, even if it felt linguistically impossible in Ukrainian. Quietly, they began using them — first online, then with friends. Later, they changed their name, finalizing it before finishing ninth grade to see it printed on their diploma.
“When I register somewhere officially, it feels easier to breathe seeing that I sign with my new name.”
Coming out in the early days of the full-scale war against Ukraine meant carrying a double weight: needing to explain their identity while being told it wasn’t “the right time.”
“There’s only war — everything else doesn’t exist. But we exist too.”
Ashton doesn’t know if they’ll stay in Ukraine long-term. They dream of the Netherlands, a place where they might access surgery, legal gender recognition, and peace. But for now, they’re still here — surviving, correcting pronouns, and holding space for others.
“Every day, I have to fight for my own boundaries and rights in every conversation, in every social interaction.”
Read the full interview here.
