Category: Media

Gender Affirming Care: A Case for Legalization Across All States in America

transgender male with beautiful face and long blond hair
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023

Text by ChatGbt

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Edited by Tony Ward

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Gender Affirming Care: A Case for Legalization Across All States in America

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Gender affirming care refers to medical treatments and interventions that affirm and support an individual’s gender identity. It encompasses a range of procedures, including hormone therapy, surgeries, and mental health support, which can greatly alleviate gender dysphoria and promote the overall well-being of transgender individuals. In this essay, we will explore the concept of gender affirming care and argue why it should be legalized for individuals who require such care in every state across America.

Understanding Gender Affirming Care: Gender identity is a deeply personal and integral aspect of an individual’s sense of self. For transgender people, aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity is vital for their mental health and overall quality of life. Gender affirming care aims to bridge the gap between an individual’s gender identity and their physical body through various interventions.

Hormone therapy is one of the primary forms of gender affirming care. It involves the administration of hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone, to align an individual’s secondary sexual characteristics with their gender identity. This treatment can lead to significant improvements in mental health outcomes, reducing depression, anxiety, and suicidality among transgender individuals.

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transgender-male_female-him_her_black_patent_leather_dungeon-min
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023

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Surgical procedures, such as gender confirmation surgeries (commonly known as “top” and “bottom” surgeries), are also part of gender affirming care. These surgeries allow individuals to modify their bodies to better align with their gender identity. They can provide relief from gender dysphoria, increase self-esteem, and improve overall psychological well-being.

Legalization and Access to Care: While some states in America have recognized the importance of gender affirming care and have taken steps to ensure its availability, others still lack comprehensive laws and regulations regarding this matter. The lack of consistent access to gender affirming care can lead to severe consequences for transgender individuals, including increased mental health disparities, reduced quality of life, and even increased rates of self-harm and suicide.

Legalizing gender affirming care across all states in America is essential to ensure equal access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Denying transgender people access to necessary medical treatments not only violates their right to autonomy and self-determination but also perpetuates discrimination and marginalization. It is crucial for state legislatures to recognize the medical consensus that supports gender affirming care and enact laws that protect the rights of transgender individuals.

Critics of legalizing gender affirming care often argue that it is a matter of personal choice and that individuals should bear the financial burden themselves. However, denying coverage for these medically necessary treatments places an undue burden on transgender individuals, who often face higher rates of unemployment, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare overall. Legalization would ensure that gender affirming care is accessible through insurance coverage, Medicaid, and other public health programs, reducing financial barriers and promoting equality.

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transgender male looking sexy in the camera topless with tease underwear
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023.

Kristy Jessica: On the Art of Modeling-Part 2

full frontal nude of woman holding red fan over her face
Kristy Jessica. Photo by Brian Hunt for Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2023

Text by Kristy Jessica, Copyright 2023

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On The Art of Modeling-Part 2

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Glamour became a velvet prison for me over time- it was too easy to do and not inspiring enough for me. Artistic photographers wouldn’t take me seriously, so I pushed myself to become as flexible as I possibly could. I learned to stand on my head, twist into a pretzel, and emote various characters for the purpose of fine art photography. Finally after curating my social media and portfolio to attract paying art photographers, I finally succeeded in becoming more diverse. At this era in my career, I self published a 238 page book called “Posing Ideas for Fine Art, Glamour and Facial Expressions” available on Amazon. I traveled to Singapore, Belize, Brazil, Turkey, Philippines, Italy, Romania, Colombia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and some other countries to create beautiful artistic nudes in nature. 

    But that wasn’t enough. A new era of inspiration for underwater modeling had found a place in my heart.  By 2017, I pursued my Open Water Free diving certification in order to dive deep into ocean waters for artistic modeling. I traveled to Tahiti, Bahamas, El Nido, Mexico, and Australia for underwater modeling. 

     Ain’t no rest for the wicked, am I right? This rebellious sinner was overachieving too much to maintain momentum. In 2019, I had finished suffering a 7.5 year relationship with a grandiose narcissist who was old enough to be my father. The fried nerve endings involved in finally pushing this toxic person out of my life caused immense strain on my heart, mind, and body. The anxiety of living in fight or flight caused me to lose all appetite and most of my ability to sleep. I dropped to 95 pounds for a while. During this time, I transitioned into van living. The following year, the covid pandemic happened and all international travel had come to a halt. Major cities in America were mostly shut down. I took this opportunity to travel to secluded nature areas around the USA with my new boyfriend. I trained him to be my photographer so I could continue posting modeling images across my social media, to update my portfolio and to sell on my subscription sites. 

     Over the past few years, I have decided only to work for photographers who are kind hearted and creative. Anyone who has laid hands on me, pressured me, or made uncomfortable sexual comments to me while modeling for them are no longer permitted on my tour schedules. I no longer care about submitting to big name publications. I have been there and done that. I have started up two businesses for destination photography: The SouthWest Adventure (where I take photographers to secret stunning locations I have scouted in south Utah, two seasons per year), and I am the Co-Founder of Create With Sirens (a multi-day, multi-photographer underwater photography excursion with Astrid Kallsen and I, twice a year in Mexico and the Florida Springs). These trips are opportunities to create beautiful nude art in stunning nature locations above and below water: my two favorite modeling genres! I do still occasionally make a trip to a major city to book shoots with photographers in their towns, but I find those trips to be very tiring and fast paced. 

     The reason I wanted to tell you the progression of my 18 year modeling career so far is to share my example of how modeling as an art form and a career has no cookie cutter boundaries or requirements. Anyone can create their own adventure in it, as long as they have the drive to make it happen. I struggled through many phases of my life and continued to model through each of my life’s shifts. Technology is ever-changing, and I have made a point to adapt to new forms of technology over the course of my career: moving from Myspace and Craigslist to One Model Place and Model Mayhem, and with the fall of Model Mayhem, utilizing FB groups and Instagram to promote my modeling. Along with these methods, I also have a YouTube channel, a mailing list, a Tiktok, twitter, Vimeo, Reddit, Implied.VIP, and I will continue to utilize new forms of communication as technology changes over time. 

     If I could give one piece of advice to a newer model, I would say this, “Other models are your friends, not your competitors. Don’t let any photographer force you into doing something you are not comfortable with. It’s OK to say no. Be yourself, and do what you want. If someone makes you uncomfortable, tell other models and don’t work with them a second time. 

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beautiful nude model
Kristy Jessica photographed by Brian Hunt for Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2023

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Editor’s Note: If you missed On The Art of Modeling Part-1, link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/kristy-jessica-on-the-art-of-modeling-part-1/

Understanding Infidelity: The Complexities of Why Couples Cheat

beautiful young couple close up bathed in natural light
Lovers. From the book of Obsessions. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023

Understanding Infidelity: The Complexities of Why Couples Cheat

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Text by ChatGBT

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Edited by Tony Ward

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Infidelity, a painful breach of trust within relationships, remains a subject of fascination and speculation. This essay delves into the multifaceted reasons behind why couples cheat, acknowledging that each situation is unique and cannot be attributed to a single cause. By exploring various psychological, emotional, and sociocultural factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Emotional Disconnect and Relationship Dissatisfaction (approx. 100 words): One prevalent reason for infidelity is the emotional disconnect between partners. When individuals feel unfulfilled or neglected in their current relationship, they may seek emotional intimacy elsewhere. A lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, and unmet needs can contribute to feelings of loneliness or dissatisfaction, potentially leading to infidelity as a means of finding emotional validation and connection.

Sexual Dissatisfaction and Curiosity (approx. 100 words): Sexual dissatisfaction is another factor that can drive individuals to cheat. Variations in libido, incompatible sexual preferences, or the decline of passion in long-term relationships may prompt individuals to seek sexual gratification outside their partnership. Additionally, curiosity about new experiences or the desire to explore fantasies may lead some individuals to engage in infidelity, driven by a sense of novelty and excitement.

Unresolved Personal Issues (approx. 100 words): Individuals carrying unresolved personal issues, such as unresolved trauma, low self-esteem, or a need for validation, may be more prone to cheating. Infidelity can serve as an escape or a way to cope with personal struggles, offering a temporary sense of relief or validation. Individuals may seek attention and affirmation from others to fill emotional voids or bolster their self-worth, often unaware of the deeper underlying reasons driving their behavior.

Sociocultural Factors and Opportunity (approx. 100 words): Sociocultural factors also play a role in infidelity. Cultural norms, societal expectations, and exposure to infidelity in media can influence individuals’ beliefs and behaviors. In some cultures, infidelity may be more accepted or even expected. Moreover, increased accessibility to potential partners through social media and dating apps has expanded opportunities for extramarital connections, making it easier for individuals to engage in infidelity.

Conclusion (approx. 50 words): Infidelity is a complex issue influenced by a range of factors, including emotional disconnect, sexual dissatisfaction, personal struggles, and sociocultural influences. Understanding these complexities helps us approach the issue with empathy and encourages open communication within relationships. By addressing underlying issues and fostering emotional and sexual fulfillment, couples can work towards building stronger, more resilient partnerships.

 

Diana Desiderio: The Satanic Temple in Salem Mass

 

Text and Self Portraits by Diana Desiderio, Copyright 2022

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The Satanic Temple in Salem Mass

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Salem has always been a place I felt in my bones. A place that has the lore of young women bewitched and signing over their souls to the Dark Lord himself. September had approached so fast as it does every year. I got a wild hair and the availability to stay at the Satanic Temple had availability. I called one of my friends Roxy and recruited her for this amazing last minute get away. And why not; who wouldn’t want to live deliciously?

An 8 hour truck up to the New England area and just shy of the Spooky season tourists.

Once we had arrived at the satanic Temple, I instantly felt at home. Something no one will ever tell you about Satanist who belong to the Satanic Temple is; they don’t believe in the devil himself at all but that them using the symbol of Baphomet in all its glory is a symbol of triggering critical thinking. The mission of the Satanic Temple is to “encourage benevolence & empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits.” 

The Satanic Temple has seven fundamental tenets:

  1. One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason.
  2. The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions.
  3. One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.
  4. The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one’s own.
  5. Beliefs should conform to one’s best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs.
  6. People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one’s best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused.
  7. Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word.

All of which I have always felt kindred too. Once we had checked in; we asked that if after the temple closed we were able to take photographs within the temple to use at our own discretion and they were more than happy to oblige. While we waited we waked around downtown Salem learning about the poor innocent women persecuted and accused of being witches to pacify the puritan settlers. Some hung by their necks from the hangman’s tree. Some were pressed with a heavy stone until they were crushed to death.

There was a very daunting feeling when walking around those areas especially after dark. We retreated back to the temple, and got to open the rooms and take full advantage of the interior of the throne room and the main hall where a 10’ statue of Baphomet sat in all its glory. In honor of the witches of Salem who sold their souls  while dancing nude in ceremony of the Dark Lord; we stripped down & I got to taking some amazing shots all on an iPhone no less. If you are ever interested in going, I would highly recommend it. Live deliciously and HAIL THYSELF.

About The Author: Diana Desiderio  is a motion picture production manager based in Philadelphia. To access additional articles by Diana Desiderio, click here: https://tonyward.com/night-swim/

 

 

Kitchie Ohh: Beautifully Broken


Text by Kitchie Ohh, Copyright 2022

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Photography by Tony Ward, Copyright 2022

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Creative Director: KVaughn

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Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

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Photography Assistant: Anthony Colagreco

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BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN

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Things happen all the time, life would sure be boring if that wasn’t the case. And because life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and is often completely unfair, sometimes those things that happen are awful. We get knocked down, made to feel worthless, hopeless. Beaten down by situations, other people’s cruelty, our own self-doubt and criticism. Cracked. Broken, irreparably shattered.

If you have never seen a piece of Japanese kintsugi pottery,  I urge you to stop reading and Google it; I’ll wait. Now that you’ve seen it, you’re probably wondering why I asked. Well, I find it beautiful, both as visual art and as a concept. The first time I ever saw it, I was awestruck.

The art of kintsugi takes bowls or other fine pottery pieces whose beauty was marred by chips, cracks, and breaks and uses precious metals to make them whole again. They become more valuable, more unique, in the mending than they were originally. Not viewed as less for the imperfection of being broken; but more because someone carefully and skillfully took the time to fix each and every crack. 

I can’t help but draw the parallel between this art form, myself, and the literally millions of other people who have faced down challenges and made it through, alive but not unscathed. We may not be alone in our experiences, but each of us is unique. The physical, mental and emotional pains we endure, as well as the scars those pains leave behind are ours. No two are exactly alike.  

What if we stopped hiding our scars and started to view them as what make us more? Not for simply having received them, but for the precious time, energy and effort we put into our healing. That is the art form. That is the gold, the silver, the platinum that brings all the shattered pieces back together and binds them together stronger than before. While the body may heal itself physically when injured without any conscious effort on our part, true healing and recovery is a choice. It is a process; an ongoing one. We have to care enough about ourselves to see and address all of our breaks, the old and the new. 

We have to let go of the old unbroken versions of ourselves and those who caused the damage. It is possible to forgive, but not forget. To move on, but remember. To be broken but not worthless. We are kintsugi; beautifully broken, remade stronger, perfect in our imperfection.  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kitchie Ohh is a full-time professional fundraiser who has worked with a number of health and human services nonprofits for over the last 20 years, currently with a food-related Philadelphia nonprofit. She found her passion for modeling after a pinup-style photoshoot in 2013. Since then she’s worked with many talented photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists in a variety of styles.  She has been featured in -and on the covers of- multiple print and digital publications. Over the years she has branched out from pinup studio modeling to serve as a figure model for live sketching, walked a runway, and was part of two campaigns for local Philadelphia designer K. Vaughn. 

In addition to her food insecurity-related work, she has also volunteered with art, historical, and community organizations, and even on the events team of a local brewery, pre-pandemic.  

You’re just as likely to find her whipping up something deliciously plant-based in her kitchen or knitting a sweater as you are to find her on a photography set. Her motto is “be both.” The model and the homemaker,  sultry and sweet, serious and silly. All the things, all at once.