Toronto wedding photographer Sophia Banks on coming out as a transgender woman.
I have given a lot of thought as to the best way to approach this and in truth I am not sure this is the best way.
I have always tried to keep my personal life largely separate from my business. However I have come to realize that as a wedding photographer I am ultimately my business and who I am defines how I see and how I see is my business.
Who I am is going to change in a fundamental way.
A large part of my business comes from the kind and gracious referrals of past clients. This is absolutely wonderful and flattering but it does however pose some logistical problems for what is currently going on in my life.
There is no funny joke or easy way to segway into this. I am coming out as a trans woman. Like most transgender people my story is not terribly joyful but this is not the platform for that story. What I am saying here is that I am coming out as as a trans woman and that I plan to begin living my life as a woman over the next year.
Being trans is not a choice, I was born this way.
Coming out in the public forum was not an easy choice to make but after a long conversation with my father I was reminded of the importance of doing the right thing even if it makes things harder for me. I am raising my voice and my presence in solidarity with the trans community.
I am coming out as a trans woman because I am tired of living with the fear, shame and anxiety that comes along with living in hiding, with the effort it takes to live two separate lives that can never intersect. Because I believe in the power of numbers and that the acceptance of trans individuals will only come through visibility. Because I can no longer stand comfortably on the sidelines while my peers courageously fight for are collective rights. Most importantly it is because my conscience tells me that gender variant youths need as much inspiration and as many role models as possible.
I will be changing my name from Daryl Banks to Sophia Banks. I will still continue to run my wedding photography business.
Red - I came here because I read about your post on craigslist and I’m planning to apply to be your 2nd photographer but I think I might need a bit more practice and confidence.
For now, keep on doing what you love the most and that’s photography. Goodluck on your career and transition. You have my support!
Modern portrait photography Toronto - [...] It has also been a wonderful opportunity for me to adjust to being a photographer as a woman. Confused? See the previous two blog posts. [...]
Sophia Banks is a trans woman and pro photographer in Toronto - [...] For those of you just tuning in, I came out as being “transgender” in November. You can read my coming out letter here. [...]
Sarah Galli - If I could give you a huge hug right now I would, but unfortunately Toronto is too far away.. and much too cold for me. We don’t know each other, but I know and Love your work- your wedding photography as well as your personal work. As a photographer myself I understand the angst involved in building a business in a marketplace that is directly affected by who you are and how you choose to portray yourself as the photographer. I have struggled with this for years.. what to say, what not to say, even the length of a skirt I feel can create a lasting impression on clients and potential clients. All of this said, I know that you will continue to be successful in your work, because of the obvious- you’re an extremely talented photographer and also the not so obvious.. well, not to those reading it in type, but to those who have the chance to experience you in person, your authenticity- your trueness to yourself will make you shine in your passion for your work and in the relations that you partake in. All that I have left to say is: You go girl!
Signed,
Your Cheer Leader from afar (Sarah)
Chelsea Sutcliffe - Beautiful post. We are so excited to be working with you on our upcoming wedding in Toronto. I have already started recommending you to recently engaged friends!
Julia - Your candor in this post is beautiful. Thank you for letting us (the world) in on your experience and your decision to live as a woman. I wish you nothing but the best – in your business and in your daily experiences with the world; I hope you’re met with kindness.
If I were getting married all over again, I’d choose you to capture the day a second time.
Daryl Banks - I really wish that was the case Shayne. Pretty much all my clients and everyone I know have been amazing but they’re still a lot of misconceptions and prejudices towards trans people. Transwoman in Canada can be arrested for disturbing the peace by simply using a washroom.
shayne - Hard to imagine people being anything but supportive in this day and age, but still greatly admire your courage. I don’t know if you remember doing a couples shoot for us a few years ago now, but we still follow your work – your Crinoline Flowers really are amazing and nothing will change that! All the very best and continued success!!!
Corrie - Daryl, I think it is absolutely wonderful that you are making this transition and that you are being forthcoming about the decision openly. I hope that your openness will be an inspiration to gender variant youth and adults. David and I were so happy with the photos you took at our wedding and I will definitely continue to recommend you to my friends. Wishing you lots of happiness as you begin your life as a woman openly.
Alex - We will definitely continue to recommend your amazing work. You are very brave to be taking this step. Best wishes over the next year and beyond.