In the realm of contemporary photography, few artists have captured the essence of human diversity and the fluidity of identity with the same depth and sensitivity as Mariette Pathy Allen. With a career spanning over five decades, Mariette has established herself as a visionary documentarian, shedding light and advocating for marginalized communities within society.

Mariette’s journey as a photographer began in the 1970s, a time marked by social upheaval and a burgeoning awareness of gender and sexual identities. It was during this period that she embarked on a mission to explore the intricate tapestry of gender expression, particularly within the transgender community — an endeavor that would become her life's work.

Mariette Pathy Allen is a photographer of transgender, genderfluid, and gender variant communities, as well as other continuous series such as Birth and Families, The Face of New Jersey, People with Art, Flowers and Fantasy, Texas, and Scapes.

In 1978, on the last day of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Mariette met a trans woman named Vicky West (although, using the language of that time, she identified as a crossdresser). Vicky befriended Mariette and invited her to Fantasia Fair, a transgender conference where Mariette would serve as the official photographer. She traveled across the US to many other transgender conferences, participated in political activism, and worked for the Transgender Tapestry magazine. She continues to pursue the work of photographing, interviewing, and advocating on behalf of gender-nonconforming people.

Through her lens, Mariette captures moments of raw authenticity, inviting viewers into the intimate lives of her subjects with empathy and respect. Her photographs serve as powerful testimonials to the resilience and beauty found in the face of societal norms and expectations. Whether documenting the joy of self-discovery, the struggles of discrimination, or the triumph of self-acceptance, Mariette’s images resonate with a universal message of humanity and belonging.

Mariette shares herself with us, her voice.

“I first encountered transgender people at Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1978. I met Vicky West and was mesmerized. I felt that I wasn't looking into the eyes of a man or a woman but at the essence of a human being. This encounter led to experiences that I could never have imagined. As a photographer, writer, speaker, activist, and ally, I could participate in the evolution of a vital movement to bring understanding and justice to nonconforming people.

Early on, anything beyond heteronormativity was considered freakish or immoral. What I saw was different and my intention became clear — to present gender-nonconforming individuals in the daylight of everyday life, alone or in relationships with friends, family, and children.

I continue to photograph this ever-changing world. My hope is that during this time of ignorance and violence, my work will move people to reconsider the prejudices that negate what is natural in a world that includes gender-expansive people.”

We asked Mariette to share one of her insightful projects with us. She has chosen exceptional work to share with us.