The Birth of Gilbert, Part 1/3 - A Radical Thing

It’s a radical thing.

That was Cal and Pete’s answer to my question during our initial video meet & greet,

“Why do you want birth photography?”

Besides simply having the pictures of this incredible human life event, Cal gave an additional reason. They explained that as two transgender people with visible and invisible disabilities, it’s a pretty radical thing to even dare to think they can have a child in our society, let alone actually have one.

“It’s a radical thing. And I think it deserves to be documented.”

I was ALL IN.

To much of our culture, yes, it was radical.

To me. . .

it was beautiful.

it was heartwarming.

it was powerful.

it was hard.

it was exhausting.

it was loving.

it was tender.

it was human.

Welcome, Baby Gilbert! We are so glad you’re here.

P.S. A subset of images from the Birth of Gilbert won a Family Story Award from the international documentary photography organization This is Reportage. Thanks to Pete and Cal for allowing me to share their story.