Jake Graf, a London-based actor and filmmaker, offers a startling observation: trans people are, in many ways, remarkably ordinary. He and his wife, Hannah Graf, an award-winning campaigner, are often labeled “Britain’s first transgender parents,” yet their lives are filled with the everyday moments most people experience – school runs, grocery shopping, and the simple act of using the restroom.
This realization is at the heart of “Trans is Human,” a new exhibition in London’s West End. Designed by Jake and Hannah, the display aims to dismantle misconceptions and showcase the beautiful normalcy of trans lives. It’s a direct response to a world where trans individuals are often portrayed as extraordinary figures, rather than the run-of-the-mill people they are.
The exhibit features striking portraits by photographer Mariano Vivanco, accompanied by Yungblud’s song “Hello, Heaven, Hello.” It’s a deliberate act of visibility, timed to coincide with Trans Awareness Week, and hosted at Outernet, one of the UK’s busiest cultural spaces. The goal is simple: to foster empathy and connection through genuine representation.
The impetus behind “Trans is Human” stems from a stark reality: a vast majority of people have never personally known a trans person. Census data reveals that only 0.5% of the population in England and Wales identify as trans, yet the casting call for the exhibit received over 250 applications. This outpouring of interest underscored the desire to share authentic stories.
Among the thirteen individuals featured is Sarah, who, despite losing her sight, has completed 52 marathons and dedicates herself to fundraising for other visually impaired adults. There’s also Milo, an aspiring drummer, Amanda, a refugee from Uganda, and Leo, who navigates life with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. These are not stories of exceptionalism, but of resilience, passion, and everyday life.
However, the exhibition arrives at a critical juncture. Recent years have witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse and legal protections for trans people. Coverage in the media has become increasingly hostile, and a Supreme Court ruling narrowed the definition of “woman” under anti-discrimination law.
Transphobic hate crimes have surged, increasing by an alarming 1,426% between 2012 and 2023. The UK’s standing as a progressive nation for LGBTQ+ rights has plummeted, falling from one of the most welcoming countries in Europe to 22nd place. Jake Graf describes a palpable change in the cultural climate, a growing sense of dehumanization.
The current debate surrounding the Gender Recognition Act, which governs legal gender change, ignited a wave of negativity. Now, looming guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) threatens to further marginalize trans individuals, potentially allowing single-sex service providers to exclude them from spaces like restrooms and changing rooms.
This potential outcome fills Hannah Graf with anxiety, fearing harassment or even violence while simply trying to navigate public life with her daughters. The prospect of becoming “second-class citizens” is a very real concern, a chilling reminder of the fragility of hard-won rights.
Despite these challenges, Jake Graf remains hopeful. He points to the progress being made globally, recognizing that the UK’s current trajectory is not representative of the wider world. He envisions a future where today’s struggles are viewed as a turning point, a moment when allies stood firm and helped create a more inclusive and equitable society.
