“Trans-lucent” Exhibition Uplifts LGBTQ Artists, Students and Community Members

Photographs in grayscale and paintings of bright blue were displayed to tell the stories of a marginalized community in America.

Four national and local art collections came together for “Trans-lucent: A Transgender Empowerment Exhibition”at the UWM Union Art Gallery.

The exhibition shares the unique stories and experiences of transgender, non-binary and collaborating artists.
The art is meant to explore themes of self identity, resilience, and their relationships with society, according to the online event page.

“We like to photograph marginalized communities to show that they have a commonality with all of humanity,” said Jeff Pearcy, one of the exhibition’s contributors.

The exhibition has traveled all over the nation before making its stop in Milwaukee on Nov. 16.

UWM has always been vocal in claiming its support for LGBTQ students and continues by displaying collections like this one. 

Vivid paintings by transgender artist Rae Senarighi were on display as his Netflix special “FirstTime I Saw Me” played in the background. Senarighi’s painting collection called “Transcend” features trans people in visually striking bright colors.

“ForGood” Photography is a non-profit organization that focuses on telling the stories of less listened to communities. They created the collection “OurTrans Family” that documented Milwaukee families with trans or non-binary members.

“NoteTo Self” collected work from students and community members that expressed themselves through painting, photography and clothing.
“Transilient”is a collection of interviews and photographs also of non-binary and trans members.

Jeff Pearcy is one of the founders of “ForGood” Photography and has traveled all over the world documenting different cultures. In his own words, Pearcy is a cisgendered old white man who worked with the LGBTQ community for the first time ten years ago, when gay marriage was still illegal in the state of Wisconsin. 

Pearcy was eager for “OurTrans Family” and partnered with Forge, the Cream City Foundation and Diverse & Resilient to ensure participants were being approached and included in an understanding way.

“If you get to know people you can’t hate them and when it becomes impossible to hate them perhaps their lives become a little bit better.” Pearcy said. 

They feature gender inclusive restrooms and are the first university to offer inclusive housing for students who identify as non-conforming. Although, there have been controversies including an incident in 2016 when a transgender student said they were discriminated against at the Klotsche Center.

UWM has been outspoken about its claimed support for the LGBTQ community. For the fourth year in a row they have been named one of the most welcoming universities for LGBTQ students. UWM received perfect scores in LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ Student Life and LGBTQ Campus Safety among others, according to the Campus Pride Index.

UWM also has a LGBT Resource Center that is student led and funded.

On their website, there is a guide to transitioning and various support sections for different situations.

UWM even offers a LGBT Studies Certificate Program that looks into the history and contemporary experiences of people in the community.

“Translucent”held an opening reception on Nov. 16 with over 400 guests, according to an art gallery employee. Leah Schretenthaler works at the UnionArt Gallery and remembers the way the show had an impact on artists and students.

“One person asked to not be in any of the photos because they weren’t ready to share with everyone they know,”said Schretenthaler said.

“But they had this safe space to come in and be a part of community that they may not have access to.”

She is an artist herself and said she always asks herself how she can become a part of the current conversation. The show, and the gallery itself, is student run and organized.

“The people that came into this gallery would’ve never stepped foot into this gallery without this show,” Schretenthaler said.

For Pearcy, the most impactful moment was documenting Darla, who used to be Richard and is now fluid between both identities. They are a parent and a Vietnam veteran who came out after 30 years of marriage.

“She came to the opening show and she came as Darla,” Pearcy said.

“Every time this instillation is hung it’s like walking in and seeing old friends.”

The exhibition is cosponsored by the UnionArt Gallery, LGBT Resource Center, LGBT Studies, Studio Arts and Craft Centre,and Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. Our Trans Family is partly sponsored by the Cream City Foundation. The exhibition will be on display until Dec. 13. The gallery hours are 12-5 p.m. Monday- Friday and 12-7 p.m. on Thursdays.