Tulle Queer 2026: T5T

With the year we’ve had, for trans people, I think a lot of us are looking for any source of hope we can find. Many of us have lost count of the record violence, horror, and legislation targeting our community under this administration.

What I love about trans people so much is that, throughout history, through everything, trans people still choose to live fully. We wake up each day and continue to fight for the future we know is coming. We take care of us. Some of us lose our families, our homes, our friends, our work, our sense of self, our lives! And despite what lies ahead, we carry our history and so much love and hope into everything we do.

This bond, this awareness, this weight is universal among trans people. And as an artist from Pennsylvania, despite how hard it can be, what I love is the connection that exists among queer people in small towns and cities. We are so fiercely soft. We see the beauty in everything because we’ve had to endure so much. We spend countless hours dreaming, creating worlds of fantasy and freedom within ourselves in hopes of one day finding a safe place to land and the opportunity to share all we’ve held within with another.

And here in South Central PA, that unique form of resilience has made us into some of the most incredible artists, performers, activists, community members, teachers, leaders, and friends I’ve ever met. We create, live, and fight for such a beautiful future. We’re creating our own slice of heaven between us, right here in Pennsylvania.

As I approach six months on estrogen, I’m reflecting on the queer love that has brought me to such a blissful moment within my own becoming. Wherever you are on your journey, I’m so proud of you for all you’ve endured to arrive at this moment. And I thank you for helping me see such a beautiful future for the woman I’m becoming.

This is my new series from @tullequeer, titled T5T, shot in May & June of 2026, in honor of five years of celebrating queer people in places often overlooked.

Portraits of T5T

This year’s honorees included icons Nick O’Teen, Necla Kara, Ayanna Gadsden, Gwen Doll, Coco, Clover Kane, Nebula Nova, Q, and Azariah Darling, alongside returning portraits featuring Nes, AJ Vega, and Charlize Angelz.

T5T, a Tulle Queer series. © 2026 Brady Pappas Photography. All Rights Reserved.

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