Spin + Drain

This photographic collaboration looks to capture the story of Arlo’s journey to Drag and his acceptance of his trans identity, using memory and archive to facilitate a conversation with the child that let creativity be an escape from the turbulence of growing up without a sense of belonging.

Words from Gina Tonic/Arlo:

“This project is a celebration of survival and selfhood.
It’s about taking the contradictions of my childhood, the feeling of being too soft or too confusing for the spaces I was put in,
and spinning them into something inspiring and creative.
By pulling out this outfit from the closet after hiding it away as a child,
I have reclaimed that childlike playfulness.
No longer a scared and confused child, but now a confident, proud drag queen, who has finally stepped out of the static, and into my own skin.
I hope this project is seen by those who need to hear this message:
Never let anybody tell you ‘no’ for being your true self.”