Visual material plays an important role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes, and it is often the first element of a story that the audience encounters.
For this reason, it is especially important to carefully consider what kind of photo and/or video material is used to illustrate a story. Visuals that authentically depict trans people and their experiences have the power to challenge stereotypes, humanise minority groups, and foster empathy and understanding.
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Use of “before and after” photos
Media outlets often use “before and after” photos or childhood images to illustrate gender transition (sooline üleminek). In most cases, such comparisons are not necessary to convey the story’s message; instead, they turn the lives of trans people into someone else’s entertainment or curiosity and may be deeply distressing for the person involved. As a rule, “before and after” images should be avoided when portraying trans people, and photos should instead be used where the person feels comfortable and represented authentically.
An exception applies when a trans person themselves takes the initiative and clearly states that they wish to share these images publicly. In all cases, individuals must have full control over whether their pre-transition photos are used.
When a celebrity or public figure transitions
When a celebrity or public figure announces their gender transition (sooline üleminek), the same principle applies: “before and after” photos should be avoided. Use only photos that the trans person themselves has shared after beginning their transition. Likewise, when illustrating the story, follow how the person presents themselves in their own social media or press statements, rather than relying on imagery or framing published in other (foreign) media.
How to avoid stereotyping?
Using stereotypical visuals is still common in media coverage of trans topics. Such images may include trans women putting on makeup or trans men shaving. Another frequent example is when articles about non-binary people are illustrated with images showing a figure that appears half man, half woman.
This type of imagery reinforces both general gender stereotypes and the misconception that gender transition (sooline üleminek) is only about appearance. Just like cisgender (paiksoolised) people, trans people are far more than their gender expression.
It is also stereotypical to illustrate trans-related topics solely with images of Pride marches or celebrations. These should only be used when the article specifically relates to Pride.
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Drag ≠ being transgender
Drag is a performing art in which artists theatrically express femininity, masculinity, or other forms of gender presentation for entertainment purposes. Being transgender (transsoolisus) is an integral part of a trans person’s identity and affects their life beyond the realm of performance. As in any performing art, a performer’s character is not the same as who they are as a person. The same applies to drag. Drag performers may be transgender, but that does not mean their performance persona is equivalent to their gender identity.
Under no circumstances is it appropriate to use images of drag performers to illustrate topics about transgender identities. The only exception is when a trans person themselves is a drag artist and the story specifically discusses their drag persona.
This rule is especially important when depicting trans women or feminine-presenting trans people. Using photos of drag queens to illustrate an article about trans womanhood creates the false impression that trans women are “performing” femininity, even though gender identity is a fundamental part of who they are—just as it is for cisgender women. In the same way that it would be inappropriate to use photos of burlesque performers to illustrate a story about cis women, the same logic applies to trans women.