Abigail Varney - METIS

Metis; male bodied, feminine people, captures the subtleties of modern gender and the way their unique environment encapsulates a notion of expressive style. Abigail’s subjects are joined in celebration on women's day held at the Blue Diamond Society, the main NGO in Kathmandu that supports the LGBT community. This hub reinforces confidence through community and allows her subjects to be photographed unguarded and of pure self expression.  While Nepal has official recognition of the third gender within their national census, the first positive step in paving stronger acceptance of sexual and gender minorities, their efforts to lead a normal life are still being contested. Finding true connection with her subjects is what drives Abigail's portrait photography, her subject's join the bind of tradition and the contemporary and reveal a graceful celebration of their personal femininity.