Honoring Service Through Portraiture: Capturing Transgender Military Personnel

Transgender MilitaryLGBTBritish ArmyBritish Military
Written By RORY LEWIS

WO2 Deborah Penny Royal Logistic Corps (Transgender British Army Portraits Rory Lewis (Heroes in Focus Foundation)

As of October 30, 2017, 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, allowed transgender military personnel to serve openly. In 2014, the UK formally granted transgender individuals the right to serve openly in its military forces, marking a significant step toward inclusivity.

Through my project Soldiery: British Army Portraits, I had the distinct privilege of working with several transgender personnel, capturing their stories and contributions to our nation's security. Among them was WO2 Deborah Penny, a trailblazer who became the first transgender British soldier to serve on the front line.

Deborah's portrait holds a special place in my career and in the history of military portraiture. It was acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, ensuring her legacy is preserved as part of Britain's cultural and military history. Furthermore, the portrait received national acclaim, winning the Portrait of Britain Prize in 2018. This recognition not only celebrated Deborah’s bravery but also highlighted the evolving face of the military and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Through the Heroes in Focus Foundation, we aim to continue this vital work, capturing the stories of transgender military personnel worldwide, including those in the United States. These portraits stand as a testament to their courage, resilience, and invaluable contributions to their nations. By preserving these narratives, we foster understanding and appreciation, ensuring their legacies inspire future generations.

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio
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