My experience would have been different if not for my community. Through photographing different pride events around New York state, I celebrate the community that saved me. 

I survived to tell my story; I refuse to let my story be erased.

“I had the pleasure of meeting and teaching Orphenus Burger in the Fall of 2018 during the last year of my public-school teaching career. It was easier to remember the pronouns that Orphenus had chosen at that time than how to pronounce their name correctly. With that said, what I remember most about Orphenus – besides their smile and amazing collection of buttons – was their ability to embrace the various creative problems that were put before them and the unique solutions they came up with. Orphenus was not afraid to take risks as an artist. By the time I had retired the following June, Orphenus was already demonstrating both technical skill and a aesthetic sensibility at a proficient level.

Orphenus’s latest body of work, “X”, resonated with me as another queer photographer, as being an fine example of how an artist can be authentic with their viewer in communicating their personal vision and story. Through self-portraiture and text, Orphenus shares their journey of coming out as transgender and the painful struggles they had along the way.  Although some of the photographs may be hard to look at, their inclusion in this series makes the body of work (as a whole) even more powerful and honest. It should make the viewer think and wonder. With the addition of text, the photographs take on another layer of meaning; allowing the viewer to experience first-hand, Orphenus’s history.

This book – and the work included within – is a reminder of the fact that one person can make a difference in the life of another. I continue to be moved by the imagery and text in addition to reflecting upon the maturity and courage Orphenus expresses both as an artist and individual.  It is that imagery that makes me reflect upon my own life as well. It is proof that somewhere along the path, the student can become a teacher – and has.

For it’s the stories we tell that connect us and the photographs we create that are our histories – not to be erased.”

Stephen Honicki, 2025