Abstract:
This comic is a short story following a trans teenager, Izzy, coming to terms with their identity through meeting a parallel universe version of themself. While this clearly isn’t autobiographical, the story stems from my own general confusion and lack of knowledge about gender as a teenager. I've tried to communicate both some of my early, rudimentary concerns- 'wait, you're allowed to just be a different gender?'- and questions that arose later in my transition. What does it even mean to have a 'cis' or 'trans' body? If I could "magically" get a typically cisgender body, would I take that opportunity? What are the implications of that, socially and psychologically? These are questions that can’t really be answered- but I think they're worth thinking about when it comes to the often challenging experience of considering one's own gender identity.
As a teenager, media about understanding transgender identity was woefully sparse, aside from dictionary definitions and clinical descriptions. This comic is intended to reach people who may be in a similar situation as I was, who don't have the language to describe what they're experiencing, without being condescending or excessively educational. Because of how personal and variable gender identity is, even across the trans community, I don't want this story to come off as authoritative on 'the transgender experience'- this is an interpretation of my own experiences, that I hope might be able to at least partially resonate people who are also feeling lost and confused.
Artist Statement:
Sydney Haswell (b.2001) is a digital artist and animator from the Pacific Northwest. Born in Portland, Oregon, he has been fascinated with art and storytelling for as long as he can remember. His work is primarily digital, though he considers himself something of an aspiring jack- of-all-trades within that category. He practices illustration, 3D and 2D animation, video editing, and graphic design.
His current project, Polycosmos, is a short semi-autobiographical comic that deals with self-acceptance and rejecting cisnormative fantasies. He wants to create a story that speaks to others who might have been- or are- in that same situation, of not having the language to describe their relationship to gender. Discovering you’re trans can sometimes be an isolating experience, both estranged from society and from your own body, but he hopes this story can inspire a more positive outlook on life as a trans person
He doesn’t really get out much so there’s not much more to say here.