Deaf transgender artist documents transition on social media

"I’d like to see more accessibility, more representation, open-mindedness, empathy and forgiveness."

Chella Man

Source: Instagram

For 19-year-old Chella Man, growing up as a deaf, genderqueer POC was an isolating experience - so much so that he's now working across social media to increase visibility for others.

Speaking to the artist expressed his struggles with gender identity, opening up about the challenges it presented during his youth.
"Before I hit double-digits, I felt both beautiful and confident simply because I was presenting masculine, which is what I preferred," Man said.
He continued: "However, once puberty hit, my body shifted against my wishes. As my chest and curves grew, I felt my sense of beauty and confidence fade away. I fought it, of course."

"But the disconnection between my mind and body overshadowed any compliment I received regarding my beauty," he said.

Since undergoing his transition on testosterone, Man has taken to YouTube, sharing his experiences with other members of the trans community through discussions on subjects including body dysphoria and chest scarring.

"Today I feel most beautiful when I am eating healthy, plant-based foods, drinking enough water and working out consistently," he told i-D.
"Of course, there are times when I feel insecure, either when I feel my dysphoria kicking in or when I have a bad pimple," he continued. "But recently I’ve realized that only I can make myself insecure for the most part, other people do not have that power over me."

"Moving forward, I’d like to see more accessibility, more representation, open-mindedness, empathy and forgiveness. The bravest thing you can do is what you know in your heart is right," he concluded.


You can watch Man and subscribe to his YouTube channel below:

Share
Published 7 March 2018 1:35pm
By Samuel Leighton-Dore


Share this with family and friends


SBS News in your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS On Demand
SBS News
SBS Audio

Listen to our podcasts
Join host Yumi Stynes for Seen, a new SBS podcast about cultural creatives who have risen to excellence despite a role-model vacuum.
The day's top stories from SBS News.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our sbs podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch SBS On Demand
Over 11,000 hours

Over 11,000 hours

News, drama, documentaries, SBS Originals and more - free.