Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Born Twice

Edoardo's beloved Venice is an ancient city in every sense and one of its great flaws is the fact that women hardly become gondoliers. When Edoardo transitioned to a man, he began to feel a sense of luck, since it would be unlikely he would be accepted as a woman gondolier, following in his father's footsteps. Having consistent relationships has been key to the perseverance of his mental health during transition. Edoardo and his girlfriend Claudia have been together since they were 17, when Eduardo was a teenage girl. Their relationship has endured disapproval, medical treatments, and resilience in a town where many know you by name.  An incredible journey made over the years with the support of his mother, who gave him the first testosterone shot, making him born for a second time as a boy. Born Twice is a story of love, resistance, and resilience in Italy, which is unfortunately still anchored in the past regarding discrimination and transgender rights.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: venice, Italy
Camera: LEICA Q (Typ 116)
Copyright: © clara vannucci