LOS ANGELES — Grooby’s award-winning marketer, LGBTQ advocate and 2017 XBIZ Brand Ambassador of the Year Kristel Penn appears in photographer Dave Naz’s upcoming book, "Identity: In & Beyond the Binary," now available for purchase at DaveNaz.com and Amazon.com.
“This is my second time working with Dave. In his first book, 'Genderqueer and Other Gender Identities,' he took some really beautiful photos of me,” Penn said. “I’m not a performer or celebrity, so that was the first time anyone professionally photographed me. It was empowering and validating, especially as someone who spent most of their life being harassed for my appearance and gender expression. For his new book, 'Identity,' Dave took another great set of photos and also generously allowed me to contribute a personal essay. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me.”
In addition to the stunning black and white photos of Penn shot locally by Naz, she has an essay titled “Nameless” included, which candidly discusses her experience being bullied as a closeted teenager in Hawaii.
“Kristel's personal story about her identity, labels and her experience growing up is an important one,” stated Naz. “She writes about the power of telling a story and the difference it can make. I'm happy she shared hers in this book.”
“I participated in Dan Savage’s book, 'It Gets Better,' years ago and although I was very grateful for the opportunity back then, I felt it represented a very specific time in my life that I no longer I identify with,” added Penn. “Dave’s new book is the perfect summation of my intersectionality, and I hope readers will also identify with my journey.”
"Identity: In & Beyond the Binary" was first created as Naz’s community zine, "Identity." Naz spent eight years photographing transgender, genderqueer, gender variant and queer community as a way to share their lives and stories with the world. Visit DaveNaz.com for more information and to purchase his latest books.
