Non-binary model, Em Hart shares their journey and inspiration to become the adult role model they needed as a child.
You know those people you meet that just project warmth? Those rare humans who make ya smile even if they are a stranger? Em is one of those people. When they first reached out to me to work together I was beyond excited to hear about their style + vision for their session. As our time together grew, I was honored to hear their story.
“When I was a kid, there were no non-binary people – literally like none that anyone really knew about. It was societally not really talked about/acknowledged. I got teased a ton when I was a little kid for being a tomboy. They had every nickname you can imagine for me. In high school I made it my mission to prove how straight I was but I was confused and angry a lot. It wasn’t until college did I even come out as gay. It took me even longer to realize I am non-binary. I had a very unsupportive ex that threatened to leave me if I was too masculine presenting (obviously we had some issues lol.) I was 30 years old before I finally came to terms with who I really am and the body that I really want.”
“My chest has always been a source of pain and dysphoria. Part of the reason I did the shoot is because I plan on pursuing top surgery in the next few months. I wanted to document my journey to make it available to kiddos now so that they have a role model they can actually look up to and see themselves in. I am trying to be the adult I needed as a child. I’m trying to change the world just a little bit for the better.”
“I’m so grateful to you, Mackenzie, for making this a real possibility for me. This experience changed me. It helped me overcome some long held fears. Seeing the response from my family and friends – that this shoot caught the essence of who I am – has given me a much needed confidence boost when I had just hit an extreme low recently. Thank you so so much.”
Em and I worked together to jump start their non-binary modeling portfolio. They were extremely easy to work with, followed direction well and with the best facial expressions. The cherry on top was that Em is genuinely a joy to be around, authentic and real. Truly honored our paths crossed and looking forward to watch their modeling chapter take off!
You can find Em on Instagram @rudyem86 and Facebook at Em J Hart
A Branding Session with Blue Flame is all about capturing you. The essence of you. Whether it’s for personal reasons to embrace yourself or to share that self with others. I promise they are a ton of fun 🙂
