Tyler Ford

SHIRT: RAF SIMONS. PANTS: DIOR. BELT: SUZI ROHER. EARRING: ERIN CONSIDINE. RING: VINTAGE. STYLING: ELIN SVAHN. HAIR: TOMO JIDAI FOR MOROCCAN OIL/STREETERS. MAKEUP: SALLY BRANKA/LGA MANAGEMENT. MANICURE: GINA EDWARDS FOR DIOR VERNIS/KATE RYAN. PRODUCTION: BO ZHANG. DIGITAL TECHNICIAN: ERICA CAPABIANCA.  

“My goal in everything I do is to uplift and affirm other trans and queer people, as well as to facilitate dialogue among people of all genders so that we can make the world a safer place for those of us who are marginalized.”—Tyler Ford

AGE:25.

OCCUPATION: I’m an agender writer, speaker, media personality, and model. I strive to diversify trans representation in the media, and my work serves to educate people on trans issues beyond traditional narratives, stereotypes, and surface-level discourse. My goal in everything I do is to uplift and affirm other trans and queer people, as well as to facilitate dialogue among people of all genders so that we can make the world a safer place for those of us who are marginalized. Activism is in my best self-interest. I need the work that I do as much as any other nonbinary, queer, asexual person of color does. I write what I needed to read as a younger person. I speak to make space for the conversations that will change my life and the world I live in. I do media work to see myself represented in areas that have never held a mirror to me. My work sustains me. It is an immense honor that it sustains others as well.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES WE’RE FACING? One of our greatest challenges as individuals is unlearning harmful ideologies and grappling with our own privilege, ego, and power. I see so many people plugging their ears and repeating, “I’m a good person!” instead of reflecting and learning how they can use their power to help instead of hurt other people.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? I am my own greatest accomplishment. Loving myself and trying to live my best life is a struggle, but my fight to thrive in the face of my struggles is what I’m most proud of.

WHO ARE THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES IN YOUR PANTHEON?Laverne Cox inspires me. She’s a dream.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? If I’m having a rough time, my friends keep my perspective in check and let me know how loved I am and how important I am to them. Their support helps me to keep moving forward, and helps me navigate my life more than any advice I could ever receive.

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