The Mona Project

NYC transgender/nightlife personality Mona Marlowe is far along in the process of transformation. Like her idol Marilyn Monroe, she is very complex, striking and vulnerable. When photographing her in her single occupancy room located in Manhattan’s Theater District, it became evident how her entire existence is shaped by her need to express the woman she had always felt she was born to be. Great financial sacrifices and physical pain were and are being made to change genders. The photos were taken over several months. I am also including Mona’s friends in this ongoing series. Early Ross and Mss Vee, like Mona are NYC nightlife personalities, but unlike Mona (who is now a woman 24/7) they are like a blank canvas and use elaborate makeup and costumes to transform themselves.