Photo: Kathryn Huang
Part of BROTHER Magazine’s purpose is to celebrate today’s diverse representation of manhood—especially within the Black community. And helping to amplify this mission is emerging photographer Kathryn Huang, who is celebrating Pride Month with a visceral portrait series exploring Black transmasc and queer identities.
Huang—affectionately known as “Kat”—is a skilled creative who hails from Bangkok, Thailand, and moved to New York City in pursuit of extended culture and community. Describing her career trajectory, which led to creating the new portrait series, Huang says: “I moved to New York City in 2022, and I was always an ally. But I really became more immersed and aligned within the LGBTQIA+ community after I moved to NYC and joined the Ballroom Scene.”
As an MA graduate from The New School, Huang has collaborated with artists including TiaCorine and has worked with major brands ranging from Apple Music and the WNBA to Marc Jacobs.
Discover Huang’s cultural alignment via her Black Transmasc and Queer Identities portrait series outlined below…
Photo of Kathryn Huang, by: Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr.
BROTHER:
How long have you been active in your creative field?
KATHRYN HUANG:
Ever since I moved to New York City in 2022. Before then, I had very little understanding of what was possible career-wise as a photographer. I came here from Thailand, not knowing anyone, but New York forces you to get active if you want a creative life for yourself—so I’ve been pretty active ever since.
When did you first become aligned or begin to identify with the LGBTQIA+ community? Or are you just an ally?
I was always an ally, but I really became more immersed and aligned within the LGBTQIA+ community after I moved to NYC and joined the Ballroom Scene. Since then, I’ve met my chosen family, learned how to vogue, and now I fully understand what it means to be in community with artists and individuals that share the same passion for creating.
I feel like the NYC LGBTQIA+ community—particularly the Ballroom and waacking community—has really shaped and poured into me as a woman and an artist, and I always make it a priority to pour back into them.
What motivates you when you’re behind the camera?
The process of exploration, discovery, and connection is what motivates me. Photography is very multisensory, for me, especially film photography—the sound of the analog shutter, the weight of the camera in your hand, the energy of the environment around you, and not even seeing the images until a few days later. There’s something very thrilling and creatively liberating about the whole process.
Photography is also my way of exploring my relationships to what I’m shooting: whether it’s people, places, moments, or culture. I always learn more about myself and what speaks to me—visually and emotionally—whenever I’m behind the camera.
Who has been your most interesting person to photograph?
My mom. I don’t photograph her often, but when I do, it’s usually something abstract. I’ll ask her to put her hand on a piece of fruit, or to hold up a bouquet of flowers that cover most of her face. And she doesn’t object or ask why; she just does it—it’s very camp of her.
Why did you place the focus on trans men for your latest project?
The idea for this project actually started from my desire to do an editorial portrait series photographed inside the NYC Ballroom Scene.
While the series includes both cis and trans men, my desire to highlight trans men was inspired by the Grand Prize Transman categories at Selena Dior’s “FQ Hour Part 2” Ball, which is where these photos were shot. She gave them dope category prompts to show out in, and I also feel like I don’t see a lot of representation surrounding trans men in photography, in general, so I wanted to capture them really bringing it.
Even for myself, I’ve photographed a lot of my femme queen sisters and friends, so this was my first time highlighting and photographing trans men in this way. I understand the amount of labor, preparation, and intention it takes to get ready for and present yourself at a Ball. And at the end of it, I wanted each person to leave with a portrait that felt beautiful and lasting.
Where do you see the photography industry heading in the next 2-3 years?
I hope we bring back printing photos. So, I’m manifesting it to say that in two to three years’ time we’re going to see the photography industry prioritizing spaces that prioritize physical presentation (zines, galleries, etc.).
FEATURED PORTRAIT TALENT
Amir Versace: Walks Vogue Femme and is part of the legendary House of Versace.
Brys Peralta (aka Slyde 007): I’m a trans man and walk trans man realness and vogue fem performance. I began ballroom in NYC in 2023, and moved to Berlin, Germany in 2025. And I participate in the scene over there.
Calypso Versace: Elijah Ogbomo aka Calypso Versace. My categories are ‘commentator versus commentator’ and runway. When I first stepped into the ballroom scene, I was new and still new in finding my place of belonging. I didn’t know what to do, but I found a place of community by going to lounges and programs, and I found and became the alter ego of myself—where I’m not afraid to push myself creatively. I’m also an artist studying fine art at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), and I feel like I’m just getting started.
Comic 007: I am a 24-year-old trans man from Brooklyn, New York, raised in Georgia. I came into the Kiki scene walking Male Figure Realness and Commentator vs Commentator, but made my triple grand prize debut for Transman Realness, Transman Face, and Transman Performance at the “FQ Hour Part II” Kiki Ball. I styled all three of my effects for each category on my own: the firefighter look for Performance was inspired by Brian Michael Smith (a Black trans man who played Paul Strickland in the Fox drama series 9-1-1: Lone Star—making history as the first Black openly trans man cast as a series regular on broadcast TV), the all-white look was a schoolboy-themed twist on the all-white Grand Prize TransMan Best Dressed look executed by the now deceased Legendary Sonny Old Navy (who the category pays homage to), and lastly, my Face effect was inspired by trans man model and activist Laith Ashley’s “It’s a Man’s World” editorial (captured by Kira Bucca).
Diesel Juicy Couture: I have been in ballroom for three years and entered the scene to connect with more transgender people. My main category is All-American Runway, but on the night of the “FQ Hour” ball, I decided to debut in a new category: Trans Man Schoolboy Realness.
Dream Juicy Couture: Walks Butch Queen Perfect 10’s and Everyday Realness.
Kasius Mulan: I’m Bisexual and have been in the ballroom scene since 2022, and joined the Legendary Haus of Hua Mulan in 2024. For the “FQ Hour II” ball, we had to embody a Wicked Beauty Look.
Malik Mulan: Malik Hill aka Malik Mulan. I walk Butch Queen Face, and I’m an upcoming model based in Brooklyn.
Mister Tiffany & Co: I’m an emerging member of the ballroom community. I discovered it the same day I met my girlfriend, who walks face for the same house. Walking my first ball was a major milestone, and I’m looking forward to pushing myself and representing trans men by bringing my own energy to every floor that I step on. About effect: I actually put the look together myself! The suit itself was bought, tailored locally, and I styled the elements with gold accessories I already had. Finding the briefcase was difficult, but that and the collar bar really pulled it all together.
NYC Prince Wiz Gabbana: I’m a twister in the Kiki scene, and the NYC Prince of the legendary Haus of Gabbana. I merge my “boyish-style” vogue with a feminine energy.
NYC Father Static Pinklady: I’m a Brooklyn-born trans man known for my authenticity, resilience, and drive. I’m committed to living boldly, inspiring others, and staying true to who I am.
Oxagen 007: Transman/Gender non-conforming. I wouldn’t say I’m involved in ballroom, but more so in the queer community, because—to me—this is activism. I am expressing myself and showing others that they can exist in spaces without necessarily being attached or connected to them. What I’d like to accomplish is creating a concept of boundness and kinship in the community.
Paris Pinklady: This was my debut walking face, but you can usually catch me walking ‘Everyday Realness.’ I’m a musician and content creator who’s passionate about trans advocacy. I run a podcast and YouTube channel, and I’m currently building my brand. This look was a tribute to the incredible Laith Ashley, who’s an inspiration to many trans men.
PORTRAIT IMAGE CREDITS
Photographer + Producer: Kathryn Huang
Photographed on: May 23, 2026, at Queer Nightlife Community Center