Words by Jordan Robledo

Photographer El Hardwick and director/writer Orion Isaacs are taking the homoerotic photobook genre and turning it on its head with t-fags. 

Born out of frustration at the near-total absence of trans and non-binary representation, the self-published hardback reclaims a historically loaded slur while celebrating a spectrum of masculinities that embrace femininity and challenge heteronormative expectations.

The book features 20 models, blending intimate, quiet moments at home with cinematic, fantasy-infused portraits. Each image is paired with interviews, giving voice to personal journeys, transitions, and expressions of identity that are rarely centred in mainstream queer media.

Ahead of the book’s release this winter, we spoke to El and Orion about the making of t-fags, the creative choices behind the lens, and the conversations they hope the project will spark.