CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Scroll To Top![OPED Photo Essay Exploring My Transness Through the Fashion of Frida Kahlo via Documentary Photography](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201245%20700'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![OPED Photo Essay Exploring My Transness Through the Fashion of Frida Kahlo via Documentary Photography](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![OPED Photo Essay Exploring My Transness Through the Fashion of Frida Kahlo via Documentary Photography](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![OPED Photo Essay Exploring My Transness Through the Fashion of Frida Kahlo via Documentary Photography](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![OPED Photo Essay Exploring My Transness Through the Fashion of Frida Kahlo via Documentary Photography](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Finding my freedom in the fashion of Frida KahloZach Bergren for Paloma
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
How I found my freedom in Frida Kahlo's fashion
Zach Bergren for Paloma
I've always had a contentious relationship with Frida Kahlo.
Her embodiment of symbolic imagery in her art, activism, and fashion fostered an air of mystery that fed into her public persona: socially established yet colorfully exotic. Frida's standing as an upper-class woman of half-German descent serves as a perfect example of how sociocultural factors like class, race, and colorism use "socially acceptable" historical figures to address topics and themes that are tied to underrepresented communities. Much of what Frida embodied and became infamous for was from indigenous communities in Mexico that didn’t get the same amount of attention or respect.
Zach Bergren for Paloma
When beginning this project, I wanted to do so with the utmost respect in investigating the nuances of Frida's life and style while also being careful not to place her on a pedestal of untouchability. This series seeks to embody the material impact of Frida's legacy, such as her paintings and specific pieces of her wardrobe, to explore ideas of transition, rebirth, pain, beauty, sorrow, and solemn joy.
Zach Bergren for Paloma
The original conception of this series coincided with the beginning of my medical transition. That was an intentional choice. There is a raw honesty I wanted to imbue into this entire experience. I spent many nights combing through Frida's work and being overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of her lifelong struggle with pain — both physical and emotional. In building this connection with her, I began to understand just how similar our experiences were. Existing within the sorrow of not belonging and the beauty of Mexican womanhood has left me in a constant state of dissonance in which I never know if I'm good enough.
Zach Bergren for Paloma
This project is a reflection of my soul and internal struggles in a way that I think other trans women can relate to. I've imbued my essence into each of these four collections of photographs, and I'm so grateful to finally share them.
Thank you endlessly to Zach, Jazzmint, and Cara for being such understanding, kind, and patient collaborators; I came to each of you with a crazy idea and you all met it with even crazier tenacity—I love you all dearly. Thank you to my boyfriend, Julian, for holding my hand as I weeped, and laughed, and cried trying to figure this all out. And, most importantly, thank you to the Mexican women that raised me without whom I would not be here today.
Zach Bergren for Paloma
Y a mi Frida Kahlo…thank you for showing me that I am not alone in my solitude but rather anointed in the beautifully tumultuous essence of being a Mexicana.
Con amor,
Paloma
Photos: Zach Bergren for Paloma (Arranged for Out by Nikki Aye)
Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.
Latest Stories
All the 'Drag Race' queens on OnlyFans (& what they're showing)
July 23 2024 4:19 PM
38 LGBTQ+ celebs you can follow on OnlyFans
July 23 2024 2:33 PM
20 Steamy Pics of 'Drag Race' Pit Crew Members Around the World
July 11 2024 11:40 AM
15 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
July 09 2024 11:33 AM
26 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them
July 03 2024 4:21 PM
10 most-followed 'RuPaul's Drag Race' queens on Instagram
July 01 2024 3:35 PM
Breckenridge, Colorado’s 10-Mile Pride is an unexpected haven of queer joy
June 30 2024 10:36 PM
Here are all the out, LGBTQ+ 'Real Housewives' cast members
June 27 2024 3:26 PM
18 times male celebrities had to say they weren't gay
June 21 2024 2:58 PM
45 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
June 18 2024 4:45 PM
15 pics of 'Drag Race' pit crew member Calixto Quan to make you swoon
June 14 2024 4:02 PM
Buh-Bye! These 12 LGBTQ-inclusive shows are ending in 2024
June 13 2024 1:38 PM
20 steamy pictures of 'Bros' & Hallmark stud Luke Macfarlane
June 13 2024 12:53 PM
21 out & proud LGBTQ+ country artists you should be listening to
June 10 2024 11:59 AM
Here’s where Airbnb Gen Z-ers are celebrating Pride
June 06 2024 4:55 AM
39 male celebs who did full frontal scenes
June 05 2024 9:37 AM
These pics prove that Maluma is still our supreme thirst trap king
May 22 2024 6:29 PM
28 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
May 22 2024 5:21 PM
6 of Jonathan Groff's best (and most iconic) gay roles
May 14 2024 12:16 PM
'Looking' cast: Where are they now?
May 14 2024 10:14 AM