Ray of Light
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Karlynne Wintels
Team Eisert
For many young people struggling with their gender identity, arriving as a freshman at a small Midwestern university can be a daunting experience. Ray, 20, (he/they) is a young yet focused and hardworking transgender man who made it his personal objective to create a safe space that he still doesn’t always have himself. Coming from a more traditional Missouri family and attending Northwest Missouri State University, a rural, agricultural-focused university in Maryville, Mo., he often feels judged and rejected. This leads to a continual struggle over how openly “out” he can be, depending on where he is and who he is with.
Yet, as president of several student clubs and mentor to younger students, he’s focused on connecting students from the LGBTQ+ community, preparing for his goal in life after college life of becoming a diversity advocate. Ray is a maximalist human being; his student apartment is filled with colorful expressions of his passions and interests which is a contrast to the sterile university classes and social spaces. His striking denim vest that he transformed into something deeply personal. It serves as armor against people he feels he needs to keep at an arm’s length. At the same time, it acts as a signal to those looking for connection: a small, visible indication that they have found an accepting space, someone who understands, and a place where they can belong.
Ray (20, He/ They) attends class at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. Ray juggles student life, presiding over several student clubs and a long distance relationship.
Ray wears a binder to feel comfortable in his skin, despite his ribs hurting at the end of the day after wearing one. He is still contemplating if and when he will undergo gender-affirming surgery.
Dressed in his signature vest, Ray’s personal style is a reflection of his colorful character.
Ray’s denim vest is painstakingly self-made and deeply personal. Badges are stitched on by hand for an authentic look and to ensure they can be easily replaced.
As a criminology major achieving strong academic results, the president of two student clubs and a mentor to two first year students, Ray always finds himself running in between his apartment and academic buildings.
Ray kicks off the weekly LGBTQ+ student club meeting, his fellow students listening attentively. He is a respected friend and leader for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
Ray applies make-up in his one-bedroom student apartment near campus. Matching his mood, style and time schedule, Ray takes pride in wearing colorful and expressive makeup.
The Furries, people identifying as animals, meet on Thursday evenings in the Fine Art building on campus. With limited other opportunities for places to meet, the group finds fun and camaraderie in a classroom.
Ray sits in his favorite purple chair in his apartment. Ray has a busy schedule, so his apartment is a safe and calm space to relax, study or have video calls with his boyfriend who lives in New York.
Ray faces early signs of arthritis and struggles with pains in his legs. But despite the many challenges facing him, he keeps his head up and carries on.
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