Transition
Dakota Raynes, 27, is a senior at the University of Missouri, a teaching assistant for the Social Inequalities class, a McNair Scholar, a father of a seven year-old girl, a self-proclaimed hippie and a transgender. Raynes, born Lieselotte Lorene Harvel to Jehovah’s Witness parents, has been transitioning for over three years now, taking testosterone and using a compression vest to appear more masculine. Raynes has faced much opposition while transitioning, most notably when losing custody of his daughter, Lily, a year ago after the judge deemed him unworthy of parenthood, saying, “If this person doesn’t even know what sex they are, how can they raise a child?” This piece takes an inward look at the day-to-day life of a transgender, from everyday activities to judgment and oppression.
*CLICK ON THE PICTURE AT LEFT TO SEE AN AUDIO SLIDESHOW.
In and Out…
Miles Ellington, 21 year-old, is a tenant of a apartment next door to a shelter for homeless teenagers where he used to live. Mile’s house is a place where many different stories are told. He lives by himself officially, but, in actuality, he has six or more roommates—Joe, Josh, Mary, B.B, and Aaron coming in and out. Most of them are homeless people. Miles offers one of his couches to people who need to stay. Miles gets along with them, except when Miles invites his lady friend. The age range in Miles’ house spans from mostly teenagers to a few in their late forties. Miles pays $50 a month for a one-bedroom apartment with the assistance of the government. The “couch mates” do not pay rent at all, However, Joe gives Miles a ride when needed, while the others offer whatever they have available. Joe bought a 2009 Mustang after receiving money from the National Guard. Miles hopes that he could also join the army someday. Although it seems that there are no rules, All the “couch mates” have their own responsibilities in the apartment.
Music, “Looking inside myself”, used on this project, was made by Miles and his “couch mates.”
*Click on the picture above to see an audio slideshow.To see more of Truth Leem’s work, go to: truthleem.com
The Philosopher’s Life
Sara Chant is a philosophy professor at the University of Missouri - Columbia, and shares a close relationship with her five great danes. “It feels like having other people around,” said Chant. She spends $240 a month on dog food and has specifically designed her home to have lots of open space and several leather couches for her dogs.
*CLICK ON THE PICTURE AT LEFT TO SEE AN AUDIO SLIDESHOW.