FAQ.

FAQ.

How does it work?

Each year in the spring, a group of trans people are chosen as models through an application and selection process. We have our own team of trans identified photographers who are then matched up with models for photo shoots. Although we are based primarily out of Toronto and Montreal, we photograph people from across North America. The way this is accomplished changes yearly and is organized on a case by case basis. Typically it involves travel for either the photographer, model or both.

How do I get involved?

There are several different ways to become involved in the trans calendar project. Official project members are involved in one of two ways- as a model, or as an artist. All project members must self identify as trans*. Allies of our project, both trans and non-trans, have been involved unofficially in various ways including hosting us on our travels, assisting us on photo shoots and helping us pack envelopes. Allies are an essential part of our project.

We accept new project members once annually in the spring. Each year, we take on a completely new group of models who are chosen by the previous year’s group. We accept applications from across North America. Announcements about the process of applying to be involved are typically released in early February. This will include details about the requirements and expectations and how to submit your application.

Applying as an artist happens at the same time as all other applications, however the amount and type of position openings will vary based on project needs. Artists can apply either as a photographer, illustrator or designer. We try to keep our team close enough to each other geographically that they can easily interact in person. Currently most of our artists reside in Toronto, with one in Montreal and one in California. Any project openings and details about applying will be released in early February. 

What does becoming a project member involve?

By becoming a project member of TCP, you will be signing up for more than just a photo shoot. Portrait sessions are just a small part of what project involvement entails. When applications are released, we provide an outline of the minimum requirements for involvement. These change every year as the project grows. 

This is a community project, and our goal is to have everyone actively involved in shaping the outcome and making it a success. We hope that the calendar will change to reflect the unique qualities of each year’s project members and the evolving needs of our communities. Above all, our ideal project member is passionate about our mission and is enthusiastic about being involved above the minimum requirements. This means sharing and listening to ideas, and contributing in order to bring them to fruition. On top of this, you must be comfortable with openly sharing your story and becoming a public figure for the trans community. 

What kinds of models do you look for? Is it based on appearance?

Our calendar is not about portraying people who conform to superficial and narrow western standards of beauty. There are plenty of other calendars out there that fill this roll. Ours is about representing a diversity of real trans people. It is only based on appearance in the sense that we hope to represent people who come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Diversity is beautiful.

Do I need to have a YouTube channel in order to be involved?

During the pilot year of this project, involvement required members to be active vloggers on youtube. This was primarily because it was originally intended for viewers of those channels (see project history for more information). In our second year, we detached the project from any affiliation with youtube and opened it up to a much wider community. Although being a vlogger is not a requirement, involvement as a project member does call for an appearance in at least one video on our project channel. We look for people who are comfortable with sharing their stories and images publicly to some degree. 

How are you funded? Where do the profits go?

We are funded primarily through pre-sales of calendars and other perks during an annual crowd funding campaign launched in September. You can see a break down of where every dollar goes on the crowd funding page. We are non for profit, which means all surplus revenue generated is used towards our project goals rather than as profit. Fifty percent is distributed amongst project members who need help financing their transitions (surgeries, hormones, laser or electrolysis, legal name and gender marker changes, binders, etc). The other fifty percent is put directly back into the project to cover operating expenses, marketing, etc.

Do you screen people who need transition funding?  

No. The fundraising portion of our project is built on trust and mutual respect. If someone says they need transition help, we take their word for it. We will not ask them what they plan to use the money for, or police their use of funding dollars. We also do not release information about which project members receive funding, unless they choose to share it themselves. 

Any additional questions that weren't answered here? E-mail us or message us via our social media and we will get back to you as soon as possible.