They/Them Project is an ongoing portrait and interview series documenting the lived experiences of gender nonconforming and Trans+ individuals. Each participant shares their story in their own words. The photography is mine. The voice is theirs.
Recorded Conversation
Teaser
Full Conversation
About
Name: CM Phillipe Cunningham
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Conversation
Q: First Trans male POC in public office, what now?
A: I’m so honored to be amongst trailblazers as a “first,” and also my work as a public servant extends far beyond my election. My work as the City Council member representing the 4th Ward in North Minneapolis is focused on building wealth and harmony in my community. Community wealth is equitable access for the folks who already call the Northside home to attainable housing, livable/high-wage jobs with career growth opportunities, shared assets like small businesses and public spaces, environmental justice, achieving racial and geographic equity, health and wellness, and more. I am fighting with my all to make this a reality in North Minneapolis. My hope for what’s next is that making history with my election is just the beginning of my legacy of systems change, repairing the institutionalized harm caused to my community, and building our shared vision of a Northside in which all can thrive. Listen to my full podcast interview at TheyThemProject.org.
Episode Info
In this episode of They/Them Project Podcast by Brent Dundore, I had the pleasure to interview Council Member Phillipe Cunningham, the city council person for Minneapolis Ward 4 who is the first openly transgender man of color to be elected to public office in the United States. We talk about the opening gallery for the project where Phillipe spoke, and what it meant even for him to be in a space where he could give the full description of his own gender identity. Phillipe speaks about how he chooses to "simplify his gender for public consumption" in public life. Later going on to give a personal story of his own mother "having to transition with him," mourning the life of once having a daughter and now having a son. EXPERIENCE THE ENTIRE PROJECT AT: TheyThemProject.org.
Part of the ongoing They/Them Project exploring identity, language, and visibility.
