Arja Heinonen Riganas and Tassos Spetsieris Street Photography ''PROJECT'' at Athens Pride 2023

Arja Heinonen Riganas and Tassos Spetsieris Street Photographers at Athens Pride 2023

“Once upon a time… I was called by my name. I could introduce myself without hesitation, show my identity wherever I wanted, and was referred to by the correct pronouns and gendered words.

Once upon a time... my relationship could be recognized. The choice was mine alone and was not about my gender identity, gender or expression. Because I could have children, marriage, and family as I imagined and not as defined by others.

@Arja Heinonen Riganas Moments Collective Official Member

@Tassos Spetsieris Moments Collective Art Director

Once upon a time… it was me. I could and did exist exactly as I wanted, doctors didn't interfere with my body without my permission, I never hid in the back of a closet, and neither did my physicality, my gender, or the people I loved have anything to do with my worth.

Once upon a time… I survived. I wasn't forced out of a world that never made room for me. I wore whatever I wanted, went wherever I wanted, and came back whenever I wanted. The murder, suicide and bullying rates were no higher for people like me.

@Arja Heinonen Riganas Moments Collective Official Member

@Tassos Spetsieris Moments Collective Art Director

Once upon a time... I wasn't afraid. I was not afraid to exist, to be happy, to live. I wasn't afraid to be me."

As always, this particular tale is read in closed closets, written in hidden diaries and confided in nowhere… until now. Why now... Fairytales are over