---
title: "To Survive on This Shore: The Experiences of Older Trans and Gender Nonconforming People"
date: 2026-05-06T12:49:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/experiences-older-trans-gnc-people"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# To Survive on This Shore: The Experiences of Older Trans and Gender Nonconforming People

Photographs and interviews in "To Survive on This Shore" portray the joyful and difficult lived experiences of older transgender adults in the U.S.

In 2012, artist Jess T. Dugan and social worker Vanessa Fabbre began collaborating on a project that drew from their work with and in trans communities. They observed that authentic representations of older transgender people are almost invisible in our society. Dugan and Fabbre created "To Survive on This Shore" (2013-2018) to portray diverse trans people and to testify to their struggles and joys as they age -- including how they survive and resist despite social stigma and hostility. They hope that these nuanced portraits can inspire the next generation of trans people.

To view the full project, visit [To Survive on This Shore](https://www.jessdugan.com/to-survive-on-this-shore)

> Many times, we showed up as strangers but were nonetheless welcomed into people’s homes and told intimate stories about their lives. The process of interviewing and photographing each person was often emotionally intense, and we have stayed in close touch with many of the participants.

[Read the full article ](https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/survive-on-this-shore)

SOURCE: Refinery29 • AUTHOR: Joanna Cresswell • LAST UPDATED: September 19, 2019

![A lighter-skinned Black woman sits on a red couch in red pants and a white tank top](data:image/png;base64,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) "Tyra, 64, Milwaukee, WI, 2015," from "[To Survive on This Shore: Photographs and Interviews with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Older Adults](https://www.jessdugan.com/to-survive-on-this-shore)" by Jess T. Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ growing older](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/growing-older)
- [ lgbtqia+ aging](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/lgbtqia-aging)
- [aging](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/aging)
- [trans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans)
- [artistic expression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/artistic-expression)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [non-binary](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/non-binary)
- [gender fluidity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/gender-fluid)
- [genderqueer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/genderqueer)
- [sexism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexism)
- [gender expansive](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/gender-expansive)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesListen

## Trans Sexualities: A Conversation with Lucie Fielding

In this podcast interview, Lucie Fielding talks about trans sex and sexuality.

![Pexels armin rimoldi 5304057 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this podcast interview, Lucie Fielding talks about trans sex and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/gender-stories-trans-sexualities-a-conversation-with-lucie-fielding)

[ResourcesWatch

## House of Tulip: On Life as a Black Trans Woman

How can housing help eliminate violence? This brief documentary highlights the community organizing by the House of Tulip, a safe house in Louisiana for trans and gender non-conforming people.

![A screenshot from the House of Tulip documentary of a protest for trans lives in New Orleans, Louisiana](data:image/png;base64,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)

How can housing help eliminate violence? This brief documentary highlights the community organizing by the House of Tulip, a safe house in Louisiana for trans and gender non-conforming people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/house-of-tulip-on-life-as-a-black-trans-woman)

[ResourcesRead

## Honoring Musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland, an older Black transgender man, is finally receiving his due.

![Beverly Glenn Copeland](data:image/png;base64,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)

Musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland, an older Black transgender man, is finally receiving his due.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/honoring-musician-beverly-glenn-copeland)

[ResourcesRead

## Transgender Women and Menopause

This article addresses how trans women relate to menopause and the importance of trans inclusive health care.

![Pexels rodnae productions 6539878 e1670012717233 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article addresses how trans women relate to menopause and the importance of trans inclusive health care.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/transgender-women-and-menopause)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## The Missing Vagina Monologue

Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.

![An image of Esther Morris Leidolf](data:image/png;base64,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)

Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/the-missing-vagina-monologue)

[Where We StandRead

## Why We Say Women and Gender-Expansive People

Our Bodies Ourselves remains deeply woman-centered, while welcoming people with gender identities or expressions other than “woman” who also use our resources.

![Two women are standing under a rainbow umbrella, smiling and laughing.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves remains deeply woman-centered, while welcoming people with gender identities or expressions other than “woman” who also use our resources.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-women-and-gender-expansive-people)

[ResourcesRead

## How a Positive Mindset around Aging Can Transform Your Life

A positive attitude about aging can lead to a longer, healthier life, but many older people face real obstacles to happiness, as this source notes.

![Pexels rodnae productions older black woman meditating scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A positive attitude about aging can lead to a longer, healthier life, but many older people face real obstacles to happiness, as this source notes.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-a-positive-mindset-aroung-aging-can-transform-your-life)

[ResourcesRead

## Trans and Genderqueer Menstruation

A small collection of comics about trans and nonbinary people navigating menstruation.

![Open comic book on wooden table](data:image/png;base64,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)

A small collection of comics about trans and nonbinary people navigating menstruation.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/comics-navigating-the-binary-)