Jack
“To sit in the barber’s chair as myself, confidently, in a body that feels the strongest it has in a long time, was powerful. It may not match the stereotypical image of fitness, but it’s mine. A body that runs marathons, that carries me forward, and that finally feels like home.
Nine years ago, I walked into a barbershop for what turned out to be my first gender-affirming haircut. I expected the space to feel intimidating and uninclusive, but it became one of the safest. I’ve been with the same barbers ever since, and they’ve seen me through every stage of my transition, every haircut another step toward becoming myself.
This shoot brought all of that full circle. Not just looking like myself, but living it, strong, authentic, and on my own terms.”
Jack
Jack (he/him) is a trans man, fitness instructor, and runner based in Canterbury. He works in rehab and personal training, supporting older adults and people recovering from strokes and heart conditions to rediscover joy in movement. Alongside his work in fitness, he is also an artist and a brother, committed to building more inclusive spaces.
For Jack, being queer means living authentically, embracing community, and creating space for others to do the same. A defining moment for him was completing the Brighton Marathon, an experience that affirmed the connection between his body and identity.
He expresses himself through movement, which grounds him, and through style, where (post-top surgery) he has felt free to explore more feminine elements while secure in his masculinity. His presence is shaped by a desire to make fitness spaces more welcoming, particularly for trans people.
His message to queer youth is clear:
You don’t need to wait for permission or shrink yourself to fit in. You’re not too much, or too late. There’s space for you exactly as you are.
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.