Trans Women Are Women poster

This poster features a powerful and positive image of a Māori trans woman smiling at the viewer with the message 'Trans Women Are Women'. A trans woman refers to a woman who was assigned male at birth (https://genderminorities.com/database/glossary-transgender/).

Along with other transgender diversity posters, it was first seen pasted up in Wellington city streets in 2018. The illustration is by the artist known as Ariki Arts. Taupuruariki (Ariki) Brightwell (Rongowhakaata, Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare, Raukawa, Rangitāne, Tahiti) works in graphic design, animation and film, and identifies as wahine. Her work is influenced by sci-fi, fantasy and Japanese manga.

The poster is one of eight published by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, which is a cross-cultural and transgender-led organisation, assisting and advocating for transgender, intersex and takatāpui people. The posters aim to help break down the isolation trans people can feel, particularly in smaller centres, and have been displayed from Invercargill to Whangārei.

Posters are a traditional method of advertising, but posters in the street are not easily ignored, and can catch the eye of people who may not be aware of trans people and issues around representation and prejudice in their communities. Such messaging can also gain acceptance and traction when displayed on authorised hoardings.