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Hilary

Mom to 2 incredible kids, fundraiser at Boston Children’s Hospital, artist & activist.

“I use my voice & our story to raise awareness for the rights of trans and non binary kids. I believe I carry a light in me, which allows others to feel safe being exactly who they are. I struggle with full, unabashed authenticity, with self-love and connection to my body. I disassociated with my body at a very young age, probably due to not having a “place” as a child. I spent nearly 40 years chasing a version of myself that I thought others wanted. At 40 I “woke up”, I decided I could acknowledge my past & work to make peace with it. This has looked like therapy, spiritual practice, meditation & anything that would get me closer to my true self. I worried for a long time that I’d never know true love. I now look around and see that I have more than most – my kids, my friends, my family – all seeing me & loving me for exactly who I am. I’d tell a 12 year old me to TELL SOMEONE, don’t live with those secrets. That she’s perfect in all ways & shines from the inside out. My son Felix is transgender. He came out 7 years ago. I saw how unhappy he was living as a girl & had to fight my own fears, my own risk of judgement, to do what it took to make sure that my son could live in his skin with security & love. While I can never fully understand his or others’ journey, I do know what it’s like to be told you should be anyone other than yourself. I’ve seen first-hand what releasing shame can do. I want my kids to live as boldly & unapologetically as they can. I feel most alive when advocating for others. Success to me is raising good kids. Happiness comes from honesty, self love, sunshine and spending time with those you love. Beauty is an inner light that shines out. My daughter Skylar is my light. She reminds me daily to love myself fully, because it’s all I want for her. In 10 years I hope to be somewhere warm, living fully without fear. I’m proud of my heart and that I’m stopping a cycle of trauma so that my kids can grow up differently. I value honesty, presence and kindness. I’m determined to live a life of Joy. I’m Hilary. I am love, I am light, and I love to help others.”

Hilary

Kristie Dean, Hilary, 2022. Digital Photograph. ©Kristie Dean. All rights reserved.

Kristie Dean & Denisha Fisher

artist website

@thesoulprojectstories
@DeFi__Studios

Kristie Dean (Photography)

Kristie is a professional photographer and mom of three from Stoughton, MA. She followed in the footsteps of her father and older brother, both long-time commercial photographers, and established her own photo business after graduating from Suffolk University in 2010. As a busy, working Mom with two-under-two, Kristie found herself feeling disconnected and lost. She found her purpose when she merged her passions for photography and storytelling to address the pressure and expectations placed on women by social media and society at every stage of their lives. Her long running documentary project, Soul Stories, began with the regular sharing of stories and portraits of everyday women as an intentional way to give other women support and hope. She is currently the director of the Soul Project, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which encompasses Soul Stories as well as provides additional services and support to women of all ages in the Massachusetts area. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in Positive Psychology and most importantly, raising her three young daughters Sunny, Penelope and Coco.

Denisha Fisher (Graphic Design)

Denisha is the current Graphic Designer for the Massachusetts General Hospital Photography Lab. Born in Boston, MA and raised in Springfield, MA, Denisha considers herself an applied artist, merging aesthetics and commercial practicality to educate her audience. She graduated Lesley University in 2021 with a degree in graphic design and minor in photography. She joined MGH in May 2022, interested in using her skills to communicate complex issues and topics from healthcare workers to the public in a more accessible way. She is currently working to build her social presence to pursue a career in teaching and promoting financial literacy.

The Soul Project

Other work from The Soul Project