Please don’t tell my boyfriend, but I’m in love with another man. It all started during this year’s trans march when I went down to try and grab a quick interview with Aydian Dowling, this year’s International Grand Marshal. If you don’t know who Aydian is, a quick Google image search will get you all the eye candy you need but behind his perfect packaging is a brave activist that is living one of the most honest and fearless lives imaginable. When I caught up with Aydian he spoke to me briefly about his experience at this year’s March, and in the few moments with him I was reminded of how often I am uncomfortable in my own skin, and so I crave times like these when I get a reminder that I can choose something else. Thank you Aydian for being you, it makes being me that much easier.

Photos of Aydian Dowling by Jason Robert Ballard

About the Author

Raymond Helkio is an author, director filmmaker, and graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design. He currently lives in both Toronto and New York. His most recent play, LEDUC, is now available in paperback. www.raymondhelkio.com