Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorah Saint James.
Hi Jorah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jorah Saint James and I am a writer, model, chef, and baker based in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been writing poetry for almost two decades, cooking and baking for just as long, and modeling for three. I am also a transgender man who began his transition at the age of twenty.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My life has certainly had its ups and downs. As a transgender individual, the process of finding oneself is long and arduous. Despite beginning my transition nearly eight years ago, I often feel as if I am still figuring out who I am. My identity is not immutable. It is fluid, dynamic, and I find great pride and beauty in the journey of self-actualization.
Writing, cooking, modeling: each of these endeavors comes with a unique set of challenges. How do I want to represent myself? What message(s) am I trying to send to the world? How can I remain true to myself, how can I wield my creativity, and produce meaningful work in the face of capitalism? These are questions that I ask myself every day and my answers are constantly changing. Ultimately I have found that if you open your heart to the world and really believe in what you do, the world will answer back in exactly the way that you need.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In terms of creative writing, I specialize in poetry. My poems are typically short-form, punchy, and acerbic. I mainly write about love, whether that be romantic love, platonic love, or even self-love. I am inspired by the pursuit of love, the actualization of love, even the loss of love. I believe that loving is the most human thing we do, and I aspire to harness the power of love within my work.
As a professional writer, my niche is ghostwriting and editing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters. I take great pride in helping people achieve their career goals, and helping them optimize their professional documents is a great way to put them on the path to success.
My modeling career, my journey, has been anything but linear. I have had the good fortune of representing some major brands, but I have also been very happy to help small businesses get off the ground. My favorite photoshoot that I have done was actually a personal project in collaboration with Steven Harwick, AKA “boundleatherzine.” The idea was to reimagine a vintage boudoir shoot through the lens of transgender pride. Each time that I look at the photos I am reminded of my power and my gratitude for being transgender. Find some of the selects here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctro9qnu3fI/?img_index=5
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is to remain true to myself even in the face of adversity. Sometimes it can be challenging to be a transgender individual in the modeling industry, but I have found that living and representing myself authentically has allowed me to create some very meaningful work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/delusionsofgender
Image Credits
Color Factory NYC, Kelsey Ann Rose
Nafisah Crumity
Steven Harwick (“boundleatherzine”)
The Phluid Project
Jorah Saint James (“The Green Pansy”)
Jorah Saint James (“The Green Pansy”)
Jorah Saint James (“The Green Pansy”)
Jorah Saint James (“The Green Pansy”)