PORTLAND OR Queer Photographer
How long have you two been together and how/when did you first meet?
Hi we’re Xanthe (She/Her) and August (They/Them). We have been together for 11 years. We met online through Facebook when we were freshmen at UNR. We spent months on Skype getting to know each other over the summer until I bought a spontaneous ticket to Las Vegas to meet Xanthe in person. She moved back to Reno 2 weeks later and have been inseparable since. We were both Psychology majors and happened to sign up for the same class without knowing our sophomore year.
What do you two spend your time & energy on outside of work?
Trying out new restaurants, watching a new series on TV, spending time with our dogs, and taking spontaneous trips.
If you had to explain to a 10 year old what you spend your time doing for work…what would you say?
August helps people talk about their feelings and Xanthe helps people get the best healthcare.
Tell us a little bit about the journals! What prompted you to design them? What is your hope for people who use them?
My best friend and I are both licensed marriage and family therapists. We realized MANY clients come to us because they need help but sometimes it takes months to help one client build the necessary skills to process difficult life experiences. We built these these journals because we want every one to have access to mental health skills and theories without having to go to therapy. We encourage everyone to find a therapist who fits their needs but we both know the mental health healers in the world are understaffed and we are burnt out. So we hope AllMinds will create a community that is excited and hopeful to start their healing journey. These journals are just the beginning! .
View journals HERE. Stay in touch with us on social: IG
What was your coming out experience like and do you have any advice for those exploring their gender IDENTITY?
Xanthe- I was raised Catholic in a traditional Hispanic household. When I originally came out as bisexual to my mom in high school, it was unacceptable, and was shamed for it. I thought I would never bring it up again but after being with August for a year, my mom had an idea I was dating August and forced me to come out again. She was initially tolerant, but August's mom helped her change her perspective, and now she is fully accepting. August- I was 17 when I came out and my family was overall accepting of my sexuality. I found it to be more difficult when I started experimenting with pronouns, name changes, and my wardrobe. I get deadnamed and misgendered constantly. It is difficult to be Mexican, Non-binary, and Queer because there's not a lot of inclusive language in Spanish. Unfortunately, people just don't get it or care to. It's been extremely hard to explore my gender identity but I wouldn't have done it any other way. I know I still have so many people to meet who are like me and I can't wait to see what they've done to get through their exploration. I also created "The Gender" journal because I want every gender-diverse person out there to have a place where they can explore freely, privately, and at their own pace.
How would you like to see the world differently in your lifetime?
Xanthe- I would like to see a world where compassion and understanding replace criticism and hatred both within ourselves and for others. August- I truly believe healing is a collective power. How to do we heal? Vulnerability. I believe if we show our true selves more often to the people around us we can create a safe place. Many people don't feel safe right now. Ask yourself what you need to feel safe and do 2 things: First, tell those closest to you what you need and how they can provide it for you and two, ask others how YOU can make them feel safe and then do it. Don't make excuses. Just do it. We all want a safer world.
Why did you decide to work with Steph & what was the experience like?
Xanthe- I stumbled upon Steph's Instagram many years ago while daydreaming about my future wedding with August and having an LGBT photographer there to capture our day. I loved Steph's work and followed her page for many years and felt very connected to her as she shared raw and vulnerable moments in her life. Fast forward to September 2024, right after August and I moved to Portland, we attended a wine event at our apartment complex that Steph also happened to be at. After a few quick introductions, I realized it was her, and it immediately felt like our paths were meant to cross. Every interaction we've had with Steph has been effortless, and we've connected deeply in the short amount of time we've known each other. August- met Steph at our wine event and it felt like everything just clicked. Steph is so funny, witty, and thoughtful. She truly feels like a friend that we've had for a very long time. Did we mention that the 3 of us each have a little chihuahua who adores and will protect us with every little tooth they have? Yeah, it was meant to be. We love you Steph!
