The Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix
Introdution
Every time transgender issues are brought up in Taiwan, someone is always eager to ask: “But what about the hot springs?”
Bathing practices have a long human history, with the public baths in ancient Rome being one of its most recognizable examples.
The person depicted in this image, Chiang Shu-Hung, is non-binary. Here, she embodies the “Roman Bath Gladiatrix,” standing in a bathtub and fearlessly protecting every transgender and non-binary person who has ever felt uncomfortable in hot springs, locker rooms, and other gender-binary spaces.
When even enjoying a soak in the hot springs becomes a war over gender, she becomes the guardian of the public bath.
If one day you feel afraid because of your body in a public bath, mutter under your breath:
“Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix.”
May you fear nothing from here on.
Comment From the Judge :
LAI, Francisca Yuen-Ki
When visiting the hot springs becomes a gender war—how true this is to the everyday lives of transgender people!
Although the artist was unable to (legally) photograph inside an actual bathhouse, their placement of this Roman Bath Gladiatrix in a bathtub, together with her pose and expression, creates a powerful image. The striking title and text further convey a sense of fearlessness.
As someone who often feels uncomfortable in gender-binary spaces, I have this warm feeling when looking at The Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix.