The Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix

Introdution

Whenever transgender issues are discussed, someone is always eager to ask: “But what about transgender people going to hot springs?”

Human bathing culture has a long history, and the public baths of ancient Rome have become one of its most recognizable historical symbols.

The person in the image, Chiang Shu-Hung, is non-binary. Here, they become the “Roman Bath Gladiatrix,” standing in a bathtub and fearlessly protecting every transgender and non-binary person who has ever felt uncomfortable in baths, changing rooms, and other gender-binary spaces.

When going to a hot spring becomes a gender war, she becomes the guardian of the bath.

If one day you feel afraid because of your body and gender while taking a bath, quietly say to yourself:

“Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix.”

May you immediately become fearless.

Comment From the Judge :
LAI, Francisca Yuen-Ki

“When going to a hot spring becomes a gender war”—how true this is to the everyday lives of transgender people.

Although the artist was unable to photograph the work in an actual bathhouse, placing the 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 felt a sense of warmth when I saw The Namo Roman Bath Gladiatrix.