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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Gender not specified, 2010

by John McRae

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 Finalist

Norrie May-Welby made history by becoming the first person in the world to officially be declared neither a man nor a woman, making Australia the first country in the world to recognise a 'non-specified' gender. This is a simple, unsophisticated portrait, no make-up, no glamorous touches. Norrie confronts the lens with a confident sense of self, unconcerned by what the viewer may bring to the image.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2011

Other NPPP photos from John McRae

Portrait of a young Aussie, Matuse Peace, 2016 by John McRae
2017 Finalist
Glitter and colour on the streets of Erskineville, 2015 by John McRae
2016 Finalist
Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, 2011 by John McRae
2012 People's Choice Award
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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