Hello! My name is Tonal and, I am fascinated by big blue waves, the diverse variations of green that can exist in one space, and my salt-and-pepper fur baby who keeps me on my toes. 

Photography is my second career, and my experience in grant writing, program management, and advising enhances my ability to plan, execute, and manage photography projects with strategic insight and organizational precision.

 When I am not diving into my own projects I am a visual contributor for Sixty Inches From Center, occasional writer, and provide freelance photography for The Triibe. Additionally, I explore storytelling and art archival through audio interviews whenever I have the capacity.

Want to skip the formalities and just read my bio? ↓

Tonal (tuh-nawl) Simmons

What would it mean for Queerness, Transness, and gender non-conformity to exist beyond what mainstream media portrays?

Through portraiture, Tonal (tuh-nawl) Simmons creates spaces where Black Queer and Trans individuals are celebrated and seen. As a non-binary artist, they are drawn to the intersection of Queerness, Transness, and Black personhood. Born of the Midwest, you will see nature, deep hues, and long gazes in their work, revealing the multifaceted reality of identity and environment. They are particularly drawn to the interplay between gender expression and the natural world.

They are deeply fascinated by how gender expression and community intertwined with elements of nature tell stories of Black liberation through the lens of queerhood.