this performance was a reaction to the previous work, we have kept our secret long enough. i was walking alone at night and realized that it would be good to walk with someone too. i came up with the idea of having a walking partner to do a collaborative night walk series.

baby, i have your back is a performance about embracing femininity and walking in public spaces at night collaboratively. the goal is to highlight the complexities faced by women and feminine-presenting people in public spaces, and to share these experiences with trans women, women, feminine-presenting people, and locals. from march 2024, my team (max oosterholt–walking partner, aline papenheim–photographer, and myself) have been getting ready in many locations in the netherlands. we conducted walks in public spaces, documented the experiences, and reflected on the transformations. our walks have taken place in eindhoven, amsterdam, rotterdam, and the hague, almost all at night.

each walk involves a getting-ready routine with makeup, accessories, and costumes (see photos of the process documented by aline). we have talked about questions that help tap into a more feminine side. these processes are documented, and mantras are written on notes placed in costume pockets. we have completed eight walks and a self-defense class.