Wearing cocktail attire in a lush forest, the six figures in Dinner Party appear out of place. Their body language produces a sense of alienation and unease, as one figure sends an uncomfortable sideways glance to the viewer as the others stand with their backs turned. The scene, which Hannah McBroom experienced at a recent family wedding, illustrates the familiar, uncomfortable tension felt in social settings when her gender identity becomes something needing explanation.

Much of McBroom’s practice centers around belonging—understanding how her body and those of other transgender people fit into a predominantly gender normative culture.