Zooey Magazine’s feature As We Are, brought to you by editor-in-chief Lucia Tran and photographer Isaac Sterling, brings a raw and honest sight of both women and men. We accompany one simple portrait with a thought-provoking conversation to reveal truths about who we all are. We feature subjects from all walks of life, backgrounds, and professions, and also encourage readers to add their own dialogue through social media. 

The phrase “as we are” comes from Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Jane Eyre.” Jane proclaims her equality to her superior:

“Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart! I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal — as we are!” 

The three words recognize the boundaries between the two sexes, two different people, and demands equality. Because behind closed doors, we feel the same pain, love the same kind of love, and hope for the same kind future. All in all, As We Are encourages an honest dialogue, because honesty breaks down barriers and vulnerability builds communities. 

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Follow along on Instagram using the hashtag #ZooeyAsWeAre to share a snippet of yourself and your reality. 

*Logo by Cristina Martinez