Az Franco, 26 (he/him), is a trans gender-queer multi-disciplinary creative from the UK.
Az is an artist, activist, writer, model, illustrator and editor signed to Zebedee Talent Agency and Contact Creatives.
Since graduating with a degree in Psychology from The University of Brighton in 2019, Az has been building his reputation within the LGBTQ+ activism community. Az gives talks on intersectionality, gender identity, inclusivity & mental health. At the end of 2021 Az spoke with Freeda about his experiences as a trans masculine person, for their "Being Me" series and was invited back for their "Coming Out" series in 2022.
Az is an experienced writer who has written for a number of major publications including his recent work with Lucy & Yak - Guest Writer for Pride Month 2023, Huffington Post & Feminist. Az is a weekly writer for Impact (September 2021-present) and has since celebrated with the team winning the 2022 Shorty Award and Audience Honour Award and multiple nominations for The Webby Awards best of the internet.
Az regularly gives interviews for publications, podcasts and magazines, most recently speaking with Injection Magazine (June 2023) about accessibility at pride.
In July 2023 Az founded Trans Protest UK, the central platform for all UK trans rights protests, pride marches and demonstrations.
Az is a professional model, having worked and featured with many established clients including Photo Vogue, Pride In London, Fujifilm, Getty Images, Sephora, Lucy & Yak, Coppafeel! Doc Martens & Noctis Magazine. Az is experienced on the runway and in front of the camera. He has also completed a number of personal projects including a photo series entitled ‘My Story’ with Kristina Varaksina. View the full story here.
One of these photographs was shortlisted in 2022 Portrait Of Britain, by The British Journal Of Photography and published on Hardback. available via Hoxton Mini Press (January 2023.)
Az has also got experience working on commercial sets, having recently worked on global adverts with Wise (‘Take On The World’) and Lipton Iced Tea
Az is an artist & illustrator.
Through colour, space, shape and texture, Az explores all that encompasses his self, with honesty and individuality. Seeking to intrigue the viewer and invite questions, all while telling a story of his past and present experiences.
At the end of 2022 Az took on the role of Contributing Editor for the first Feminist x WeTransfer ZINE in which his art work was published amongst some of the worlds leading changemakers. Free download HERE.
At the beginning of 2023 Az started working as an illustrator for Organisation My Genderation.
From a young age Az has relied on art as both a creative outlet and a coping mechanism. As a neurodivergent person living with multiple mental health illnesses, Az has always found creative processes necessary for his self-development and preservation.
Az has experience in leading online workshops, a highlight being designing & facilitating a 7-day Discord Wellness Journey based around Euphoria and Connectedness with For Them in June & September 2022 and Zine Making workshops with Trans Sober in 2023.
He also writes and designs regular educational and affirmative infographic content for his social platforms to help support the wider LGBTQ+ community and educate on the importance of gender inclusivity.
Az is a musician & artist who has spent the past 12 years writing and playing original music.
Az has worked as an amatur photographer, director and filmmaker with experience in editing. He creates short form TikTok & Reel content regularly for both his own social platforms and a number of major online publications (Impact: 2.5M) (Feminist: 6.5M).
Az runs an online store selling his art & activism on various t-shirts, prints and stickers at LTD times throughout the year. At the start of 2022 he worked with Philadelphia Printworks to create a benefit T-shirt for Trans Week of Visibility with 20% of proceeds going to PFLAG National which sold out.
Az continues to fight for transgender rights and representation through the work he does. And to affirm others in their LGBTQ+ identities.
His goal: to break down the binary.
And help to build a safer and more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ people to thrive in.
HIGHLIGHTS & PRESS HERE
AZ FRANCO 