Shua’s story 

Gender:  female

Sexuality:  trans

Pronouns: she/her

Home at time of shoot: District of Columbia

From:  The South

Cultural Background/Identity: Japanese

Shua’s story – from photographer’s perspective:  Shua initially came to D.C. to work in politics – a familiar starting point for many transplants to the city. But her story takes a path that’s less typical. While many either become disillusioned with the D.C. culture or get swept deeper into the grind of high-speed careers and ideological political agendas, Shua eventually migrated toward something different.  Raised in a southern state, she began her professional life working with politically conservative politicians and offices.  At the time I met her in the spring, life had led her to something radically different – opening Spark Social House with a partner, which stakes the claim to America’s first LGBTQ+ nonalcoholic bar and café. 

How did she go from working in conservative politics to ushering in one of D.C.’s most queer social hubs?  I won’t attempt to condense our deep conversation at the bar to tell the full story of Shua’s journey, but I listened as she spoke with openness about years of growth, transformation, and the ongoing search for a more authentic self.  It’s a journey without regret, one that honors each chapter: political beginnings, identity shifts, and personal awakenings.

At one point in recent years, Shua was preparing to accept another job that “definitely would have paid the bills,” but questioned whether it felt right.  Around the same time, a friend floated the idea for Spark Social House.  Shua was beginning to embrace her transgender identity more fully, and this felt like the right time for shifting directions.

Throughout our conversation, Shua spoke with love for her queer communities in D.C., as well as frustration – particularly with performative activism in elite circles that doesn’t always transform into real change.  As I circled back to Spark again at the end of a 10 day trip to D.C., I saw the difference she was making in real time.  Their intentionally created safe space has a quiet electricity, serving solo visitors immersed in laptops, queer couples giggling together in a softly lit lounge… a secluded patio full of femmes and thems dancing to mellow DJ beats.  

In the middle of it all, Shua carved out a few minutes for some quick photos – exhausted after a weekend of events, but finding joy in continually taking risks to be herself and build community.   Since then, Shua has moved onto yet another chapter of life, a chapter seeking more safety and new beginnings in our volatile political climate.  Queer advocacy and community building is not all rainbows and joy, and we each need to do what we can to protect our peace, while still continuing to be visible and share our stories.  Thank you to Shua and everyone else who is part of this project, for continuing to be visible in different ways.