Kristel Penn Featured in Dave Naz's 'Identity: In & Beyond the Binary'

Kristel Penn Featured in Dave Naz's 'Identity: In & Beyond the Binary'

LOS ANGELES — Grooby’s award-winning marketer, LGBTQ advocate and 2017 XBIZ Brand Ambassador of the Year Kristel Penn appears in photographer Dave Naz’s upcoming book, "Identity: In & Beyond the Binary," now available for purchase at DaveNaz.com and Amazon.com.

“This is my second time working with Dave. In his first book, 'Genderqueer and Other Gender Identities,' he took some really beautiful photos of me,” Penn said. “I’m not a performer or celebrity, so that was the first time anyone professionally photographed me. It was empowering and validating, especially as someone who spent most of their life being harassed for my appearance and gender expression. For his new book, 'Identity,' Dave took another great set of photos and also generously allowed me to contribute a personal essay. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me.”

In addition to the stunning black and white photos of Penn shot locally by Naz, she has an essay titled “Nameless” included, which candidly discusses her experience being bullied as a closeted teenager in Hawaii.  

“Kristel's personal story about her identity, labels and her experience growing up is an important one,” stated Naz. “She writes about the power of telling a story and the difference it can make. I'm happy she shared hers in this book.”

“I participated in Dan Savage’s book, 'It Gets Better,' years ago and although I was very grateful for the opportunity back then, I felt it represented a very specific time in my life that I no longer I identify with,” added Penn. “Dave’s new book is the perfect summation of my intersectionality, and I hope readers will also identify with my journey.”

"Identity: In & Beyond the Binary" was first created as Naz’s community zine, "Identity." Naz spent eight years photographing transgender, genderqueer, gender variant and queer community as a way to share their lives and stories with the world. Visit DaveNaz.com for more information and to purchase his latest books.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Tiffani Time Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Rising Clip Creator Tiffani Time stars with her husband Benfit and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Karmen Karma Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Karmen Karma stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Long Time Cumming."

Cubbi Thompson Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Cubbi Thompson has made her Jules Jordan debut alongside Lexington Steele in the studio's latest release.

Seth Gamble Drops Trailer for Upcoming Feature 'Once Upon a Time in the Valley'

Multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble has released the trailer for his upcoming Wicked Pictures feature, "Once Upon a Time in the Valley."

Ryan Reid Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Ryan Reid stars with Damon Dice in “A Day in the Life,” from Brazzers.

Andylynn Payne Toplines Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active 30'

Andylynn Payne headlines director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active 30” from Evil Angel.

Violet Myers, Megan Faith Star in Latest From Slayed

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Megan Faith in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Coco Bae Returns to Brazzers

Coco Bae stars with Danny D. in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “The Cock Collector.”

Penthouse Names Kira Shine June's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Kira Shine as Pet of the Month for June.

Jade Greene Makes Her Reality Kings Debut

Jade Greene has made her Reality Kings debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in "Ski Boat Skeet."

Show More