It’s easy to look at a person, or a particular group of people who are different to us, and judge them from the outside. We live in a world that is more divided than ever, where political and media rhetoric has become a convenient tool for “othering” people in a way that can be harmful or dangerous.
Many of us are tired of this, and are searching for ways to build bridges, instead of walls. A new portrait series and book by photographer Michele Zousmer, an award-winning humanitarian photographer who has spent her career advocating for marginalized groups, is once again renewing our faith in humanity through her incredible work.
For over six years, photographer Michele Zousmer was welcomed into the Irish Traveller community while she photographed, built friendships, and learned about this unique group of people. The resulting book, ‘Mis[s]Understood’ (Daylight Books, November, 2024), looks at the population as a whole but particularly focuses on the role of females within the culture. Michele captures the pride and tenacity of this marginalized community and the daily life struggles and discrimination that the Irish Traveller people endure in Ireland.
The Irish Travellers are different from the Roma Gypsies; genetic testing has shown that they are a distinct ethnic culture dating back to the 16th century. They have their own dialect, strong cultural traditions of large families, gender roles, and deep Catholic faith. In Ireland, they experience challenges obtaining housing, jobs, and good education and are systemically targeted politically and socially. Many still live without the basics – running water, electricity, and proper bathrooms.
A new generation of Traveller girls is working to shift this negative stereotyping and is demanding respect and dignity in a way that Zousmer found inspiring and optimistic. Her photographs show the range of both sides, as well as glimpses of daily life within the families.
The photographs are accompanied by quotes from the subjects themselves, which provides a deeper and more authentic insight into the culture. One mother reflects on her hopes for her children, also reflecting a shift in the collective thinking about gender roles and education.
“I hope my daughters don’t get married too young. I want them to have a good future. They are going to learn to read and write. I’m going to teach them to have their own independence, not to depend on a man. I think the way to have a successful community is through education. Maybe when I get older, I might go to classes to learn to read and write. My children help me. I know what it feels like to not read and write. When I was growing up, we always traveled. We left school,” she said.
In her foreword for the book, Zousmer writes that her goal for this project is to serve as a conversation touchstone and raise awareness for this misunderstood group of people. The commonality of our humanness is shown in her photographs, and her expressed desire to “offer these images and stories in the hope that it brings a deeper understanding and greater acceptance to this unjustly maligned group.”
We spoke with Michele to learn more about ‘Mis[s]Understood’, and the message that she hopes will spread when people hear first-hand stories of the Irish Traveller Community.
When did you begin photographing the Irish Traveller community, and how did you first learn about the group?
I was watching a TV show, “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” with my daughter. We loved the elaborate weddings, the dialects, and the family dynamics. I was fascinated by what was happening and wanted to know more. I contacted some photographer friends, asking if they knew anyone in Ireland. I was introduced to Joseph Bevillard. He lives in Killaloe, Ireland, and has been photographing the Travellers for years.
He was open to having me and a friend come and visit Ireland and introduce us to this inclusive community. We made plans and flew to Ireland to attend the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Horse fairs happen often throughout Ireland. It is a fun time when the Travellers and the settled people meet to sell and trade horses. The Travellers come from all over the country. They are so excited to see family members who live far away. It is a celebratory time.
What was the atmosphere or reaction like as you followed and documented especially the women in the community?
The atmosphere at the fair was vibrant and joyous. The Irish Travelers came in their caravans, vans and cars which were parked on grassy areas near family members. Everyone was happy and excited to dress up and have fun together. From the first moment I picked up my camera, they were clamoring to be photographed. My first photo of the two young girl cousins with their hands on their hips and lips puckered made me curious. I thought they were adorable but acting differently than other 3-year-olds I have met. This unique posing style continued throughout my day and intrigued me.
One of the aims of your project is to dispel myths or misunderstanding of the Irish Traveller Community. What (if any) misunderstandings did you personally hold going into this project, and how were those changed over time?
Walking through the fair that brisk morning, I was very attracted to all the teen girls. They traveled in groups and seemed out of place, dressed in short tight skirts, revealing tops and high heels, heavy eyelashes, hair extensions, and bold lipstick. I couldn’t resist but strike up a conversation with them. None of them wore jackets. Laughter filled the air as they happily flirted with the teen boys. I couldn’t help being drawn to them. They reminded me of myself in my Disco days in NYC. I dressed similarly. I remember feeling grown up and attractive to the opposite sex.
These girls were having so much fun away from the strict traditional gaze of their parents. Their self-confidence made me smile. They were being noticed! Striking up conversations and getting them to pose for me was easy. They felt so good about themselves and loved the attention.
Then, I decided I wanted to learn more about this community. After the fair I made plans to come back and spend time with them on a daily basis. I visited a few times yearly and was always embraced by the women and children. We shared many stories, and I learned what their lives were like in this patriarchal society.
The men sell and trade horses to provide for their families. The girls were encouraged to marry young and being a mother was a way to be valued. They went on to have many children; it was not unusual to see 10 – 15 children living all together in caravans. Previously, education was not accessible because they traveled often for the men to find work. They practice a strong love of family, of bonds, and of God.
Life is full of hardships for many. Caravans usually have no running water, electricity, and proper bathrooms. Domestic violence and high rates of suicide [male and female] is high. When I returned after the pandemic, I noticed things are changing.
Families are staying in one place so children can stay in school. Government houses were available to many. They are small, but at least they have the basics. Young married couples choosing to have small families due to the changing economy. Many are forced to leave the country for work. This is heartbreaking. Family is everything!
This was the beginning of my book MIS[S]UNDERTSTOOD. I wanted to show how the women in this community are pivotal in adapting to this changing landscape.
What is at stake for especially the young women who may choose to break away from the traditions and norms within their community?
I believe the love these people have for each other and their traditions will always remain. They grow up living close to each other – siblings, cousins, parents, aunts, and uncles. Of course, intermarriages occur, even arguments break out at times, but most stay together throughout their lives.
One thing that is becoming very prevalent is because of the discrimination the young men face they have a difficult time getting employment. Sons are forced to work in other English-speaking countries to provide for their families. These young mothers who leave the nest have little childcare and support from the surrounding family. It is lonely for them. Many mothers have cried, telling me how they miss their children, especially their grandchildren. Their hearts are broken.
What are some of the barriers they come up against with the rest of Irish society, that you are hoping to shed light on?
The Irish Travellers are considered an ethnic culture but subjected to discrimination both socially and politically. It’s not uncommon to find signs posted on restaurants, hotels, and houses that blatantly say “NO TRAVELLERS ALLOWED”. The settled Irish prefer them not to move into their neighborhoods. They feel their properties will go down in value. Education is inferior. Very few children enjoy school. Some feel bullied and ignored by teachers. One girl told me she told her teacher she was being bothered, and the teacher said, “Stop acting like a Traveller!”
With more Traveller children attending school full-time, things hopefully will change. Friendships between the Traveller and settled children are being made in class and sports teams. A mother told me she encourages her children to socialize with the settled children, but she wants them to know they are different. It is vital to keep them close within the community. Maybe it’s her way of protecting them.
This is my invitation to open your eyes and heart towards the girls and women in the Irish Traveller community. They are mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, girlfriends just like you and I. As we all do, they experience joy, disappointment, and hardships throughout life. I wish we all were taught at a young age that it is okay to be diverse and respect other cultures. Spending time in their world, I can say that they are a loving community, grateful for all they have, and hopeful for easier lives for future generations.
There seems to be an emphasis on sexualization of young women, which feels conflicting with the strict Catholic beliefs they uphold. Why is sexuality and sexualization such a big part of the culture for women?
They show their feminism and beauty to the outside world and prospective mates. Dressing up and posing for photos the way they do may seem provocative to outsiders, but I believe it is a unique cultural expression rather than a signal of sexual intent. This is their way of expressing confidence and individuality while still adhering to core values of womanhood and family honor. This can be seen as preparation for early marriage and motherhood. Some fashion choices reflect a desire to appear more mature and attract a potential husband. This is always done under strict scrutiny by the family and community.
Many young Traveller women are now exposed to mainstream media, where fashion trends often lead to revealing and glamorous styles. What may look like rebellious is generally done with family approval. There are very strict expectations about sexual behavior. Families hold up strong codes of conduct, where premarital sex is discouraged, and young women are expected to maintain a level of modesty in their actions, not always in their appearance. The community places high value on family, honor and marriage, and motherhood, even if outward appearances seem contradictory to strict religious beliefs.
Sitting amongst a group of women at a discussion by a visiting nurse about menopause and midlife changes, I was shocked to hear how naïve and uninformed they were. I was studying them and thinking they deserved to get all dolled up in whatever they chose to wear after spending most of their days caring for their large families. My motto always was “It is better to be looked over , than overlooked”.
How are the women of the Irish Traveller community advocating for themselves and finding autonomy even within the seemingly rigid norms and boundaries set out for them?
It is my experience that most Traveller women have difficulty advocating for themselves. These women are busy day and night. Work is endless with such large families. Most are Illiterate and I have witnessed their children reading important papers to them. I see them advocating for themselves by staying in one place and allowing their children to go to school. Hopefully, this next generation will be given opportunities they never had before.
There are a few Traveller women who have become vocal advocates working on changing stereotypes and promoting improved conditions for Travellers across Ireland.
- Dr. Sindy Jorce became the first Traveller woman to receive a PhD in sociology from an Irish University. She is a prominent activist on human rights and social justice. She served on the Ireland Council of State, advising the president on matters within the Traveller community.
- Eileen Flynn made history in 2020 by becoming the first Traveller woman to serve as a member of the Irish Senate. She addresses issues of discrimination, healthcare and education.
- Brigid Quilligan former director of the Irish Taveller movement has been an advocate for discrimination, housing and healthcare and has worked tirelessly through public speaking and organizing campaigns .
- Catherine Joyce has focused on improving educational and social services for the Traveller community. She has worked with many organizations on issues facing Traveller women and children.
It is with great respect and admiration for the Irish Traveller women and girls that I created my book MIS(S)UNDERSTOOD. I want to evoke curiosity, raise awareness, and start conversations about this misunderstood group of women. The commonality of our humanness shows in my photographs. I am grateful for the way these women and girls allowed me into their world. I look over my images and their voices side by side, hoping they will bring a deeper understanding and acceptance to this unjustly maligned group.
You can order a copy of ‘Mis[s]Understood’, out now, and learn more about Michele Zousmer’s work on her website, and by following her on Instagram.
