About

Az Franco, 27 (he/him), is a transgender multi-disciplinary artist, writer, speaker, actor, model, musician and facilitator based in Brighton UK.

Az is a changemaker. He utilises his multifaceted skillset to advocate for social change, development and individual freedom through the work he does, hoping to inspire self-empowerment, creativity, confidence and love. Inclusivity is foundational to his work, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, spiritual beliefs is valued.

His goal: to bring people closer to themselves, help others to connect with each other and their inner child. To support people through their healing journey and inspire others to be the best version of themselves. To create and share authentically. To break down the binary, and help to build a safer and more inclusive society for everyone to thrive in.

Writing:

Az is currently writing his first book due for publication with JKP books in 2026.

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 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. More recently Az has been creating graphics around his self-healing processes, advocating for a greater understanding of the deep truths within all of us. His work has a focus on the self-development and healing aspects of his own journey that has taken him into new mindsets and new ways of living.

Art & Music: 

Az is a musician & artist who has spent the past 12 years writing and playing original music. He is currently song writing, ready to release his first music in 2025, and playing some small gigs around Brighton.

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.

During 2023 Az worked as an illustrator for Organisation My Genderation.

Az has run 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.

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.

Space Holding & Growth Pathway Facilitation:

Az has 3 years experience in holding space and leading online & in-person workshops. A highlight has been 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.

In 2024 Az founded Creative Healing With Az, a local community project designed at bringing people into contact with their inner child through creative practices and community. This project has included a weekly Zine Making club, and a new offering called Art + Sound Lounge, a space for community to come together and share passions for art and healing in a non-judgmental, inclusive space.

Az also has experience holding guided meditations and sharing circles.

Az has begun a new project very recently, Growth Pathway Facilitation, a mindful, compassion-led service for people who are ready to explore, heal, create, and step forward in life. Whether you’re mapping out a business, navigating a personal transformation, or searching for your deeper purpose — I’m here to support you in a way that feels grounded, intuitive, and empowering. See more

Trans Activism:

In July 2023 Az founded Trans Protest UK, the central platform for all UK trans rights protests, pride marches and demonstrations. 

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 regularly gives interviews for publications, podcasts and magazines, most recently speaking with Injection Magazine (June 2023) about accessibility at pride.

Modelling: 

Currently signed to Zebedee Talent Agency and Contact Creatives, Az has 3 years experience as 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

HIGHLIGHTS & PRESS HERE