Nicole Utrera is an art assistant to my friend, Janet Gold, an award-winning artist and art teacher. Nicole attends high school at The Charter School in Coral Springs, which gained recognition through its appearance on the National Television show "I Am Jazz." This reality show follows a family's support of their transgender child's journey from male to female.

Nicole identifies as male and has bravely "come out" as transgender female to male at school, where he is warmly accepted by his peers. Although his family supports him, they have not yet approved medical hormone therapy. Nicole was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the United States at the age of two with his family.

A talented artist, I have incorporated Nicole's portrait work into the background of his portrait. His only sibling, a brother, possesses a keen business acumen and trades exotic animals, specializing in geckos. Nicole expresses his love for his family and desires their involvement in his important decision-making process.