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New Gillette ad shows a dad teaching his transgender son to shave

Gillette's new ad featuring a dad showing his transgender son how to shave has drawn praise online. Photo: Gillette
Gillette's new ad featuring a dad showing his transgender son how to shave has drawn praise online. Photo: Gillette

Gillette’s latest ad showing a dad teaching his transgender son how to shave has earned praise following its release.

The latest marketing campaign has racked up more than one million views on Facebook alone and drawn applause from the LGBTQ community online.

In the clip, transgender man Samson Bonkeabantu Brown is seen undertaking his momentous ‘first shave’ under the watchful eye of his supportive father.

“Don’t be scared,” Toronto-based Mr Brown tells his son, adding that “shaving is about being confident.”

“You are doing fine,” Samson is then calmly assured.

For many transgender men, the need to shave marks a pivotal point in their transition, and for Samson, it was a particularly meaningful milestone.

“I’m glad that I’m at the point where I’m able to shave,” he said.

“Growing up, I was always trying to figure out what kind of man I wanted to become and I’m still trying to figure out what kind of man that I want to become.”

Samson told followers he was lucky to have family support throughout his transition as he knows this isn't the case for everyone. Photo: Gillette
Samson told followers he was lucky to have family support throughout his transition as he knows this isn't the case for everyone. Photo: Gillette

Online, the intimate moment has drawn praise from people who applauded the brand for conveying an important message.

“As a black trans man who works in advertising, this is... Everything,” wrote one member of the LGBTQ community.

“Bravo to brave companies like Gillette that are paving the way for a more inclusive world!” said another.

Samson, an artist and activist, later took to Facebook to explain his taking part in the ad and why it was important to also include his father.

“[My dad] has been one of my greatest supporters throughout my transition, encouraging me to be confident and live authentically as my best self,” he said.

“I’m keenly aware of how blessed I am to be able to exist in this world being supported by my family in ways that all too often many of my trans brothers, sisters, and siblings who exist outside the binary are not always as fortunate.”

Gillette’s newest ad has been more positively received than one put out earlier this year that attempted to tackle toxic masculinity.