A new ad from Gillette is breaking ground and going viral. It depicts a transgender man, Samson Brown, shaving for the first time with father. The two men are not actors, they are a real family. Brown wrote about the commercial on his personal Facebook page.
I shot this ad for Gillette and wanted to include my father, who has been one of my greatest supporters throughout my transition, encouraging me to be confident and live authentically as my best self. With the help of Gillette, I was able to share an important milestone in every man’s life with my father.
This moment overwhelmed me during filming and again today seeing the ad since it’s been launched. 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.
I am confident that this ad will encourage many of my trans siblings and fill them with the knowledge that our existence in this world can be filled with the love and support we deserve.
Be good to yourselves. Love yourselves. And know that when you greet the world with love, it can and will love you back, often in the places you least expect.
First Shave, the story of Samson | #MyBestSelf
Whenever, wherever, however it happens – your first shave is special.
Posted by Gillette on Thursday, May 23, 2019
When asked about the ad, a Gillette spokesperson said the company supports “everyone in their journey to looking, feeling and acting their best every day.”
“Gender conversations are happening all around us and we believe brands play a role in influencing culture and have a responsibility to use their voice to champion issues of great relevance to both the brand and our customers,” spokesperson Corey Manuel said in an emailed statement.
Watch more about the ad and the reaction above from ET Canada.
