A young man’s first shave is often depicted in society and pop culture as a pivotal moment. There is a plethora of television shows and movies that contain a scene wherein a young boy takes a razor to his face for the first time, practically giddy with excitement over the experience of shaving. We’re used to this trope. It’s familiar – a father teaching his son how to shave is something that has been ingrained within our expectations of adolescence for quite some time.
Of course, everyone’s story is different. Not every young man has the same experience when it comes to shaving for the first time. Razor and personal care company, Gillette, recently released an incredibly moving and poignant ad, featuring a father helping his transgender son to shave for the first time. It is the first ad from Gillette that features a transgender man. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this article to watch the ground-breaking commercial.
The ad features Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, a Toronto-based transgender artist.
“Growing up, I was always trying to figure out what kind of man I wanted to become,” Brown says in the opening shot of the video.
Brown continues, “I always knew I was different. I didn’t know there was a term for the type of person that I was.”
“I’m glad I’m at the point where I’m able to shave,” he says to the camera.
His father helps to direct him, offering advice.
“Now don’t be scared,” his father says warmly. “Shaving is about being confident.”
“I’m at the point in my manhood where I’m actually happy,” he says. “It’s not just myself transitioning, it’s everyone around me transitioning.”
Gillette captioned the video with, “Whenever, wherever, however it happens – your first shave is special.”
NBC News reported that when asked about the ad, Gillette responded, that they support “everyone in their journey to looking, feeling and acting their best every day.”
Gillette spokesperson, Corey Manuel, told NBC, “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.”
“Thank you so much, Gillette, for allowing me to share such an important moment in a man’s life with my father. I look forward to the great things you’re going to continue doing to encourage us all to be our best selves. Love y’all greatly! #MyBestSelf.”
“We appreciate the support! As a brand committed to helping men look, feel, and act their best, we think it’s important to embrace inclusivity in how we portray masculinity,” they wrote in response to one of the comments.
“This moment overwhelmed me during filming and again today seeing the ad since it’s been launched,” Brown continued in the caption. “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.”
Share this video with a friend! Just FYI: you may need to also share a box of tissues.