A Dad Teaches His Transgender Son How to Shave in New Gillette Ad
In January, Gillette started a conversation globally about what it looks like for men to be their best in the modern world. Today, Gillette Canada is continuing that conversation with the introduction of the short film 'First Shave' from Grey Canada.
The film, which premiered at the 2019 Inside Out LGBT Film Festival in Toronto on May 25th, captures the moment when Toronto-native and trans advocate Samson Brown first used a razor to shave himself, all under the watchful and caring guidance of his father.
Samson's story recognises that having the confidence to express one's true, authentic self can be a journey - one that Gillette fully supports.
Beyond the launch of the short film, both Gillette and Gillette Venus are taking action to demonstrate their values of respect and inclusivity for everyone. As they continue the conversation around First Shave and what it means for people to express #MyBestSelf, the brand is partnering with Toronto-based charity and City agency The 519 to support its trans-inclusive programs. With support from Gillette, they will continue to provide ongoing resources and support to help inspire Canadians of all parts of the gender spectrum to have the confidence to express their true authentic voices, so we can all be our best selves every day.
Pankaj Bhalla, brand director for Gillette and Venus North America says: "Gillette supports everyone in their journey to looking, feeling and acting their best every day. That includes our own journey as a brand committed to using our platform to showcase real, diverse and inclusive stories of men working toward their 'best' selves. Samson's story in First Shave is a perfect example of that commitment because whenever, wherever, however it happens, your first shave is special."
Artist and trans advocate Samson adds: "My dad always told me that whatever I do, I should be the best at it; and I wanted to be a part of this campaign because Gillette is encouraging everyone to be their best, just like my dad for me. My dad's encouragement came from a place of love and gave me the confidence to express my true authentic self."
Stacy Kelly, director philanthropy at The 519 says: "Trans communities remain one of the most underserved and underrepresented communities, and meaningful partnerships like these not only provide critical resources but also offer opportunities for dialogue, and meaningful representation."
“As I dove deeper into the stories of the subjects, I really started to understand how big of a moment the ‘first shave’ was to them,” adds Angie Bird who directed the film through Toronto-based production company Skin and Bones. “I love that Gillette is deciding to tell more diverse stories. I think it’s important for brands to connect to a larger audience and tell stories that we haven't seen before.”
