Gillette has done it again. After the controversial ad, "The Best a Man Can Get", and it's reflecting question of, "is it?" they've turned their spotlight to trans awareness. Samson Bonkeabantu, is a young black trans Canadian who is shown having his first shave at the guidance of his father. Samson talks about how he is trying to navigate the world as a man, and that he and the world are transitioning into something more.
The ad is launching a #MyBestSelf campaign with the tagline “Whenever, wherever, however it happens – your first shave is special.”
Samson starts off the video saying, “Growing up I was always trying to figure out what kind of man I want to become and I’m still trying to figure out what kind that I want to become.”
He went unto Facebook to describe the experience with Gillette.
Samson took to Facebook to describe his experience with Gillette.
"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 brother, 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. I love you greatly."
Though Gillette has had some heat before for their ads, the audience is loving this one and Samson and Gillette both have been showered with praise and support. In the words of Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, "It’s not just myself transitioning. It’s everyone around me transitioning.”
Watch the ad below: