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By Gwen Aviles
Shaving for the first time is a special occasion for many, but for Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, the experience has been particularly significant – and public.
The Toronto-based transgender artist has recorded what appears to be his very first shaving experience and posted it on Gillette's Facebook page. This is the first announcement of the razor and shaving cream manufacturer featuring a transgender man.
"Growing up, I was always trying to determine what kind of man I wanted to become," Brown said in opening the video. "I always knew that I was different. I did not know that there was a term for the type of person I was. "
Just before the video passes to Brown holding a razor, he says, "I'm happy to be about to shave."
The shaving cream on his face, Brown nervously holds the razor while his father guides him.
"Do not be afraid now," says Brown's father. "Shave, it's to be confident."
The video – which has been viewed more than a million times since its launch Thursday – ends with Gillette's slogan: "The best that a man can get."
Asked about the advertisement, a Gillette spokeswoman said the company supported "everyone in their journey to look, feel and act their best every day".
"Gender conversations are happening all around us and we believe that brands influence culture and have the responsibility to use their voice to defend issues of great relevance to the brand and to our customers. Spokesman Corey Manuel said in a statement.
In a public publication on his personal Facebook page, Brown said he wanted to include his father in the video, his father being one of his main supporters throughout his transition process.
"I am deeply conscious of my chance to exist in this family-supported world, but all too often, many of my transsexual brethren, sisters and transsexual brothers who are outside the binary are not always so lucky. "Brown wrote.
There have been many positive comments about the ad, especially from transgender people who are on screen.
"This advertisement made me cry," wrote Asher Shaun Jensen on Facebook. "You have videos of how to shave on your YouTube that have helped a lot because my dad does not support me. You make a difference and I like it a lot. "
"My first shave was done with my husband because my father died years before I started making the transition last year and thank you! It makes me feel so good at work this morning, "Lee Stephens wrote on Facebook.
Brown said he hoped the ad would continue to inspire people.
"I am confident that this announcement will encourage many of my trans brothers and sisters and make them understand that our existence in this world can be filled with the love and support we deserve," he wrote. on his Facebook page.
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