Shaving for the first time is a special occasion for many, but for Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, the experience was particularly significant — and public.
The Toronto-based transgender artist had what appears to be his very first shaving experience recorded and posted to the Facebook page of Gillette. It's the razor and shaving cream maker's first ad featuring a transgender man.
“Growing up, I was always trying to figure out what kind of man I wanted to become," Brown says in the video's opening. "I always knew I was different. I didn't know there was a term for the type of person that I was."
Just before the video cuts to Brown holding a razor, he says, “I’m glad I’m at the point where I’m able to shave."
With shaving cream on his face, Brown nervously holds the razor as his father guides him.
“Now don’t be scared,” Brown’s father says. “Shaving is about being confident.”
U.S. & World
The video — which has been viewed over a million times since its launch Thursday — ends with Gillette's slogan: “The best a man can get.”
