WATCH: Keep the tissues handy, Gillette's new trans ad will make you tear up

Brown's dad encouragingly says: “Now don’t be scared, don’t be scared. Shaving is about being confident.” Picture: YouTube.com

Brown's dad encouragingly says: “Now don’t be scared, don’t be scared. Shaving is about being confident.” Picture: YouTube.com

Published May 28, 2019

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Trust Gillette to shift the goalposts once again with its latest ad. Starring transgender son Samson Brown and his father, it's another one in the bag for the razor company as it aims to tackle social issues.

Heartwarming and beautifully-filmed, the ad opens with Brown describing that he didn't know how to label his sexuality growing up. The pinnacle moment is when father and son stand in front of the bathroom mirror, at the ready for Brown's first shave as a man. 

Reciting the directions his father gave him - “South, South, North, North, East, West. Never in a hurry,” - it shows an intimate moment between two individuals and a right of passage every boy goes through.

Brown's dad encouragingly says: “Now don’t be scared, don’t be scared. Shaving is about being confident.”

But it's Gillette's new tagline that has gained the most reaction this far. “Whenever, wherever, however, it happens, your first shave is special.” The ad blacks out with “the best a man can get.”

After filming the ad, Brown went onto Facebook and thanked online users for their support.

Below are some of the reactions on social media.

Wow Gillette released an advert with a black trans man being taught how to shave by his father. This is so beautiful. My heart. pic.twitter.com/RMG00ldbZt

— Tanya Compas (@TanyaCompas) May 26, 2019

Gillette: hey men, it’s okay to be decent and nice

men: HOW DARE YOU WE ARE MEN THIS IS SNOWFLAKE BULLSHIT TAKE THIS AD DOWN OR WE’RE BOYCOTTING

Gillette: https://t.co/VHsMT3bA7x

— Lesley! ‎ (@vanetti) May 26, 2019

. @Gillette’s new ad shows a father teaching his trans son how to shave. We’re not crying, you’re crying. 😭

Bravo to brave companies like Gillette that are paving the way for a more inclusive world! pic.twitter.com/ABwd1k981C

— The Mask You Live In (@MaskYouLiveIn) May 25, 2019

As a black trans man who works in advertising, this is... Everything.

This is the kind of work I dream of creating some day.*** https://t.co/VTXa6Aw0N0

— sad and boujee (@itsjacksonbbz) May 25, 2019

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