Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like

If you live in Toronto, June is Pride month, and this weekend coming up is Pride weekend.
Rainbows abound.

It’s nice to see the outwards signs of support.
It wasn’t always like this. And it isn’t like this everywhere.
In fact you don’t have to drive far to experience that.
And we are also getting better at keeping the rainbow spirit year round.

But I digress….

What I want to write about this week is Gillette and their new ad.

I have mixed feelings because it’s an ad, but it’s more than that.
It’s a story.
It’s a moment captured (a real moment!) and it’s a brilliant example of diversity and inclusion – and how easy it can be to make the choices that help us (and others) to see more.

If you haven’t seen the Gillette ad yet, you can watch it here.

And you can read more about the actor and activist who is featured (Samson Bonkeabantu Brown) here.

Anyone could have been in this ad.
Anyone experiencing their first shave.
Gillette chose Samson – and his dad! (and by the way – not acting. First shave for real!)

In so doing, Gillette, in collaboration with Samson and his Dad have created a moment for us.
To witness a first.
To experience the emotion that goes with it.
To remember the emotions we felt with this or another ‘first’.
To witness love and acceptance.

And… to connect across difference.

Well done.

See more.

PS – if you live in Toronto, the Trans March is taking place this Friday June 21. The Community Fair starts at Allen Gardens at 3pm, and the March starts at 8pm.