If you spend Mother’s Day attacking a parent for being pregnant, then you obviously have way too much time in your hands. Case in point: Those who left hate comments when Calvin Klein’s Mother’s Day campaign featured expectant trans parents, namely Erika Fernandes and Roberto Bete from Brazil.
“Today, in support of women and mothers all over the world, we’re spotlighting the realities of new families,” wrote Calvin Klein last May 8. “Roberto is due to give birth to his and Erika’s son Noah any day now.”
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Fernandes, a trans woman, and Bete, a trans man, both look hot in their Calvins—with Bete showing off his baby bump in the ad. The couple told the fashion brand, “We can reproduce biologically or from the heart…our place is to love and be loved.”
However, the couple’s message of love didn’t seem to reach transphobes who keep insisting that there is “no such thing as a pregnant man” even if the truth is right there. These malinformed netizens have also threatened to boycott the brand. Even more concerning are several headlines from American publications perpetuating the narrative that trans lives are even up for debate. Can we please not give hate speech a platform?
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In an initial statement posted in the comments section of the post, Calvin Klein wrote, “We embrace this platform as an inclusive and respectful environment for individualism and self-expression. At Calvin Klein, we tolerate everything except intolerance—any intolerant commentary will be removed, and any accounts issuing hateful statements may be blocked.”
Meanwhile, the couple didn’t give transphobes the time of day. Instead, they’re celebrating the birth of their first child. They shared the happy news on Instagram by posting a photo of their baby’s foot on May 11. Bete also posted a photo of himself holding their baby right after labor. We love sharing in trans joy!
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Here’s another great update: Calvin Klein announced on May 17 (a.k.a. the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) that it’s partnering with several organizations doing critical work to support LGBTQIA+ communities such as The Trevor Project and ILGA World.
“As our LGBTQIA+ communities face discrimination and persecution at the institutional and civilian level, in the U.S. and around the world, we advocate for equity, safety and justice on this day and every day,” said the brand. It’s a nice response to transphobic attacks, if you ask us.
Photo courtesy of Calvin Klein
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