Cosmetics giant MAC has collaborated with Refinery 29 to produce a video titled ‘Trans 102: What's the difference between gender and sexual orientation, again?' to clear up common misconceptions people have about the transgender community.
“Gender is not the same thing as sexual orientation,” the video begins, going on to explain that transgender people can be gay, lesbian, straight, queer, bisexual or asexual or anything in between.
“Let’s get over this nonsense that genitals equals gender,” the cast of the video say. “Because it’s more than silly, it’s dangerous.”
"No matter if you pass or don't, if you don't want to or don't care. No matter how your gender manifests, you are worthy of love just as you are."
The clip is the latest edition to the Trans 102 series, which is directed by Transparent’s Silas Howard. The series is series aimed at educating viewers and “generating awareness for transgender rights by promoting a dialogue around gender fluidity.”
Nancy Mahon, the SVP for global corporate citizenship and sustainability at MAC’s parent company Estee Lauder, said: “As we’ve seen in the content space over the last couple years, brand-driven documentaries and films are becoming increasingly impactful ways for brands to use their microphone to champion causes that are meaningful to them.”
The founder of the agency who created the videos—Andy Pray—said he wanted to make sure the message wasn't too preachy.
“The audience is people like me… As an agency, the entry point was…we can educate in a way that’s thought-provoking, funny, and real without being finger-waggy.”
MAC has also helped to create a documentary called 'More than T' which aired on Showtime last week and was produced by the MAC AIDS Fund.
