A Pregnant Trans-Man Stars In Calvin Klein's Mother's Day Social Media Campaign
Mother’s Day was almost a week ago (today is May 12th), but Calvin Klein’s social media post from the special day is now receiving attention for having a pregnant trans-man star in the campaign alongside his partner, a trans woman.
On Sunday (May 8th), the American fashion brand posted a slideshow on their Instagram account with the caption, "Today, in support of women and mothers all over the world, we’re spotlighting the realities of new families." Then it introduces the families within the campaign, including Roberto and Erika. "@k.vventzel is a South African painter and mother to Wild. @erikafeeh and @roberto_bete are expecting parents from Brazil. Roberto is due to give birth to his and Erika’s son Noah any day now. @venedaacarter is a prominent fashion consultant. Her family is Bobbi and Weston."
Image Courtesy: Instagram/Calvin Klein
Styled in Calvin Klein loungewear top and bottom sets and white shirting, the intimate photos show the couple lounging in bed on plush white linen. In their pictures, Roberto and Erika share, "We can reproduce biologically or from the heart... our place is to love and be loved." These photographs are a bold yet beautiful statement for Calvin Klein to make celebrating families that come from the union of trans people.
Image Courtesy: Instagram/Calvin Klein
This show of support isn't Calvin Klein's first time featuring LQBTQIA+ people in their Ad or Social meida campaigns. In 2020, the brand tapped Black transgender model, actress and activist Jari Jones to front their 2020 Pride #PROUDINMYCALVINS campaign. On Instagram, in a picture in front of her billboard Jones shared, "Thank you to @ryanmcginleystudiosand the @calvinklein family for a collaboration that will hopefully be a symbol of hope and love during these moments. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER!!" Their #PROUDINMYCALVINS campaign returned again in 2021 with artist and fashion designer Honey Dijon (she/her) and Poet and Activist Kai Isaiah Jamal (they/them). Continue scrolling to read some social media reactions.
“Today maga bigots are triggered and losing their shit over Calvin Klein 's new ad”
Today maga bigots are triggered and losing their shit over Calvin Klein 's new ad ...😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cU35BaxYxH
— Mr. D (@Al_AndaluZ) May 12, 2022
“i actually think calvin klein just successfully got a new customer”
i actually think calvin klein just successfully got a new customer
— meg (they/them) (@MeganHare11) May 12, 2022
“Calvin Klein has at least a 35-year history of weird looking models. I simply don't care how weird looking someone is, everybody is just people.”
Calvin Klein has at least a 35-year history of weird looking models. I simply don't care how weird looking someone is, everybody is just people.
— Willie D Jenkins (@WillieDJenkins1) May 12, 2022
“The transphobia directed at Calvin Klein’s new ad rn is disgusting.”
The transphobia directed at Calvin Klein’s new ad rn is disgusting. pic.twitter.com/afS7mRek7D
— 🐟♓️ Fish Bish ♓️🐟 (@e_homo44) May 12, 2022
“People mad at Calvin Klein saying they won't buy Calvin Klein anymore when they've never bought Calvin Klein in their lives lmfao. TERFs really getting mad out here.”
People mad at Calvin Klein saying they won't buy Calvin Klein anymore when they've never bought Calvin Klein in their lives lmfao. TERFs really getting mad out here.
— Kat (@quiet_anarchy) May 12, 2022