A non-binary model, spearheading a campaign for one of Australia’s most celebrated swimwear brands, launched the Trans Lives Matter movement in Melbourne.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, announced the new campaign on Instagram on Saturday.
‘Australia. I invite you to stay tonight and support trans lives with our inaugural TRANS LIVES MATTER fundraiser. Kickoff is at 7pm and tickets are $60 AUD,” they began.
‘This is a global live streaming event. Watch it anywhere in the world compatible on all devices. Think lockdown vibes and you’ll be able to watch it on demand too… and I’m joined by some very talented humans, both from the community and our allies.”
They explained that the proceeds raised will go to ‘@transcend_australia, @aconnsw @transgendervic and @thorneharbour’.
Non-binary activist Deni Todorovič, who was hired to head the Seafolly campaign, has launched a Trans Lives Matter movement
“Trans people cannot change the narrative alone. They need allies. This event will uplift and amplify trans people, stories and voices, and will be supported by a superstar lineup of allies who want to shine a light on this important cause.”
“The show will entertain, inform, compel, and stay true to its mission of making trans people visible, trans people’s rights non-negotiable, and trans organizations better funded to support the community at the level of base”.
The post comes after it was revealed Deni would be starring in a campaign for Seafolly, which is known for its ads featuring the world’s most famous female models, including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin. .
He has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years.
Deni’s role in Seafolly was celebrated by several celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.
Deni, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, announced the new campaign on Instagram Saturday.
Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly’s official Instagram account to celebrate the brand’s commitment to diversity.
‘As someone who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly for years, I’m going back now! I love seeing brands be inclusive and that’s where I want my money to go,” wrote one woman.
‘This is amazing to see, Seafolly. I love seeing brands pioneer in celebrating pride and inclusion,” added another.
However, some consumers were less impressed by Deni’s role with the brand.
‘This is a joke. We support diversity and individual choices, but we don’t want to see the women’s clothes we want to buy on a male body…’ commented one.
‘There are other ways to support the pride and choices of individuals, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your long-time loyal customers.
Another wrote: ‘As a woman this is not what I want to see in a bikini.
‘I will not buy this product. People need to come back to reality. Stop turning our world into a circus.
They star in a campaign for Seafolly, known for its ads featuring the world’s most famous female models, including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin.
Due to the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to release a statement condemning the “hate language”.
“We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire each other to feel safe on the beach,” the brand said.
‘In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hateful language, trolling, deliberate interruption of the discussion or spam. Please be respectful of each other’s differences and remember to always be kind.’
The gender-swapping socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.
In 2021, Deni came under fire for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a ‘pride parade’ while working on the event as a stylist and curator.
While Deni was hired to work backstage at the event, they wowed onlookers by storming the runway wearing a pride flag and a t-shirt with ‘they/them’ on the front, which dwarfed the models at the fashion show.
While many praised the brand’s effort to come up with a diverse campaign, others said they will be boycotting the brand because of the photo shoot.