A non-binary model campaigning for one of Australia’s most celebrated swimwear brands has responded to widespread criticism of the ad, saying ‘some women have penises’.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses she/she pronouns and identifies as non-binary, stars in the campaign for Seafolly, best known for its glamorous ad campaigns featuring some of the world’s most famous women, including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris, and Jesinta Franklin.
Deni posed in lime green Seafolly bikini bottoms and a matching cover-up for a campaign shoot released just before International Women’s Day, while also showing off their beard in full.
While many have praised the brand’s efforts to showcase a diverse campaign, others have said they will boycott the brand for its inclusive shoot.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses she/she pronouns and identifies as non-binary, is leading a campaign for one of Australia’s most celebrated swimwear brands, Seafolly
While many praised the brand’s efforts to present a diverse campaign, others said they will boycott the brand because of the shoot
Writer Alexandra Marshall said it felt like the fashion brand was “mocking women” and said she would “never” buy Seafolly swimsuits.
Bye @seafolly. Never again. Have been buying swimwear from you for many years. Never again,” she wrote on Twitter.
Since when do women have penises in their bikini bottoms? This is beyond disgusting and Deni, you’re trying to weed out biological women. Regrettable,” one person posted on Instagram.
Recalling the comment in a video about their story, Deni said, “Let’s be clear about these kinds of comments, yes I see them, and yes they affect me, but I try not to let them in.”
In response to a comment in a video about their story, Deni said, “Let’s be clear about these kinds of comments, yes I see them, and yes they do get to me, but I try not to let them in”
“I’m going to give this person, I think their name is Jodie, a little education.
‘Some women have penises, some trans women don’t need gender reassignment surgery.
“Some can’t afford it. Women come in all shapes and sizes.
“I’m not trying to exterminate women either honey, I’m wearing bikini bottoms.
“I wear bikini bottoms that are actually Speedos, and last I checked, people with penises wear Speedos,” Deni added.
“So maybe you should just investigate and dig a little deeper into why me, essentially in a Speedo, feels like an attack on your gender identity, because that’s not what I’m trying to do.”
In a second comment, the troll added, “You’re glad a woman is missing out on a job because a man with a penis is pretending to be a woman. Wow.’
Deni then replied, explaining that queer people “miss out on jobs all the time.”
“First of all, I am not a man pretending to be a woman. Not even close,” they said.
Australian models Jesinta Franklin and Lara Worthington have also represented the brand
Supermodel Gigi Hadid (pictured) is one of Seafolly’s most famous former faces
“Second, I’m not trying to steal a woman’s job at all. So many women were involved in that campaign. There were also queer people involved in that campaign.
‘Like Thomas who designed that, like me who is non-binary. We miss out on jobs all the time. So let’s tone it down a bit before you troll me like that.’
In another clip, Deni praised the campaign and coverage, saying that positive representation of non-binary and trans people is “lifesaving.”
“This is very unexpected and I am very grateful,” they said.
Trans people are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than cis people.
“This little piece of visibility and Seafolly’s incredible response to our partnership literally has the power to save lives.”
In an earlier post, Deni gushed about making “history” in a lengthy Instagram post over the weekend.
“This is the first time iconic Aussie swimming giants @seafollyaustralia have teamed up with a trans ambassador/brand partner,” said Deni.
Deni is also one of the national ambassadors for Bonds underwear
Deni’s involvement in the Seafolly campaign has generated customer response
As head of marketing [for Seafolly] said at our first meeting, “It’s the first time that many more will follow.” I couldn’t be more honored!’
They added: ‘We discussed authentic alliance and had some very exciting conversations about how the brand can work with the community. This is what alliance looks like.’
Deni’s role at Seafolly has been celebrated by a number of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.
Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly’s official Instagram account to celebrate the label’s commitment to diversity.
‘As someone who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly in years, I’m back now! I love seeing brands being inclusive and that’s where I want my money to go,” one woman wrote.
“So great to see this, Seafolly. I love to see brands pioneering the celebration of pride and inclusion,” added another.
Author and artist Alexandra Marshall (pictured) said it felt like the fashion brand was ‘mocking women’
However, some consumers were less than impressed with Deni’s role with the brand.
‘This is a joke. We support diversity and individual decisions, but we don’t want to see women’s clothing that we want to buy on a male body…” said one of them.
“There are other ways to support pride and individual choice, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your loyal customers.’
Another wrote: ‘As a woman I don’t want to look like that in a bikini.
“I’m not going to buy this product. People need to get back to reality. Stop turning our world into a circus.’
Because of the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to issue a statement condemning the “hate speech.”
We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire each other to be confident on the beach.
“In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hate speech, trolling, intentional disruption of discussion, or spam. Please respect each other’s differences and remember to always be nice.’
Many women agreed with Seafolly’s point of view, with one writing, “I’m so embarrassed at the bigots in this comment section.” Imagine writing horrible things because a person wearing a bathing suit upsets you.”
Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years.
In 2021, Deni was criticized for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a ‘pride parade’ by storming the runway with an LGBT flag and a T-shirt with ‘she/them’ on the front.
Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years
The gender-bending socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.
In 2021, Deni was criticized for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a ‘pride parade’ while working as a stylist and curator on the event.
While Deni was hired to work backstage at the event, they shocked spectators by storming the runway with a pride flag and a “she/it” T-shirt on the front, eclipsing the models in the fashion show.
Deni’s performance is said to have upset fashionistas at the time, with one guest saying their political message was “smacked down our throats.”
“The show was all about Deni. The collection, [and] the designers who worked so hard to put it together was an afterthought,” a participant told the Herald Sun.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seafolly and Deni for comment.