Lingerie Brand Honey Birdette Is Defending Its Use Of Non-Binary Model Jake DuPree In A Bra Ad
April 13, 2023Australian lingerie company Honey Birdette has defended its decision to use a non-binary model in its advertising campaigns following an anti-LGBTQ+ backlash.
Honey Birdette posted several photos to Instagram of French model Jake DuPree wearing a three-piece lingerie outfit as part of an advertising campaign.
The inevitable backlash included anti-trans activists saying DuPree’s identity was a “mental disorder,” while some accused the lingerie company of hating women, according to ‘UK Daily News’.
Others said they would boycott the brand, making it just another product that angry, woke right-wingers couldn’t buy — unless it involves destroying it, of course.
“Honestly, nothing is sacred anymore,” said one user about what she believes to be the “sacred” world of lingerie. “Women should promote clothes that are made for their bodies, because that’s what clothes should look like.”
Honey Birdette has identified itself as a “for everyone” brand since its inception in 2006, and has made a statement that it would not tolerate hateful rhetoric and that gender non-conforming people, including trans and non-binary people, are valid within their identities.
“We will continue to use our voice to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community, women and anyone who wants to feel fabulous in our lingerie,” the statement said.
Image Credit: Pixabay
“While thoughtful and constructive discussions are important to moving the culture forward, hate speech and bullying will not be tolerated.”
Also, DuPree said on Instagram that despite the harsh backlash, they are tougher.
“Showing yourself is always open to criticism and different opinions, but I think there’s a kinder, more understanding bridge between those differences,” they explained.
“I will continue to work to achieve my dreams and goals and I know that comes with challenges that are far beyond my control.
“Wear what you want to wear, be who you really want to be, and have as much fun as possible with what makes your heart happy.”
The situation reflects the recent backlash against trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney after she shared promotional photos in sponsorship with sportswear company Nike.
Mulvaney, best known for her TikTok series Days of Girlhood, uploaded a picture of herself in a Nike sports bra and leggings.
Anti-trans right-wing activists then went ballistic on social media, recording videos of themselves burning Nike merchandise they had bought.
A TikTok user named Chatterbox Mama said she believes women will be replaced by a “little boy with no boobs,” even though Mulvaney is 26.
Mulvaney responded during a live event by thanking the fans who supported her, saying, “We’re all just trying our best here, aren’t we?”
She continued, “The most important thing is that we have people in our lives who support us and celebrate our uniqueness. It could be a psychiatrist, or a teacher, or a loved one, as long as we don’t feel alone.”
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