Watch: Google Features An Out And Proud Transgender Man In Groundbreaking, Inspiring New Video

Google releases a new heartwarming Pride video focusing on the transgender community.

June is Pride month, and companies across the country have been releasing timely gay and lesbian themed commercials, advertisements, and merchandise. Wells Fargo recently released a commercial focusing on two women learning sign language to adopt a young girl, Amtrak released an ad showing two men embracing for a selfie while riding on a train, and both Nike and Adidas launched rainbow colored merchandise to celebrate the LGBT community. Numerous other companies have also taken the opportunity to support the community this month; however one group that always seems to be left out of the corporate picture is the trans community. That is, until now.

Google made a bold statement Tuesday when they released a video featuring an out and proud transgender man. It follows Jake as he discusses his moving journey about growing up and transitioning into the confident man he is today. It then goes on to discuss how Jake found a place where he could be comfortable working out while his body went through significant changes.

In the video, Hailee Bland Walsh, the owner of City Gym in Kansas City, MO., explains, “The guys in the group were born in female bodies, but they have identified as male. It was never an intention to create a space specific for any group, but what a testament it is to create a space where any group feels comfortable. These guys are physically getting stronger. But the real change is what’s happening inside. They’re building the capacity to feel confident. To feel strong. City Gym was born with the belief that a gym should be more than a place to work out. It should be a place to belong.”

The advertisement is for Google’s My Business, a service that adds a company’s information on Search, Maps, and Google+ so that customers can easily find the business online. “When people are looking online for a different type of gym,” explains Walsh, “somewhere that’s safe and inclusive, I want them to find us.”

Google has always been a big supporter of the LGBT community. Bravo to them for taking the lead and releasing a video that features an out and proud transgender man, while at the same time, unapologetically supporting the transgender community. 

 

Image: Screenshot via Google+ Your Business/YouTube
Hat tip: Adweek