Transgender Men Can Get Pregnant And This Calvin Klein Ad Is A Tribute To Them

Transgender pregnancy is the gestation of one or more embryos or fetuses by a transgender person. Currently, the possibility is largely dependent on the individual’s natal reproductive organs, with transition-related treatments impacting their fertility. Yet transgender people who are or wish to become pregnant face medical, legal, and psychological concerns.

Pregnancy is also possible for transgender men who retain functioning ovaries and a uterus. Regardless of prior hormone replacement therapy treatments, the progression of pregnancy and birthing procedures are typically the same as cisgender women.

However, some transgender men who carry pregnancies are subjected to discrimination, which can include a variety of negative social, emotional, and medical experiences, as pregnancy is regarded as an exclusively feminine or female activity.

Meanwhile, Calvin Klein‘s new ad campaign features a similar pregnant transgender man that “spotlighted the realities of new families”.

Roberto Bete, a female-to-male transgender reality TV star from Brazil, and Erika Fernandes were among those featured in the campaign.

The post speaks of Roberto Bete’s pregnancy. It also states that the two are expecting the birth of their son Noah “any day now”.

Also, read: In A First, Chandigarh Couple In Their 90s Adopt Trans Partners

It also contains another image of the couple in bed, with Roberto Bete cradling the baby bump.

“We can reproduce biologically or from the heart… Our place is to love and be loved,” it reads.

Find the post below.

Meanwhile, people on social media are full of praise for the move. A user said, “So so beautiful.”  Another called Calvin Klein “such a great brand” and added a heart emoji. “This is so so cool,” read a third reaction.

Backlash on transgender inclusivity

However, the majority seemed to be transphobic and attacked Calvin Klein. Many lacked the knowledge of transgender pregnancy and also misread the whole thing as male pregnancy.

Yet Calvin Klein stood its ground and reiterated the brand aimed at inclusivity.

“We embrace this platform as an inclusive and respectful environment for individualism and self-expression. At Calvin Klein, we tolerate everything except intolerance— any intolerant commentary will be removed, and any accounts issuing hateful statements may be blocked,” they said.

This is not the first time a brand is being criticized for the same. Apple published a number of new emoticons as part of the iOS 15.4 update earlier this year, one of which was a ‘pregnant man’ in all skin colors. Within hours, netizens lashed back with their disapproval. From Elon Musk ridiculing the emoji to TV presenters, Tucker Carlson and Piers Morgan making snarky posts on social media — the anger towards the pregnant man emoji was palpable across social media.