Choosing and using a new name is a big step in a gender transition. A sweet new Starbucks ad shows the quiet triumph of a customer who has just started going by James.
After being referred to by their name assigned at birth, James finally has a chance to use their preferred name on a Starbucks order. The advert recently won a well-deserved Channel 4 Diversity Award.
In addition to the ad, Starbucks is also fundraising for trans and gender diverse youth. As part of their support, some UK locations are also offering a Mermaids Cookie:
Starbucks announced:
We’re proud to support Mermaids, a charity supporting young transgender and gender diverse people and their families.
50p from each cookie sale will go towards the UK Mermaids charity helpline service.
Their goal is to raise at least £100,000 for the Mermaids helpline.
Young people who need to speak to someone in the UK about their gender identity can call the Mermaids helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm:
0808 801 0400
The Mermaids website is:
Image: YouTube/Starbucks
