SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON TRANS TALENT IN ENTERTAINMENT
As a company founded by two gay actors from the West End, we believe in the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation both on stage and screen. With the growing demand for digital content, it's crucial to acknowledge its impact. It not only elevates the content we see and provides access to the community but also promotes visibility and invites new talent.
This month, we are excited to announce a meaningful collaboration with Trans On Screen.
Trans On Screen fosters a directory representing trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming professionals in all areas of Film and TV, from pre-production to distribution.
While much progress has been made in recent years, the trans community still experiences exclusion, marginalisation, and violence. The Trans On Screen initiative elevates the voices of the community, showcasing a revolutionary way the industry can run.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Yasser, Elijah, Prime, and Ki, members of Trans On Screen. We learned more about their journeys in the entertainment industry and their experiences using AKT. Here are some highlights from the interview!
Plastic & Gender-Free
“I just want the product; I don’t want to be put into a box.” - Ki.
Designing a natural deodorant that was plastic and gender-free was a priority for us because feeling and smelling great shouldn't have restraints, either for yourself or the planet.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re making a choice,” Yasser explains. “It’s just a cool product, gender-free, and it feels accessible.”
Many brands label their fragrances with specific genders, making people feel like they have to pick the ones that match theirs. This can be constraining and dictates what you should like rather than letting you choose what you truly want.
At AKT, we wanted to break these boundaries. That's why we’re gender-free! So when you apply The Deodorant Balm, you feel comfortable wearing it and it feels like… You! Plus, it smells amazing.
“Your natural deodorant is amazing. Works for ages and one of the best smells I’ve experienced (‘The Onsen’)." - Prime.
It was also great to hear how AKT has supported some of the Trans On Screen members after their top surgery/transitioning, aiding with its easy application and helping avoid bad body odour after surgery.
“After top surgery, when I have all my stitches, rubbing my armpits is so much easier than lifting my arms to spray myself and then try not to breathe it in.” - Prime.
Sensory-Friendly
None of us like to feel wet or sweaty or have to deal with skin irritation after using antiperspirants. The Deodorant Balm is comfortable and feels good to wear and apply where you need it most. Especially compared to roll-ons, which leave you wet and feeling soggy for too long. This combined with the inefficiency of other deodorants can feel very overstimulating to some.
“As soon as I started testosterone, the first thing I noticed is I became the sweatiest boy to ever live,” Ki explained. “And one thing I like about AKT is, because it doesn't have such a liquid consistency, I don’t feel like I’ve put on another layer of sweat.”
Our award-winning formula, Deo-Barrier Complex™, helps you feel dry and fresh all day. So for individuals who are binding, it alleviates that uncomfortable wet feeling from roll-ons – and with its natural and nourishing ingredients, The Deodorant Balm will also prevent skin irritation! So whether you’ve just come out of surgery or are binding, you can feel comfortable, confident, and protected.
Supporting the Journey
While transitioning is different for everyone, it’s rarely an easy process. That’s why we wanted to take this opportunity to encourage readers to support Prime and Ki in raising money for their top surgeries.
You can donate and learn more about Prime’s top surgery here: Prime's Top Surgery Fund
You can donate and learn more about Ki’s top surgery here: Ki's Gender Affirming Care Fund
“People saw my crowdfunding, believed that this is what I wanted/needed, and it made me feel so confident and validated in my gender identity. Donating, reposting, or sharing makes me feel like you see me, you believe me, and you also think I deserve this.” - Prime
If donating is not possible, we encourage you to watch our full interview with Yasser, Elijah, Prime, and Ki and discover their experiences being trans in the entertainment industry.
The Importance of Allyship
As allies, it's important to stand up for the trans community. Correct misgendering, oppose micro-aggressions, and support the community. We need to be vocal to create change.
Ki noted, “It comes with the work you do when the person is not in the room that really means the most. And I think especially with the trans community, it’s a tougher world out there because a lot of people are not doing the work in private. And when people are, you can tell, and it means the world of difference.”
We couldn’t be prouder to be collaborating with Trans On Screen. It’s about bringing awareness and celebrating trans and non-binary talent in the entertainment industry. And we can’t wait to see how far it goes.
Our plastic-free, gender-neutral deodorant isn’t just a product; it's a statement about confidence. It’s about feeling great, smelling awesome, and doing good for the planet.
(Plus, it’s a hit with everyone who tries it!)
You can support Prime and Ki on their top surgery journeys by donating or watching clips from their interviews on our social media channels.
