Gap's new ad campaign features deaf trans activist Chella Man and the internet is loving it

Kimberly Drew, Carolotta Kohl, Kevlin Davis, Enzima, and SuperDuperKyle in new Gap fall campaign. (Photo: courtesy of Gap)
SuperDuperKyle, Ezinma, Carlotta Kohl, Chella Man, and Kelvin Davis in new Gap fall campaign. (Photo: Courtesy of Gap)

American heritage brand Gap enlisted Chella Man, a transgender advocate, artist, and model who is deaf, for their international fashion campaign. Chella Man is joined by a diverse group of young artists, models, musicians, and activists including Kimberly Drew, Carlotta Kohl, Kelvin Davis, Ezinma, and SuperDuperKyle.

Chella Man in particular is a rare combination: He is Chinese, Jewish, deaf, and trans, and he’s gained notoriety for his artwork and documentation of his transition on social media — an arena that has garnered him more than 200,000 followers collectively. He uses Instagram to post his artwork and has created resourceful videos on YouTube, such as “Being in a Relationship with Someone Transitioning” and a short film called Moments of Mom, which was inspired by the letter he wrote to his mother when he decided to transition.

He’s known for his mantra, “Be your own representation.” In May, Chella Man told Yahoo Lifestyle, “Representation permits you to know there are others in the world with similar experiences to you due to your common identity. It has [the] power to diminish the negative aspects of solitude.”

His latest appearance in Gap’s inclusive ad campaign has hit home for many of his followers, who are sharing their support on social media.

For Chella Man personally, this was a full circle moment, having worn Gap as a child and now being able to represent the brand in its newest campaign, which focuses on diversity and beauty in all shapes and forms.

The diverse casting was intentional by Gap, which was all about “choosing talent that strongly aligned with Gap’s core brand values and overall positive influence and impact in the world,” according to the brand’s press release. “The cast for the campaign includes multiple musicians, artists, performers, and activists who have existing reputations as advocates for positivity, are clearly dedicated to doing good, and are change agents across generations and gender.”

The new Gap campaign celebrates the launch of Gap’s new Soft Wear denim line and Vintage Wash T-shirt collection, which are available in stores now and online at gap.com.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

This 19-year-old deaf, transgender artist will teach you a lesson on representation
Ami McClure speaks out about why she waited to tell the truth about the McClure twins’ father
Camp rock! Priyanka Chopra finally flashes diamond engagement ring from Nick Jonas in new selfie

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

Advertisement