A non-binary model, fronting a campaign for one of Australia’s most celebrated swimwear brands, has launched a Trans Lives Matter movement in Melbourne.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, announced on Saturday that tickets are now available to view a live-streamed gala to raise funds for trans organisations.
The event will feature appearances from the likes of pop star Samantha Jade, drag performer Aysha Buffet and former Australian of the Year Grace Tame.
‘Australia. I’m inviting you to stay in tonight and support trans lives with our inaugural TRANS LIVES MATTER Fundraiser. Kick off is 7PM and tickets are $60AUD,’ Deni began.
‘This is a global live stream event. Watch it anywhere in the world compatible on all devices. Think lockdown vibes and you will also be able to watch it on demand…and joining me are some seriously talented humans both from community and our allies.’
Non-binary activist Deni Todorovič, 34, (picured) who was hired to front Seafolly campaign, has launched a Trans Lives Matter movement
Deni explained the profits raised are going to ‘@transcend_australia, @aconnsw @transgendervic and @thorneharbour.’
‘Trans people can’t change the narrative alone. They need allies. This event will elevate and amplify trans people, stories and voices, and be supported by a superstar line-up of allies who want to shine their light toward this important cause.’
‘The show will entertain, inform, compel, and stay true to its mission of making trans people visible, trans rights non negotiable and trans organisations better funded to support the community at a grassroots level.’
Deni, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, announced the new campaign to Instagram on Saturday
The post comes after it was revealed Deni would be starring in a campaign for Seafolly which is known for its advertisements featuring the world’s most famous female models including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin.
Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion over the last few years.
Deni’s role at Seafolly was celebrated by a number of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.
Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly’s official Instagram account to celebrate the label’s commitment to diversity.
‘As some one who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly for years I’ll be back now! Love seeing brands be inclusive and that is where I want my money to go,’ one woman wrote.
‘So amazing to see this, Seafolly. I love to see brands pioneering the celebration of pride and inclusion,’ another added.
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Deni recently starred in a campaign for Seafolly which is known for its advertisements featuring the world’s most famous female models including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin
However, some consumers were less than impressed by Deni’s role with the brand.
‘This is a joke. We support diversity and individuals’ decisions, but we don’t want to see women’s clothing that we want to purchase on a male body…’ commented one.
‘There are other ways to support pride and individuals’ choices, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your long-time loyal customers.’
Another wrote: ‘As a woman, this is not what I want to look like in a bikini.
‘I won’t be buying this product. People need to get back to reality. Stop making our world into a circus.’
While many praised the brand’s effort in presenting a diverse campaign, others said they will boycott the brand due to the shoot
Deni is also one of the national ambassadors for Bonds underwear
Due to the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to put out a statement condemning the ‘hateful language’.
‘We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire one another to feel confident at the beach,’ the brand said.
‘In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hateful language, trolling, deliberate disruption of discussion, or spam. Please be respectful of each other’s differences and remember to always be kind.’
The gender-bending socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.
In 2021, Deni was criticised for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a ‘pride parade’ while working on the event as a stylist and curator.
While Deni was hired to work backstage at the event, they shocked onlookers by storming the runway with a pride flag and a T-shirt with ‘they/them’ on the front, which overshadowed the models in the fashion show.
In 2021, Deni was criticised for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a ‘pride parade’ while working on the event as a stylist and curator
