Pantene’s new campaign is a revival of the brand’s iconic 1986 “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful” advertisement
As a brand once known for a particular kind of “beautiful hair,” Pantene is tackling conventional stereotypes with “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m BeautifuLGBTQ,” a new message that is part of their recently launched “Power To Transform” campaign. Created in partnership with GLAAD, the campaign takes the brand’s ubiquitous line from its famous 1986 advertisement to redefine what ‘beautiful’ looks like in today’s world by featuring a range of people within the LGBTQ+ community and their own unique stories of transformation.
“For many in the community, hair plays a pivotal role in their “transformation moment,” said Ilaira Resta, Vice President, North America Hair Care, Procter & Gamble. “In fact, from our research, we found that 60 percent of LGBTQ+ persons change their hair when they have a life or identity change.
“So, whether that means getting a major chop or growing out your locks to defy societal norms, or embracing hair that bends the gender binary entirely – Hair is an impactful visual cue of transformation, and this new campaign from Pantene aims to show the beauty of all transformations and of all people.”
Each person featured represents their own transformation and unique sense of self-expression, with three stories being featured in separate supporting campaign videos. One video shares the story of Pooya, a transgender woman from Iran who was once jailed for having hair that was considered too long.
“I want to be there for people in a way that I did not experience when I was younger, and let them know that there is nothing wrong with them,” Pooya states in the video after joining the initiative in hopes that her story would enable others to see their place in the world and envision the transformations they are capable of.
In addition to being WorldPride sponsors, the launch of “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m BeautifuLGBTQ+” also comes with the announcement of the brand’s partnership with GLAAD, which will continue to uplift members of the LGBTQ+ community by celebrating inclusion, representation and freedom of expression. This furthered commitment follows recent global brand campaigns in the Philippines and the UK which celebrate and showcase transgender beauty and the stories of that community.
“Pantene has raised the bar for authentic inclusion by shining the spotlight on a diverse group of LGBTQ people in this powerful new campaign,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Hearing these LGBTQ individuals speak about their identities as well as their drive to be their true selves will empower other LGBTQ people and remind us all what true beauty is all about.”
In April, the brand launched its new “Power to Transform” campaign which recognises, celebrates and gives visibility to those who transform their lives and the world around them every single day. As a result, it has committed to telling stories of transformation that defy bias, celebrate personal expression and show a more inclusive world.
