Absolut Vodka releases pro-transgender ad

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

Absolut Vodka’s recent commercial “Darla” makes a statement for transgender inclusion and gender diversity. It features a main character who begins to understand, through a night of Absolut, of course, what it means to be transgender.

“Darla” is part of Absolut’s #AbsolutNights campaign. Its tagline is, “When was the last time you were true to yourself? Sometimes being open to new possibilities is all it takes.”

The ad is narrated by a partygoer, who meets an old friend – Dave, now Darla. His initial reaction is to get away from her, but then she takes his hand. She leads him on a night-long journey of understanding and sympathy. They dance, meet people, watch a parade, take pictures in a photo booth and become, once again, friends.

“We walked, and she told me she always felt this way,” the narrator says. “I just listened, and somehow I understood. She was amazing.”

He concludes, saying, “She was my friend. The same person. The same heart.

“She hadn’t changed. I had.”

According to Forbes, Unicorn Booty gives “Darla” a mixed review. “The ad’s not perfect, but it’s one of the few from a major company that even acknowledges trans existence, and is thus a step in the right direction, even if it is just to hawk booze.”

Watch the video above, or click here.

The Gayly – 5/31/2016 @ 12:17 p.m. CDT