In an eventful week, Pottery Barn made waves by unveiling a captivating video endorsing a book authored by transgender activist Jazz Jennings, which delves into the experiences of a transgender child.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Pottery Barn Kids showcased a heartfelt reading from the book “I Am Jazz,” penned by Jennings—a courageous individual who embarked on a journey of transition at the tender age of three. The story introduces a character who eloquently expresses having a feminine mind inhabiting a masculine body. The video garnered over 350 likes and sparked over 650 comments, igniting a vibrant conversation.
Jazz Jennings, now twenty-two, recognized her true gender identity at the tender age of two. She grappled with a sense of misalignment while wearing clothes typically associated with boys, instead yearning for the allure of pink hues and the enchantment of mermaid costumes. A medical diagnosis confirmed Jazz’s transgender identity, initially perplexing her family, who eventually embraced and understood her truth, as revealed in the book’s description on Amazon.
Despite Pottery Barn’s initiative receiving praise, some commenters expressed discontent and voiced criticism regarding the brand’s association with Jennings.
“This is truly disappointing. I will no longer support this brand with my hard-earned money,” voiced one user, highlighting their dissatisfaction.
Another commenter questioned, “Is Pottery Barn following Bud Light’s footsteps? Who would consider reading this to their children?”
A sense of urgency permeated the comments: “It’s time for decisive action. We must stand together,” exclaimed one individual, with another echoing their sentiment, stating, “We’ve had enough.”
Pottery Barn Kids has previously showcased inclusive children’s literature, such as “Love Makes A Family” by Sophie Beer, which beautifully illustrates that the most important element in any family is the love shared among its members, irrespective of its structure.
As of now, Pottery Barn’s online store offers an array of LGBT-themed mugs and a vibrant rainbow-themed doormat. A portion of the proceeds will be directed towards the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to supporting young individuals undergoing gender transition and surgical procedures.
Interestingly, this decision from Pottery Barn aligns with recent developments, including Bud Light’s collaboration with activist Dylan Mulvaney, which stirred significant controversy and prompted some consumers to boycott Target due to the store’s inclusion of swimwear designed to accommodate specific needs.
Target’s market value experienced a substantial decline of nearly $13 billion, while Bud Light witnessed a noticeable decline in sales since partnering with Mulvaney. The timing of Pottery Barn’s support for Jennings amidst these events adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative.