Just before Caitlyn Jenner took the stage at the ESPYs to give a emotional and powerful speech on her own journey and the continued struggle of the transgender community, Google took to the airwaves with an ad to tell the story of Jacob Nothnagel, a 26-year-old trans man who wanted to wanted to find a gym to build his body with a sense of security.
In the ad, Jacob tells his story of growing up living and presenting as a woman, but always wanting to look in the mirror and see muscles, a mustache and a completely masculine form. Jacob's transition, which he's documented on YouTube, involved top surgery and hormone therapy.
With his transition underway, Jacob's involvement with City Gym in Kansas, Missouri, helped guide his journey. The gym is inclusive of the trans community and has provided a haven for Jacob.
He's been able to work out in a safe environment alongside fellow trans men, which has had profound mental and physical effects. Hailee Bland-Walsh, owner of City Gym, said in the ad, "They're building the capacity to feel confident, to feel strong."
The two-and-a-half minute ad, Google said, is the longest to ever air during an ESPYs broadcast and one of the longest to ever air on ABC. Google originally released a version of the spot to coincide with Pride celebrations.
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