Non-binary Deni Todorovic says ‘some women have penises’ after trolls attack Seafolly campaign

A non-binary model who spearheads a campaign for one of Australia’s most celebrated swimwear brands has responded to widespread criticism of the ad, saying “some women have penises.”

Deni Todorovič, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/she pronouns and identifies as non-binary, stars in the campaign for Seafolly, best known for its glamorous ad campaigns featuring some of the most world celebrities including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin.

Deni posed in a lime green Seafolly bikini bottom and matching costume for a campaign shoot launched just before International Women’s Day, while also showing off her full beard.

While many have praised the brand’s effort to come up with a diverse campaign, others have said they will boycott the brand because of the inclusive photo shoot.

Writer Alexandra Marshall said she felt the fashion label was “making fun of women” and said she would “never” buy Seafolly swimwear again.

‘Bye @seafolly. Never more. I have been buying swimsuits from you for many years. Never again,’ he posted on Twitter.

‘Since when do women have penises in their bikini bottoms? This is beyond disgusting and Deni is trying to eradicate biological women. Deplorable,” one person posted on Instagram.

Responding to the comment on a video about her story, Deni said: ‘Let’s be clear about comments like this, yes I see them and they do affect me but I try not to let them.

‘I’m going to give this person, I think her name is Jodie, a little education.

“Some women have penises, some trans women don’t feel the need to undergo any kind of gender surgery.

‘Some of them can’t afford it. Women come in all different shapes and sizes.

‘I’m not trying to eradicate women either, honey, I’m wearing a bikini bottom.

“I’m wearing a bikini bottom that’s basically Speedos, which, last time I checked, people with penises wear Speedos,” Deni added.

“So maybe you just need to dig a little deeper as to why I, in a Speedo essentially, feel like an attack on your gender identity, because that’s not what I’m trying to do.”

In a second comment, the troll added: “Are you happy a woman lost a job because of a man with a penis pretending to be a woman.” Wow.’

Deni then responded by explaining that queer people “lose jobs all the time.”

‘First of all, I am not a man who pretends to be a woman. Not even close,’ they said.

‘Secondly, I’m not trying to steal a job from a woman at all. There were so many women involved in that campaign. There were also queer people involved in that campaign.

‘Like Thomas, who designed that, like me, who’s not binary. We lose jobs all the time. So let’s get some nuance before you fuck me like that.

In another clip, Deni praised the campaign and coverage, saying that positive representation of non-binary and trans people “saves lives.”

“This is very unexpected and I am very grateful,” they said.

‘Trans people attempt suicide 15 times more than cis people.

“This little piece of visibility and Seafolly’s incredible reaction to our collaboration literally has the power to save lives.”

In a previous post, Deni opened up about making ‘history’ in a lengthy Instagram post over the weekend.

“This is the first time iconic Australian swimming giants @seafollyaustralia have worked with a trans brand ambassador/partner,” Deni said.

‘As the marketing director (of Seafolly) said in our kickoff meeting: ‘This is the first time of many more to come.’ I couldn’t be more honored!

They added: ‘We discussed the authentic partnership and have had some very exciting conversations about how the brand can work with the community. This is what the alliance looks like.

Deni’s role in Seafolly was celebrated by several celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.

Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly’s official Instagram account to celebrate the brand’s commitment to diversity.

‘As someone who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly for years, I’m going back now! I love seeing brands be inclusive and that’s where I want my money to go,” wrote one woman.

‘This is amazing to see, Seafolly. I love seeing brands pioneer in celebrating pride and inclusion,” added another.

However, some consumers were less impressed by Deni’s role with the brand.

‘This is a joke. We support diversity and individual choices, but we don’t want to see the women’s clothes we want to buy on a male body…’ commented one.

‘There are other ways to support the pride and choices of individuals, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your long-time loyal customers.

Another wrote: ‘As a woman this is not what I want to see in a bikini.

‘I will not buy this product. People need to come back to reality. Stop turning our world into a circus.

Due to the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to release a statement condemning the “hate language”.

“We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire each other to feel safe on the beach,” the brand said.

‘In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hateful language, trolling, deliberate interruption of the discussion or spam. Please be respectful of each other’s differences and remember to always be kind.’

Many women agreed with Seafolly’s stance, writing: ‘I’m so embarrassed for the fans in this comment section. Imagine writing horrible things because a person wearing a bathing suit bothers you.

Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years.

The gender-swapping socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.

In 2021, Deni came under fire 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 wowed onlookers by storming the runway wearing a pride flag and a t-shirt with ‘they/them’ on the front, which dwarfed the models at the fashion show.

Deni’s performance reportedly upset fashionistas at the time, with one guest saying her political message “was being rammed down our throats.”

‘The show was all about Deni. The collection, (and) the designers who worked so hard to put it together, was an afterthought,” an attendee told the Herald Sun.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seafolly and Deni for comment.