Trans Guy Gets a Makeover

APPEARANCES:
Ash Perez @itsashlyperez
Kwesi James @kwesi_james
Michael Lane @theshavingoctopus
Parker York Smith @parkeryorksmith
Cookie Perez

EXTERNAL CREW:
Aria Inthavong Director of Photography
Jack Dytrych Camera Operator
Isidro Lopez Gaffer

EDITED BY:
Liam Sullivan

MUSIC
Licensed from AudioNetwork

SFX
Licensed from Audioblocks

VIDEO
Licensed from Videoblocks

2nd TRY LLC STAFF
Rachel Ann Cole - Executive Producer & Showrunner
Nick Rufca - Chief Operations Officer
Devin Wangler - Director of Finance
Erica Lynn Schmueck - Head of Production
Desiree Hurlbut - Associate Producer
Dana Cariello - Senior E-Commerce & Product Manager
Emily Stikeman - Production Coordinator
Leslie Dueñas - Office Administrator / Assistant Production Coordinator
Armando Garcia - Production Assistant
Jack McGill - Technical Coordinator / Sound Mixer
Cailyn Hoertz - Social Media Department Lead
Aiko Igasaki - Short Form Editor
Maddy Smith - Short Form Editor and Social Dept Assistant
Rainie Toll - Podcast Producer
Jonathan Kirk - Audio Engineer and Podcast Editor
Devlin McCluskey - Post Production Creative Director & Senior Editor
YB Chang - Senior Editor
Mishelle Martin - Editor
Skyler Klingenberg - Editor
Liam Sullivan - Editor
Will Witwer - Post Production Supervisor
Moira Joy Smith - Post Production Coordinator
Chris Burke - Assistant Editor
Reese Dawkins - Assistant Editor

[rabbitvenm]

For those who don’t have the cultural context—there are no gendered pronouns in Tagalog so it’s really common for parents to struggle with English pronouns even when their kids aren’t trans! It is so so sweet to see Ash’s mom try her best to be validating with something that is already a challenge for many native Tagalog speakers.

[notflooftasstic]

I lost it when Ash's mom called him a pogi boy, and that was what he hoped to achieve.

[thejonnycakes]

Ash, we all love you so much. One of the kindest, most thoughtful guys out there. I can't wait for the world to watch this.

[chmicalrat]

Admittedly, I haven't seen any of Ash's content since the Buzzfeed days. I had no idea he was trans or what he's been up to but dude...I am so freaking stoked for him. Back at Buzzfeed it didn't seem like he was being himself (obviously). It's like he was visibly uncomfortable and playing a character and this complete 180 just makes me so happy for him. He's glowing and seems so comfortable and himself and happy. This video made me tear up and I cannot wait to see more of him on this channel. Also why is nobody saying how HANDSOME THIS MAN IS!! I thought he was cute before transitioning but this newfound confidence is definitely boosting him. So excited for you dude.

[kamcalste]

The way Ash's mom struggles with his pronouns, but is still so unbelievably supportive, made me tear up a little bit. I think it shows that, even if someone struggles with the language, they can still be a huge ally and someone who wants to be understanding and accepting. This is such a good show!

[swillcocks]

love the section with ash and kwesi talking, kwesi's excitement for ash's journey was so incredible, i wish everyone ends up finding friends like that.

[stephaniebaker]

Seeing Ash is like seeing an old friend. I absolutely loved watching him around 2015 and it’s wonderful to see him on yt again!

[solarmoth]

“What if you want to be a CEO?” is such a funny, niche concern in response to your child being bisexual.

[danidynamite]

I wish Ash had his dad to walk him through his new life, but seeing Zach and Kwesi (and everyone else on the channel) looking out for him is so heartwarming.

[wolveswithtea]

Petition for this series to be extended longer than 3 episodes. You can't sum up learning how to be a man in 3 episodes and I'd love to see more about Ash learning what the male experience is with a fuller season

[chiaravasquez]

Wtf I am actually sobbing. The way his mom called him a “pogi” boy without knowing that was what he was hoping for? Beautiful. Cookie’s love and acceptance fills my heart with warmth and hope.

This was beautiful. Ash, you’re glowing. And Kwesi is right: you being Ash is all the world needs. I can’t wait to see more of Ash’s journey!

[morganlovescupcakes]

"I still get my boy and my girl -- they just kinda exchanged places" 🤧 that mom is so precious!
It was amazing watching her with so much joy seeing their child for who they really are

[imaginefun]

"New Guy Tries" is such a good concept

[tsedaleforbes]

No shade to Zach and Keith at all, but the Kwesi and Ash combo is literally such a powerful thing to witness. So much strength in this conversation!!!

[Carmen-doci]

As a very bisexual girl, Ash was my crush in buzzfeed for so long, and now he is my newest crush again, haha. He just rocks whatever he wears and is an absolute sweetheart. I'm so happy he's surrounded by people who love and support him, i can only hope to have that acceptance for myself one day. We all love you, Ash!!

[ek]

Honestly this is so healing to see so many people from the buzzfeed days, still together, supporting each other, coming into their own. I love it so much.

[tessy]

Peak “good for him” content, I love it

[jillian]

Kwesi saying "you being Ash is all the world needs" is so touching and heartwarming..I am so excited to watch the rest of the series. And I lo e that Ash has other support men around him as he goes on this vulnerable journey with us. ❤

[simashakeri]

The part of this video with Ash's mom was so poignant and heartwarming. She's clearly trying so hard and the love she has for her children just exudes from her entire being. I think it really dispels that stupid transphobic rhetoric that's like "if you don't magically know someone's pronouns they'll get you cancelled by the language police" because it's so obvious the issue is respect or lack thereof, and no trans person in their right mind would be upset with people who clearly love them and are clearly trying stumbling a few times along the way. Great video guys, really warmed my heart.

[ImJustDucky]

I just really love Kwesi. Very quick with the compliments while also being completely genuine with them. Quick to give answers to Ash in a way that he would understand. Kwesi is just awesome in this video...Bless up.

Ash.."Is there a man hug?"
Kwesi..."This is it right here."