Seafolly’s non-binary ambassador says they were abused in a “strange Melbourne suburb” while wearing a Trans Lives Matter t-shirt: “They wanted to know what was between my legs.”

A non-binary activist who made headlines when she was named an ambassador for women’s swimwear brand Seafolly has revealed she was abused on the streets of Melbourne while wearing a Trans Lives Matter t-shirt has.

Deni Todorovič, 34, who identified as male at birth but uses his/their pronouns and identifies as non-binary, recalled the incident on ABC’s Q&A on Monday during a discussion about transphobia and gender diversity.

The podcaster recently launched a Trans Lives Matter movement in Melbourne, saying they felt “unsafe” in Brunswick after being “verbally assaulted” six times in one day, despite the area being “super weird”.

Deni first explained that they had recently moved to downtown Brunswick from Barwon Heads, near Geelong.

“I’ve been a Geelong boy all my life, born and bred, and I’m so proud of Geelong, but it’s a bloody hard place to live when you’re trans,” they said.

The writer recalled how one person ran through his car window to call Deni a “f*g” while another person confronted her on the street.

“I was asked by a man because I was wearing a Trans Lives Matter t-shirt, ‘What’s between your legs?’ I was really surprised. And then his girlfriend started filming me,” Deni complained.

And this is a microaggression. It’s actually not very micro at all. And then you share: “Who am I? Why am I here? I don’t feel safe,” they added.

Deni, who identified as male at birth but uses his/her pronouns and identifies as non-binary, recalled the incident in ABC’s Q&A on Monday during a discussion on transphobia and gender diversity

It comes after Deni sparked backlash after claiming they were an “ambassador” for Seafolly. Known for advertising with the world’s most famous female models, including Miranda Kerr and Gigi Hadid.

Deni’s role on Seafolly has been celebrated by a host of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.

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

“As someone who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly in years, I’m back! I like to see brands being inclusive and that’s where I want to put my money,” one woman wrote.

“So nice to see, Seafolly. I love seeing brands that celebrate pride and inclusion,” added another.

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

“I was asked by a man because I was wearing a Trans Lives Matter t-shirt, ‘What’s between your legs?’ I was really surprised. And then his girlfriend started filming me,” Deni complained

Deni recently starred in a campaign for Seafolly, known for its ads featuring some of the world’s most famous female models, including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin

‘It’s a joke. We support diversity and individual choices, but we don’t want to see women’s clothes that we want to buy on a man’s body…” one of them said.

“There are other ways to support pride and individual choices, but not in this way. Sincerely, one of your loyal customers.’

Another wrote: “As a woman I don’t want to look like that 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 issue a statement in which he condemned the “hate speech”.

We’re here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire each other to be confident at the beach.

“In this community we do not tolerate abusive, obscene, hate speech, trolling, intentional disruption of discussions or spam. Please respect each other’s differences and remember to always be nice.’

In 2021, Deni was criticized for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a “pride parade” while working as a stylist and curator for the event.

While Deni was hired to work behind the scenes at the event, they shocked onlookers by storming the runway wearing a Pride flag and a ‘she/it’ front t-shirt and the models in the runway show overshadow

Seafolly released a statement about their latest campaign, saying they continue to support and uplift women. The statement also noted that Todorovič was not the brand’s new ambassador, but a “special guest” at their World Pride event in Sydney.