Emergence as a TikTok Sensation

Dylan Mulvaney, notable for her presence on TikTok, rose to prominence primarily due to her engaging content and the controversies surrounding her. The trans influencer became a focal point of nationwide discussion after featuring in a Bud Light campaign in 2023.

“Paper Doll”: Reflecting on Her Transition

In her recently published memoir, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, Mulvaney offers a deeply personal account of her journey through gender transition, sharing journal entries from her first year. She describes the book as reflecting a “quarter life crisis” infused with emotional depth that often surpasses the superficiality of social media.

Defining Her Identity

Mulvaney recognized her identity as a girl from a young age, citing it as one of her clearest and most genuine thoughts. “I knew I was a girl. That was one of the purest thoughts and intentions I’ve ever had throughout my entire life,” she shared, reflecting on the challenges she faced in a society that often did not recognize her identity.

She initially came out as gay at the age of 14 but took nearly a decade to embrace her identity as a trans woman, largely influenced by the lack of visible representation of trans individuals around her.

Controversy and Its Impact

In 2023, Mulvaney became involved in a advertising campaign for Bud Light alongside other celebrities. However, her association sparked significant backlash from conservative groups, leading to calls for boycotts that significantly affected Bud Light’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch, whose revenue reportedly declined by more than 10% following the campaign’s launch.

Reflecting on the experience, Mulvaney expressed feelings of guilt, fearing that her participation in the campaign might have had negative repercussions for the trans community. “It took a lot to not feel guilty about that experience because I felt like it was my fault,” she explained. The situation led to considerable emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts and feelings of dissociation.

Advocacy in a Challenging Environment

The release of Mulvaney’s memoir comes at a time of heightened debate surrounding transgender rights in the U.S. Recently, a group of transgender individuals filed a lawsuit against an executive order from former President Trump that prevented changes to gender markers on passports. “I’m a woman no matter what my passport says,” Mulvaney asserted, emphasizing the need for acceptance and support for trans lives. “We are not hurting anyone,” she added, highlighting the disproportionate attention and rhetoric directed towards the trans community.

Mulvaney is acutely aware of the stakes involved for many trans individuals, expressing her desire for every member of the community to have the opportunity to thrive. “I want every trans person in this country to have the opportunity to thrive. And unfortunately, we’re living in a time where it is very hard to do so,” she concluded.