Breakthrough on Social Media

Dylan Mulvaney, a prominent TikTok star and trans influencer, gained significant attention in 2023 following her involvement in a controversial partnership with Bud Light. Her unique approach to sharing her journey as a trans woman resonated with millions, particularly through her acclaimed series “Days of Girlhood,” which achieved over one billion views.

New Memoir: “Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer”

In her recently released memoir, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, Mulvaney provides an intimate look into her life through journal entries chronicling the first year of her gender transition. “I think of the book as like a quarter-life crisis,” she remarked, adding that it contains more emotional depth than what is often conveyed on social media.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Mulvaney has shared that she recognized her gender identity at a young age. “I knew I was a girl. That was one of the purest thoughts and intentions I’ve ever had,” she reflected. Despite initially identifying as gay at the age of 14, it took her another ten years to fully embrace her identity as a trans woman, largely due to the influences of her environment.

The Bud Light Campaign and Its Backlash

In 2023, Mulvaney participated in a Bud Light campaign aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. Unfortunately, her involvement was met with severe backlash, particularly from conservative circles, leading to boycotts against the brand. The resulting controversy severely impacted Bud Light’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch, which reported a revenue decline of over 10% following the campaign’s launch.

Reflecting on the experience, Mulvaney expressed feelings of guilt and responsibility, stating, “It took a lot to not feel guilty about that experience because I felt like it was my fault.” She emphasized that while she was targeted by extremist views, she never intended for her actions to harm the trans community.

Impact on Mental Health

The backlash severely affected Mulvaney’s mental health, contributing to periods of suicidal ideation and feelings of dissociation. “I’m still battling with some of that guilt and that shame,” she admitted, revealing the emotional toll of the public’s perception during that tumultuous time.

Transgender Rights and Advocacy

As debates on transgender rights intensify in the United States, Mulvaney’s memoir arrives at a critical juncture. Recent lawsuits, including one challenging former President Trump’s executive order that halted gender marker changes on passports, highlight ongoing struggles within the transgender community.

Mulvaney remains steadfast in her identity, insisting, “I’m a woman no matter what my passport says,” and emphasizing that the representation and treatment of transgender people are often mischaracterized. “We’re less than 1% of the population. And the way that they speak about us so often is as if we’re taking over cities like Godzilla,” she noted.

She concluded with an urgent call for support within society: “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.”