Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer and activist, has been named as the Woman of the Year by Attitude, a UK magazine that focuses on LGBTQ+ culture and lifestyle. The 26-year-old received the award at a ceremony on Wednesday, where she delivered an emotional speech about her journey and challenges as a trans woman.
A controversial figure in the US
Mulvaney rose to fame on TikTok, where she documented her transition and shared her experiences as a trans woman. She also became known as the “trans beer girl” after she partnered with Bud Light for a campaign that sparked a huge backlash and boycott from conservative groups and individuals. The beer company reportedly lost tens of millions of dollars in sales due to the controversy.
Mulvaney said that she felt isolated and hated in the US, where she faced constant harassment and threats from transphobic people. She said that she travelled to London this summer to escape the turmoil and find a “safe space” where she could be herself.
A warm welcome in the UK
Mulvaney said that she felt welcomed and accepted in the UK, where she enjoyed the culture and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. She said that she did not feel like the “trans beer girl” anymore, but rather “just another gal walking around in a Burberry trench coat on her way to a West End musical”.
She also praised Attitude magazine for recognising her as a woman and giving her the honour of being the first Woman of the Year in its history. She said that receiving this award from a queer publication meant a lot to her, as it showed that the queer community saw her for her truth.
A message of hope and resilience
Mulvaney also addressed the recent attacks and hate crimes against trans people in the UK and around the world. She said that she was aware of the dangers and difficulties that trans people faced every day, and that she was not going to give up on fighting for their rights and dignity.
She said that no matter how hard she tried, or what she wore, or what surgeries she had, she would never reach an acceptable version of womanhood by those hateful people’s standards. But she said that as long as the queer community saw her for her truth, she was going to be OK.
She ended her speech by thanking her fans, friends, family, and supporters for their love and encouragement. She also thanked Paloma Faith, a singer and activist who presented her with the award, for standing up for her and all trans people.