Dylan Mulvaney has been the name on everyone's lips for the last few years and with good reason. Not only has her willingness to share her transition with the world made her an inspiration to queer folks — but it also made the trans activist, influencer, singer, actor, and now author a lightning rod of the right. But through it all Mulvaney has stayed positive and unapologetic in her transness weathering the praise, scrutiny, and derision exceptionally well. Not only that, Mulvaney used it all as a springboard to share her brand of strength, kindness, and vulnerability to the world.
And yet, we're still just getting to know to know her — with the help of new memoir Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, out March 11. In a revealing new interview with our sister site,The Advocate Mulvaney discussed "Beergate," why she's thrilled to be considered "Mother" to many of her queer and trans fans, and interestingly, why she's ready to shed parts of her "squeaky clean” reputation.
SIXDO by Do Manh Cuong Black Embellished Floral Ball Gown; Joseph Saidan & Sons Onyx and Diamond Earrings;Alexandre Birman Anastasia Black Patent Leather Sandals with Crystal Embellished Buckled StrapsJon Stars
This is evidenced by a part of her memoir Mulvaney describes realizations she came to while on an ayahuasca trip. “I feel like some people see me as this very buttoned up, squeaky clean person,” she told The Advocate. “but I’m actually pretty weird and wacky.” It was also during this experience that realized she had a purpose in life: To be a mother. By that, she means standing up and being visible to the queer youth who look up to her.
“If I could be that for someone, I think it’s a hundred percent worth it, and I’m honored,” she smiles. “The first time I heard the term ‘mother’ [applied to me], I thought, ‘Oh, my God, are they calling me old?’ But, no, apparently, it’s a compliment.”
Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, is on shelves March 11. Read the full interview with Mulvaney on Advocate.com.
Talent: Dylan Mulvaney@dylanmulvaney
Photographer: Jon Stars@jonstars
Photography Assistant: Mike Taveira@miketaveira
Stylist: Annie Easton@annieleaston; @annieandnora
Stylist Assisant: Madalyn@gonemad_vintage
Hair: Angelina Panelli @angelinapanelli
Makeup: Armando Kole@kole_mua
Video: Miguel Torres@mtrider91
