Dylan Mulvaney was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Woman of The Year’ by a prominent British LGBTQ magazine in association with Virgin Atlantic. The accolade was presented at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards held in the United Kingdom, an event organized by the LGBTQ-focused “Attitude” magazine and sponsored by the renowned British airline company.
During her acceptance speech, Mulvaney expressed her astonishment at receiving this honor, highlighting that a mere “560 days” had passed since she came out as a trans woman, transitioning from her previous identity as a biological male. She humbly stated, “I am so honored to be with you all tonight, and you know, some see me as the woman of the year, some see me as a woman of a year, and some change, as I only publicly came out online 560 days ago, and some people don’t see me as a woman at all.”
Mulvaney went on to express her profound gratitude for receiving the recognition from a publication deeply rooted in the queer community, emphasizing how much it meant to her.
In an article featured in Attitude magazine, Mulvaney’s journey was profiled, with a special focus on her ‘Days of Girlhood’ series, where she shared the highs and lows of her transition, ultimately amassing a staggering 12 million followers. This newfound fame also brought advertising campaigns and, at times, controversy.
In her speech, Mulvaney acknowledged the challenges she had faced due to “hateful” individuals. She emphasized the importance of finding acceptance within the queer community and stated, “No matter how hard I try, or what I wear, or what I say, or what surgeries I get, I will never reach an acceptable version of womanhood by those hateful people’s standards, but as long as I have the queer community that sees me for my truth, I’m gonna be okay.”
Mulvaney also expressed her relief at receiving the award in the U.K., as it allowed her to escape the burdens and prejudices she had encountered in the United States. She humorously noted that she was no longer the “trans beer girl,” free to blend in like any other woman on her way to enjoy a West End musical.
Mulvaney’s reference to the Bud Light controversy shed light on the challenges she faced. After partnering with Mulvaney for an Instagram ad featuring customized beer cans with her image, Bud Light faced a boycott that resulted in significant revenue and market value losses. Mulvaney openly criticized Bud Light for its lack of support during the backlash, which exposed her to more transphobia than she had ever anticipated.
At the recent 2023 Forbes CMO Summit in Miami, Mulvaney addressed investors and business leaders, urging them to be more supportive of progressive and LGBTQ activists and staff they collaborate with or employ.
She emphasized the importance of standing by those who leverage their vulnerabilities and traumas to advocate for change. “If you’re going to ask us to capitalize on our vulnerabilities and our traumas, at least have our backs when the going gets tough,” Mulvaney emphasized. As of now, Mulvaney has not provided an immediate response to requests for further comment.