Dylan Mulvaney, the trailblazing trans icon and social media star, takes center stage in the March/April 2025 issue of The Advocate, offering a deeply personal look at her rise to fame, the challenges she’s faced, and her reflections on life’s journey. Known for her viral “Days of Girlhood” video series, Mulvaney continues to inspire and advocate for the transgender community, and now, with the release of her memoir Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, she shares her intimate coming-of-age story with the world.
In a revealing interview with The Advocate’s Mey Rude, Mulvaney opens up about how she’s navigated both success and backlash, including the infamous “Beergate” incident that drew widespread criticism. Despite the challenges, Mulvaney remains grounded in optimism and gratitude, elements that have sustained her throughout her journey. She also discusses a transformative experience involving ayahuasca, a psychedelic journey that played a pivotal role in her personal growth.
Paper Doll Chronicles Her Transformation
In Paper Doll, Mulvaney provides a candid account of her life, from her earliest experiences with girlhood to her public coming out and everything in between. The memoir sheds light on her struggles and triumphs, offering a narrative that resonates with many, particularly trans youth who feel alienated or rejected by society.
“I think my memoir is a reflection of my life as someone who is discovering themselves as I go,” Mulvaney said. “It’s not just about the fun moments or the viral videos—it’s about the real moments, the painful parts, and how I learned to navigate them.”
The book delves into her darkest moments, including the aftermath of the Bud Light backlash, an episode Mulvaney refers to as “Beergate.” In the interview, she discusses how the incident impacted her but also how she managed to emerge from it with an even stronger sense of self.
Staying Optimistic Amidst Backlash
One of the most striking elements of Mulvaney’s interview is her unwavering commitment to optimism. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she attributes much of her resilience to her optimistic perspective on life.
“I think that I am an optimist to the craziest extent,” she shared. “My earnestness has kept me alive, and it’s what keeps me going… I actually think optimism is the coolest thing in the world. And I think the reason that I am around is because I surround myself with people who are wildly optimistic.”
Her approach to optimism has made her a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those facing their own struggles with identity and acceptance.
The Power of Vulnerability
A significant theme in Mulvaney’s memoir is the idea of vulnerability as a means of healing. Writing the book was not only cathartic for her but also a way to share her experiences in a deeper and more meaningful way than through her social media posts.
“Writing the memoir ended up being very cathartic and very healing because I think I got to share parts of my relationship to that time and to the media in a way that I didn’t feel safe to online,” Mulvaney explained. “And in a way that felt very vulnerable. I think had I just released a book that was only related to those 365 days, I don’t think it would have been the right thing.”
Her ability to be open about her struggles has helped her connect with fans and followers, many of whom look up to her as a source of inspiration.
Embracing Her Role as a Role Model
Mulvaney’s role as a public figure has also evolved as she increasingly sees herself as a mother figure to her fans. Her desire to support and uplift others is evident in her words and actions.
“If I can be a part of someone’s mother Rolodex, sign me up, I’m in,” she said, reflecting on how she sees herself in relation to the trans community.
Her support for the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering, and her memoir is a powerful testament to her commitment to being a role model for those in need of guidance and encouragement.
