Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney and popstar Lady Gaga recently collaborated on a joint photoshoot for International Women’s Day, but the results sparked a wave of controversy. In the photos, Gaga sits on a wooden crate wearing towering platform heels, while Mulvaney stands behind her in a stunning black dress adorned with sequins and tassels.
While many praised the collaboration, some online trolls flooded Mulvaney’s Instagram with derogatory comments, attacking her gender identity and labeling both Mulvaney and Gaga as “men.” These hurtful remarks ignited a debate, with some claiming that the photoshoot degraded “real women” and others arguing that two men couldn’t represent femininity.
However, amidst the negativity, there were voices of support for Mulvaney. Commenters admired her for sharing the spotlight with a major celebrity like Gaga. Mulvaney rose to prominence on TikTok for documenting her transition, but it was her controversial Bud Light promotion that grabbed national attention.
The Bud Light campaign featured limited-edition cans bearing Mulvaney’s face to commemorate her transition. Unfortunately, the campaign sparked outrage among conservative groups, leading to a boycott of the brand. The backlash caused significant financial losses for Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, estimated at up to $400 million.
The controversy took a toll on Mulvaney, who admitted to feeling fearful and apprehensive at the height of the backlash. Bud Light workers criticized their company’s leadership for their handling of the situation, calling for better support for Mulvaney and criticizing their lack of courage.
Despite the challenges and backlash, Mulvaney remains resilient in her advocacy for transgender visibility and acceptance. She utilizes her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Her collaboration with Lady Gaga serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community, despite the obstacles faced.
