TikTok has risen in popularity over the past few years to become one of the most used social media platforms today. The app allows users to create and share short videos, and its algorithm is very effective at showing users content that matches their interests and keeps them engaged. This has allowed many creators on TikTok to build large followings by catering to specific niches and communities. One community that has found a particularly strong voice on TikTok is the transgender community.
As TikTok has grown, so has the presence of transgender creators on the platform. Trans TikTokers have amassed millions of followers, with some of the top creators identifying as transgender or non-binary. The short-form video format and TikTok’s promotion of uplifting and inspiring content has allowed the transgender community to share their experiences and advocate for greater acceptance (Vox, 2021). However, trans creators have also faced harassment and threats on the platform. TikTok has taken some steps to protect LGBTQ creators, but many feel more can be done (NYTimes, 2020).
Who is Dylan Mulvaney?
Dylan Mulvaney is a 25-year old transgender TikTok creator who was born in 1996 as Ben Mulvaney in San Diego, California (Dylan Mulvaney – Wikipedia). She grew up in a conservative Catholic family and realized she was a girl at age 4, but kept it a secret out of fear of rejection (Who Is Transgender TikTok Influencer Dylan Mulvaney? – Biography.com). After graduating from college, Mulvaney moved to New York City and started her gender transition in early 2022, documenting the process through daily TikTok videos.
Mulvaney joined TikTok as a way to share her transition journey with the world in an honest and vulnerable way. She hoped to increase transgender visibility and advocacy through her videos. Her very first TikTok video announcing she was transgender garnered 4.5 million views overnight, which motivated her to keep posting updates on her transition.
Mulvaney’s TikTok Fame
Mulvaney originally gained fame on TikTok by posting day-by-day videos documenting her gender transition journey beginning in 2022 (Dylan Mulvaney (@dylanmulvaney) Official). Her videos provide an intimate look at her life, from taking hormone medications to undergoing various gender-affirming procedures. Mulvaney’s upbeat, honest, and educational style quickly resonated with viewers.
As of February 2023, Mulvaney has amassed over 13 million followers on TikTok (dylan mulvaney 13 million followers). Her most viral TikTok videos document milestone moments, like the first time she went out presenting as feminine and the reactions from her parents. Many videos highlight Mulvaney’s signature positivity, like trying on feminine clothes and showing off new hairstyles.
Mulvaney’s feel-good energy combined with her courage to share personal details openly has made her one of the most recognizable and beloved trans creators on TikTok.
Impact and Advocacy
Mulvaney has used their large TikTok following to spread awareness about transgender issues and advocate for trans rights. In June 2022, Mulvaney documented their experience starting hormone replacement therapy, providing education about the process to their over 8 million followers at the time. This glimpse into Mulvaney’s transition helped demonstrate the realities of being transgender to a wide audience.
Mulvaney has also directly called on politicians to support policies that protect trans rights, such as the Equality Act. In one video from April 2022 with over 2 million views, Mulvaney asked their followers to call their senators in support of this legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. By leveraging their platform, Mulvaney aims to mobilize their young audience to get involved in issues impacting the trans community.
In addition to legislative advocacy, Mulvaney uses TikTok to increase acceptance of trans individuals on a societal level. They frequently respond to hateful comments on their videos with grace and humor, modeling how to stand up to transphobia. As one of the most prominent trans creators on TikTok, Mulvaney is helping normalize transgender visibility and experiences.
Reception and Controversy
Mulvaney has received an outpouring of support from the LGBTQ community, who have praised her candor and vulnerability in documenting her transition journey. However, she has also faced significant backlash from conservative figures.
In August 2022, Mulvaney was featured in a Bud Light ad where she discussed transitioning. This sparked outrage from some on the right, including political commentator John Cardillo who misgendered and demeaned Mulvaney in a tweet, labeling her “a grown man who dresses like little girls.”
Despite the attacks, Mulvaney has stood firm, stating: “I’m not going to stop being me because some people have an issue with it…I get so many messages from people who say I inspired them to come out or start their transition, and that makes all the negative stuff worth it.” She continues to have broad support from the LGBTQ community and her many fans.
Other Notable Trans TikTokers
While Dylan Mulvaney may be the most well-known trans creator on TikTok, there are several others who have made a significant impact:
Claudia Conolly (/@itsclaudiac) – With over 800,000 followers, Conolly is an outspoken trans rights activist. She candidly documents her transition and advocates for healthcare rights. As noted by In The Know, Conolly “uses her platform to dismantle stigmas and transphobia one TikTok at a time.”
Ash Ley (@/ashleythephenom) – A trans man with over 4 million followers, Ash produces comedic videos about his transition and being trans in America. He aims to normalize the trans experience and break down harmful stereotypes. As profiled in Famous Trans TikTokers, Ash wants to “show that it’s possible to transition and live a happy, successful life.”
The Importance of Representation
Representation of transgender people in media and culture has an incredibly positive impact, especially for trans youth. Mulvaney’s massive platform on TikTok has played a major role in normalizing transgender identities and experiences. According to a report by the Williams Institute, young people who see positive portrayals of LGBTQ people on television are more likely to have higher self-esteem and feel less isolated.
Mulvaney frequently posts candid and educational videos documenting her transition journey and sharing her personal experiences as a transgender woman. This type of visibility provides critical representation that was not seen in mainstream media until very recently. As cited on TikTok’s #transrepresentation tag, content creators like Mulvaney are helping to increase acceptance, understanding, and empathy towards the transgender community.
Having an outspoken, charismatic, and proudly transparent transgender creator with one of the largest followings on TikTok has helped catalyze broader cultural shifts. It has empowered countless young trans people to embrace their identities and given allies more awareness about the issues trans people face. Mulvaney’s meteoric rise and impact demonstrates the importance of representation and inclusion in social media and pop culture.
TikTok’s Policies
TikTok has established community guidelines aimed at preventing harmful or dangerous content on its platform. The guidelines explicitly prohibit violent threats, hate speech, harassment, and dangerous acts, among other types of harmful content (https://www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines/en/safety-civility/).
In February 2022, TikTok updated its community guidelines to explicitly ban deadnaming, misgendering, or misogyny against transgender creators (https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/tiktok-bans-misgendering-deadnaming-trans-people-rcna15386). This policy change aims to curb transphobic harassment and hate speech on the platform. TikTok has stated it will remove content that violates these policies and may penalize accounts that repeatedly violate the rules.
While harmful content still slips through, TikTok has demonstrated an effort to promote safety and inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups prone to online harassment. The platform continues to update its moderation tactics and relies on user reporting to identify policy violations.
What’s Next for Mulvaney?
Mulvaney has big plans for the future when it comes to continuing her activism and furthering her career. She aims to use her large platform to bring more positive trans representation into mainstream media and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Some of her upcoming activist goals include speaking at more high schools about the transgender experience, working with LGBTQ+ organizations, and pushing for policies that protect transgender youth (Source). She also hopes to engage with legislators on trans issues and be part of conversations shaping new policies.
Career-wise, Mulvaney has dreams of being an actress and model. She wants to portray trans characters that defy stereotypes, and share more honest depictions. Mulvaney has already begun modeling for major brands like Clinique. She hopes modeling and acting jobs will continue as she tells her story on bigger platforms (Source).
It’s clear Mulvaney has an ambitious vision for using her platform. She is determined to open doors for positive representation, advocate politically, and further her entertainment career. With millions of engaged followers, Mulvaney is poised to make major waves.
Conclusion
In summary, Dylan Mulvaney has become one of the most prominent and impactful trans creators on TikTok. With over 9 million followers, Mulvaney has used the platform to document her transition journey and advocate for transgender rights in an engaging, humorous and educational way. Her TikTok videos have humanized the transgender experience for many viewers and helped break down harmful stereotypes.
While Mulvaney has faced some backlash and controversy, she continues to create uplifting content aimed at supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Her influence as a role model for young trans people is undeniable. It’s likely we’ll continue to see more transgender and non-binary creators rise to prominence on TikTok, as the platform allows them to share their stories, build community and accelerate societal acceptance. Mulvaney has proven that social media can be a powerful tool for positive change and increased transgender visibility and inclusion. Though challenges remain, her impact has been groundbreaking and she represents the future of digital media as a space for marginalized voices to be heard.
