Dylan Mulvaney, the transgender influencer who rose to fame on TikTok, is making waves once again with the release of her memoir, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, which launches on March 11, 2025. Mulvaney discusses her personal experiences, the negative backlash following her partnership with Bud Light, and her hopes for the future.
During her recent appearance on CBS Mornings, Mulvaney expressed her aspirations and struggles as she shares insights from her book. "I think of the book as like a quarter life crisis. But at the end of the day, I think it has a lot more heart than social media ever can have," she stated, articulately capturing her emotional reflections over the past year of transitioning.
Mulvaney, who became widely recognized for her TikTok series Days of Girlhood, attracted over one billion views across platforms after showcasing her gender transition online. Born male, she knew from early childhood, around age four, her true identity, recalling, "I knew I was a girl. That was one of the purest thoughts and intentions I've ever had throughout my entire life." This powerful sentiment echoes throughout her memoir filled with authentic storytelling.
Despite her rise to fame, the backlash from her collaboration with Bud Light significantly impacted her life and mental well-being, leading to feelings of guilt and suicidal ideation. "It took a lot to not feel guilty about my experience because I felt like it was my fault. I think extremists and transphobic media needed a poster child," she conveyed, a sentiment woven throughout her narrative. The backlash triggered by her Bud Light partnership led to the brand's parent company seeing its revenue fall by more than 10 percent.
Mulvaney reflected on her struggles following the Bud Light controversy, noting, "I'm still battling with some of the guilt and shame and dysphoria projected onto me during this time." This part of her memoir highlights the mental health battles many individuals can face, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, amid societal judgment and backlash.
With her memoir, Mulvaney aims to shine light on the importance of backing transgender rights, especially during turbulent times marked by disagreements on such subjects. "I want every trans person to have the opportunity to thrive, and unfortunately, we’re living in a time where it is very hard to do so," Mulvaney stated emphatically during her interview. Her insights remind audiences of the pressing necessity for support, both socially and politically.
Mulvaney is also scheduled to celebrate the launch of her memoir at Barnes & Noble Union Square on March 11, 2025. The event is anticipated to draw considerable attention, reinforcing her role as both a creative and influential voice for the trans community. Tickets for the event will include admission costs along with pre-signed copies of her book, allowing fans and supporters to engage with her story personally.
At this celebration, Mulvaney will connect with attendees eager to learn about her experiences and gain insight from her advocacy efforts. "It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and powerfully honest—and is a love letter to everyone who stands up for queer joy," her promotional materials state, hinting at the broader themes of acceptance and resilience found within the book.
Decades of struggle with identity have shaped Mulvaney’s narrative, yet she has made it clear she doesn’t intend to hide. She vividly explains, "I don’t have the lived experience of a trans child who was able to seek out care, but I believe parents know their child best and should be empowered to make decisions for them." With her statements highlighting the role of parental guidance over government intervention, Mulvaney's message resonates deeply within the current climate surrounding transgender rights.
Through her memoir and public persona, Dylan Mulvaney exemplifies resilience amid adversity, standing firm against hate, and aiming for greater acceptance. Her insights offer hope not only for the transgender community but also serve as reminders of the deep human need for compassion and support. Mulvaney's narrative, full of life lessons, aims to inspire and energize those who face similar challenges.
The publication of Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer marks another milestone for Mulvaney and her long-term mission to create more spaces for conversations around gender identity and mental health advocacy. Her story encourages readers to think critically about the societal pressures, and the importance of community support for those walking the often-bumpy road of self-discovery.