Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 20-year-old daughter of billionaire Elon Musk and author Justine Wilson, has opened up about her tumultuous journey through gender identity and her strained relationship with her father. In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, she shared how her father's reaction to her transgender transition starkly contrasts with the unwavering support she received from her mother.
Vivian came out as transgender in June 2020 through an Instagram post, stating simply, "I’m trans. She/her pronouns." Almost five years later, she reflects on the impact of her father's reaction during this pivotal time. "He was not as supportive as my mom," she recalled. Vivian explained that she hadn’t spoken with Musk for months before needing his consent for medical transitions, specifically testosterone blockers and hormone replacement therapy. The admission underscores the emotional challenges she faced during this period.
"She was very supportive of my transition. She is a published writer of supernatural romance fiction, which is where I get all my Vivian-isms," Vivian told Teen Vogue, expressing gratitude for her mother's understanding. According to Vivian, Justine had pieced together her identity before she officially came out, reacting with a feigned surprise of 30 seconds before saying, "Yeah, honey. Okay." This level of acceptance provided Vivian with a necessary support system that was sorely lacking from Musk.
Critically, Vivian has publicly denounced interactions with her father. During her Teen Vogue interview, she had little hesitation in labeling Musk a "pathetic man-child," stating, "Why would I feel scared of him? Ohhh, he has so much power. Nah, nah, nah. I don’t give a fck." She asserted her independence from any fear that might stem from Musk's wealth or status, dismissing it as irrelevant to her life.
As for her relationship with her father, it's clear that the gulf runs deep. Musk had previously commented on the impact of the "woke-mind virus" on their relationship, stating in a 2024 interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson that Vivian had been "killed by the woke-mind virus" and was "dead" to him. The assertion infuriated Vivian, who responded by firmly denying her father’s claims and asserting her agency. "I think he was under the assumption that I wasn’t going to say anything and I would just let this go unchallenged," she recalled, hinting that she had no intention of remaining silent in the face of his misleading statements.
Vivian has distanced herself from Musk’s other children as well, admitting in her interview, "I do not actually know how many siblings I have, if you include half-siblings. I don’t really give a fck what they do. This is not my problem, okay?" Her focus remains trained on her own identity and aspirations rather than the image of the family she's ostensibly a part of, underscoring a desire for autonomy.
Currently, she resides in Tokyo, where she studies languages including Japanese, French, and Spanish, all while contemplating potential career paths in modeling and Twitch streaming. "I have not made any money from being famous at all. I do live in a lot of people’s heads rent-free, though," she commented, highlighting her visibility as a trans influencer and her unique take on modern celebrity and social media culture.
Vivian is candid about her discontent with the current sociopolitical climate in the United States, particularly with her father’s alignment with former President Donald Trump. She critiqued the far-right policies, stating, "It’s terrifying. Every time I open my phone to read the news, I kind of just stare at the wall for 10 minutes. It’s horrifying what they’re doing, not only to the trans community but also to migrants..." Furthermore, she didn't hold back in addressing an incident where Musk was believed to have executed a Nazi salute during a Trump rally, stating, "That was definitely a Nazi salute. The crowd is equally to blame, and I feel like people are not talking about that. That crowd should be denounced."
Reflecting on her emotional journey through identity and acceptance, Vivian spoke about those early moments where the weight of her identity became unbearable, saying, "I was constantly having mental breakdowns in the middle of class. I could not get through days. I didn’t want to wake up." Her transition was a stand against the complications and distress of living a life that felt true to her inner self. "If I stay in the closet anymore, this is going to take me down a very destructive path," she stated, emphasizing the importance of living authentically.
Overall, Vivian Jenna Wilson's journey illustrates the complicated dynamics of family, identity, and the resilience required to chart a personal narrative amid public scrutiny. Though her relationship with her father remains strained and fraught with contention, her strength in carving her own path is undeniable. Through her experiences, she stands as a voice for the transgender community, pushing against the stigma that often surrounds discussions of identity and acceptance.
