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Dylan Mulvaney says she's ready to shed her 'squeaky clean' reputation

Dylan Mulvaney's Advocate cover

Photo by Jon Stars

Dylan Mulvaney talks ayahuasca trips, 'Beergate,' and becoming 'Mother'.

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Dylan Mulvaney has been the name on everyone's lips for the last few years and with good reason. Not only has her willingness to share her transition with the world made her an inspiration to queer folks — but it also made the trans activist, influencer, singer, actor, and now author a lightning rod of the right. But through it all Mulvaney has stayed positive and unapologetic in her transness weathering the praise, scrutiny, and derision exceptionally well. Not only that, Mulvaney used it all as a springboard to share her brand of strength, kindness, and vulnerability to the world.

And yet, we're still just getting to know to know her — with the help of new memoir Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, out March 11. In a revealing new interview with our sister site,The Advocate Mulvaney discussed "Beergate," why she's thrilled to be considered "Mother" to many of her queer and trans fans, and interestingly, why she's ready to shed parts of her "squeaky clean” reputation.


SIXDO by Do Manh Cuong Black Embellished Floral Ball Gown; Joseph Saidan & Sons Onyx and Diamond Earrings;Alexandre Birman Anastasia Black Patent Leather Sandals with Crystal Embellished Buckled StrapsJon Stars

This is evidenced by a part of her memoir Mulvaney describes realizations she came to while on an ayahuasca trip. “I feel like some people see me as this very buttoned up, squeaky clean person,” she told The Advocate. “but I’m actually pretty weird and wacky.” It was also during this experience that realized she had a purpose in life: To be a mother. By that, she means standing up and being visible to the queer youth who look up to her.

“If I could be that for someone, I think it’s a hundred percent worth it, and I’m honored,” she smiles. “The first time I heard the term ‘mother’ [applied to me], I thought, ‘Oh, my God, are they calling me old?’ But, no, apparently, it’s a compliment.”

Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, is on shelves March 11. Read the full interview with Mulvaney on Advocate.com.

Talent: Dylan Mulvaney@dylanmulvaney

Photographer: Jon Stars@jonstars

Photography Assistant: Mike Taveira@miketaveira

Stylist: Annie Easton@annieleaston; @annieandnora

Stylist Assisant: Madalyn@gonemad_vintage

Hair: Angelina Panelli @angelinapanelli

Makeup: Armando Kole@kole_mua

Video: Miguel Torres@mtrider91

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Rachel Shatto

EIC of PRIDE.com

Rachel Shatto, Editor in Chief of PRIDE.com, is an SF Bay Area-based writer, podcaster, and former editor of Curve magazine, where she honed her passion for writing about social justice and sex (and their frequent intersection). Her work has appeared on Dread Central, Elite Daily, Tecca, and Joystiq. She's a GALECA member and she podcasts regularly about horror on the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network. She can’t live without cats, vintage style, video games, drag queens, or the Oxford comma.

Rachel Shatto, Editor in Chief of PRIDE.com, is an SF Bay Area-based writer, podcaster, and former editor of Curve magazine, where she honed her passion for writing about social justice and sex (and their frequent intersection). Her work has appeared on Dread Central, Elite Daily, Tecca, and Joystiq. She's a GALECA member and she podcasts regularly about horror on the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network. She can’t live without cats, vintage style, video games, drag queens, or the Oxford comma.