Dylan Mulvaney Is Trevor Project's Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year

The Trevor Project has named Dylan Mulvaney its Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year.

With her “Days of Girlhood” series of videos on TikTok, which has amassed over a billion views, Mulvaney has “emerged as a beacon of trans joy, positivity, and inspiration for the LGBTQ community,” says a Trevor Project press release.

The recognition comes in a year when Mulvaney saw a great deal of hate from anti-transgender forces for her role in promoting Bud Light beer — but she also received much support, and she has continued her activism for LGBTQ+ equality.

“In a world where LGBTQ young people too often face adversity and discrimination, Dylan Mulvaney stands as a source of light and hope, reminding us that there is strength in unity and power in vulnerability,” Kevin Wong, senior vice president of marketing, communications, and content at the Trevor Project, said in the release. “Through her ongoing advocacy work and unapologetic celebration of their trans identity, Dylan is an exemplary possibility model for LGBTQ young people to envision a world for themselves where they can be happy, successful, and thrive openly and authentically. By letting us into her personal journey and showcasing all of the wonderful parts of the trans experience, Dylan is inspiring a new generation of LGBTQ young people to love themselves fully and we are so honored to celebrate them with this award.”

The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People showed that 41 percent of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, including half of transgender and nonbinary young people. This year, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced and enacted across the country — the majority of which specifically target transgender and nonbinary young people. The Trevor Project’s polling found that 86 percent of trans and nonbinary youth say recent debates about such legislation have had a negative impact on their mental health.

Among examples of Mulvaney’s activism, in addition to “Days of Girlhood,” the Trevor Project notes her conversation with President Joe Biden in September 2022 on Now This News, in which she said, “I try not to let the internet’s words hurt me or my spirit, but do you know what does hurt? Seeing people in power and authority figures creating laws and bills that are actively trying to harm us trans humans, especially trans children.”

In March of this year, she raised nearly $200,000 for the Trevor Project with her Day 365 Live!cabaret performance, the culmination of her “Days of Girlhood” series celebrating her transition. The show at New York City’s Rainbow Room featured appearances by Dominique Jackson (Pose), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye), and others. It was livestreamed and viewed across the globe by millions of fans, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefited the Trevor Project.

Last month, she won Breakout Creator at the Streamy Awards and used her acceptance speech as a rallying call to allies. “I think allyship right now needs to look differently, and you need to support trans people publicly and proudly,” she said at the ceremony.

“I am deeply honored to accept the Trevor Project’s Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award,” Mulvaney said in the group’s release. “Trevor’s lifesaving work holds a special place in my heart because it represents a lifeline for so many who are struggling with their identity and may not feel accepted as their authentic self. To anyone feeling lost or scared, I want you to know that you are so incredibly loved and there is light after the moments of darkness. Always remember that you are never alone, you are perfect just the way you are, and organizations like the Trevor Project are here to provide a safe space to talk whenever you need, 24/7. I am so proud to be a part of such a strong and beautiful community that fights tirelessly for a brighter, more inclusive future, and this award stands for all of us. Let’s continue to work together to uplift and empower LGBTQ young people and create a world where no young person ever feels that hope is out of reach.”

This is the third year the Trevor Project has presented the award. Previous honorees are Janelle Monáe (2022) and Lil Nas X (2021).

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.