Dylan Mulvaney's influence has extended beyond her TikToks or performance on the Broadway stage, which is why The Trevor Project has honored her with the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award.
The Trevor Project, which is a non-profit dedicated to providing crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth, has given the award to two other people; Janelle Monáe in 2022 and Lil Nas X in 2021. The award is given to influential people who “champion the LGBTQ community and advocate for mental health awareness."
“I am deeply honored to accept The Trevor Project’s Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award,” Mulvaney said in a statement. “Trevor’s life-saving 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.”
Mulvaney continued: “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.”
The organization said that Mulvaney's TikTok series, “Days of Girlhood,” which chronicled her journey as a trans woman, caused her to emerge “as a beacon of trans joy, positivity, and inspiration for the LGBTQ community," the Trevor Project wrote.
TikTok content
“Over the past year, Dylan has consistently utilized their large platform to educate audiences on gender identity and the trans experience, raise awareness around LGBTQ issues, and redefine what true allyship looks like,” the organization continued.
Mulvaney, 26, has worked with The Trevor Project extensively and in March raised more than $200,000 for the non-profit during their Day 365 Live! cabaret show at the Rainbow Room in New York City.
"This award stands for all of us," Mulvaney continued. “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.”
Mulvaney has endured a successful but tumultuous year after being the center of transphobic vitriol following her partnership with Bud Light. The actor was targeted by anti-trans groups who vowed to boycott the American beer brand over their collaboration with Mulvaney. After keeping quiet about the situation for several weeks, Mulvaney spoke out and said they “didn't even feel part of the conversation.”
"I'm sitting with my emotions, you know not reacting, waiting to respond,” Mulvaney said at the time. “I've been having crazy deja vu because I'm an adult. I'm 26. And throughout childhood, I was called ‘too feminine,’ and ‘over the top.' And here I am not being called all those same things, but this time it's from other adults.
The Trevor Project reports that 41% of young LGBTQ+ people “seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including half of transgender and nonbinary young people,” according to its 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People. The organization said that the increase in anti-LGBQT+ policies has also played a role in young people's mental health.
“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,” said Trevor Project's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Content, Kevin Wong. ”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."
If you or someone you know needs help or support, you can call The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678.
