Dylan Mulvaney, a TikTok star with 10.7 million followers, has been awarded the groundbreaker title at the 11th annual Queerties awards ceremony for their honest and inspiring look at their transition journey. The Queerties celebrate the best of LGBTQ+ media and culture, and the brightest stars and innovators within the community. Hosted by Drag Race icon Bianca Del Rio, the event saw over 1.9 million votes cast across 24 categories, with special honorees chosen for the groundbreaker and icon awards by Queerty editors.
Mulvaney gained popularity by documenting their journey as a trans woman in the hit series Days of Girlhood, which gave fans an authentic look into their struggles and triumphs. Fans also watched Mulvaney hold US President Joe Biden to account on trans rights and share their facial-feminisation surgery results. In their moving acceptance speech, Mulvaney thanked their trans siblings for taking care of them and encouraged others to live unapologetically.
Mulvaney also spoke about the hate they have received online and how they respond with “trans joy.” Mulvaney’s positive outlook and inspiring message of “trans joy” moved the crowd to tears. They added that, in the hellscape of 2023, trans joy is truly groundbreaking, and they hope to inspire others to be closer to their true selves. Mulvaney has also battled with haters, including hardline Republican politicians and online trolls, but has received advice and support from trans trailblazer Laverne Cox.
Mulvaney will celebrate the first anniversary of their Days of Girlhood series with a live show on March 13th, with proceeds going to support LGBTQ+ youth through The Trevor Project. Mulvaney’s positive message and inspiring journey have made them a well-deserving recipient of the Queerties’ groundbreaker award.