Lady Gaga has defended Dylan Mulvaney from anti-trans hate after the activist and singer teamed up for an International Women’s Day photoshoot.
Mulvaney, a TikTok star, found herself subjected to a barrage of anti-trans comments and misgendering after sharing photos of herself alongside Gaga.
In an Instagram post, Gaga expressed her dismay at the negative response, saying: “It’s appalling to me that a post about National Women’s Day by Dylan Mulvaney and me would be met with such vitriol and hatred.”
Dylan Mulvaney is often subjected to hatred online. Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Gaga added: “When I see a newspaper reporting on hatred but calling it ‘backlash’ I feel it is important to clarify that hatred is hatred, and this kind of hatred is violence. ‘Backlash’ would imply that people who love or respect Dylan and me didn’t like something we did. This is not backlash. This is hatred.”
The ‘Poker Face’ hitmaker went on: “I hope all women will come together to honor us ALL for International Women’s Day, and may we do that always until THE DAY that all women are celebrated equally.
“That all people are celebrated equally. A day where people of all gender identities are celebrated on whichever holiday speaks to them. Because people of all gender identities and races deserve peace and dignity.”
“I feel very protective of Dylan and the entire transgender community,” Gaga continued, calling for unity in celebrating all women, regardless of gender identity or background.
Mulvaney, moved by Gaga’s support, responded with gratitude, saying: “You mean the world to me. Love ya.”
This isn’t the first time Gaga has voiced her solidarity with Mulvaney. In a TikTok interaction back in 2022, Gaga had already shown her support, leaving Mulvaney ecstatic.
Mulvaney’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, as she is often subjected to hatred online.
Lady Gaga defended Mulvaney. Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty
You might remember the Bud Light campaign that she was involved in last year which drew conservative backlash and further transphobia.
Despite the challenges, Mulvaney has taken it all in her stride. In October, she was honored as Woman of the Year by LGBTQ+ magazine Attitude, per USA Today.
In her acceptance speech, Mulvaney reflected on the ongoing struggle for acceptance, lamenting the persistent refusal of some to acknowledge her womanhood.
“No matter how hard I try… I will never reach an acceptable version of womanhood by those hateful people’s standards,” Mulvaney said.