The 2023 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, a magazine celebrated for its focus on LGBTQ issues in the United Kingdom and Europe named TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney as its “Woman of the Year.” The announcement took place during the annual awards show sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Airlines.
Mulvaney, a trans-identifying male, took the stage to accept the award, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the honor. In his acceptance speech, he addressed the challenges he faces from those who do not recognize his gender identity, taking a swipe at individuals and what he referred to as “extremist media” without specifying particular outlets.
The social media influencer highlighted the significance of receiving the award from a queer publication like Attitude, emphasizing the importance of the queer community in accepting him for who he is. Mulvaney candidly shared his realization that, despite his efforts to conform to certain standards of womanhood, he may never meet the expectations set by critics.
Dylan Mulvaney was just named ‘Woman of the Year’ by @AttitudeMag and @VirginAtlantic. You cannot make this up pic.twitter.com/Hz7fwKvV5Q
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 12, 2023
Mulvaney also alluded to a recent controversial partnership with Bud Light, where he served as a spokesperson. The collaboration resulted in a substantial backlash against both Mulvaney and the brand, leading to a widespread boycott and a significant decline in beer sales. Reflecting on the experience, Mulvaney spoke about the “hate and vitriol” he faced and suggested that companies should establish genuine partnerships with trans-identified spokespersons rather than engaging in what he called “performative” marketing targeted at specific groups.
Dylan Mulvaney Wins WOMAN OF THE YEAR Award Then CRIES Victim In Acceptance Speech pic.twitter.com/K98FNynero
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) October 13, 2023
During a conversation with Seth Matlins, managing director of the Forbes CMO Network at the 2023 Forbes CMO Summit in Miami, Mulvaney emphasized the importance of companies standing by trans individuals when faced with challenges. He urged businesses to go beyond leveraging the vulnerabilities and traumas of the community for marketing purposes and instead foster authentic alliances.
Dylan Mulvaney is apparently woman of the year….according to Virgin Atlantic who has trans flight attendants in skirts. @TPUSA pic.twitter.com/dsoFnNyMRv
— MORGONN (@morgonnm) October 13, 2023
