Dylan Mulvaney’s influence has extended beyond her TikTok or Broadway stage performances, which is why The Trevor Project honored her with the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award.
The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing crisis services to LGBTQ+ youth, presented the award to two additional individuals; Janelle Monae in 2022 and Lil Nas X in 2021. The award recognizes influential people who “support the LGBTQ community and advocate for mental health awareness.”
“I am honored to receive 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 many who struggle with their identity and may not feel accepted as their true self.”
Mulvaney continued, “To anyone who is feeling lost or afraid, I want you to know that you are so incredibly loved and that after moments of darkness, there is light. 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 place to connect when you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
The organization said Mulvaney’s TikTok series “Girlhood Days,” which chronicles her journey as a trans woman, has allowed her to become “a beacon of trans joy, positivity and inspiration for the LGBT community,” the Trevor Project wrote.
“Over the past year, Dylan has consistently used his large platform to educate audiences about gender identity and trans experiences, raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, and redefine what true allyship looks like,” the organization continued.
Mulvaney, 26, has been active with The Trevor Project and in March raised more than $200,000 for the nonprofit during their work. Day 365. Live broadcast! cabaret show at the Rainbow Room in New York.
“This award belongs to 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 like hope is out of reach.”
Mulvaney has had a successful but turbulent year after becoming the center of transphobic vitriol following her partnership with Bud Light. The actor has been the target of anti-trans groups who have vowed to boycott the American beer brand over his collaboration with Mulvaney. After weeks of silence about the situation, Mulvaney spoke out and said they “didn’t even feel like they were part of the conversation.”
“I sit with my emotions, you know, don’t react, waiting for an answer,” Mulvaney said then. “I had crazy déjà vu because I’m an adult. I’m 26 years old. And throughout my childhood, I was called ‘too feminine.’ and “excessive.” And here I am not called the same thing, but this time from other adults.
The Trevor Project reports that 41% of LGBTQ+ youth have “seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including half of transgender and nonbinary youth,” according to the 2023 US National Survey of the Mental Health of LGBTQ Youth. The organization said increased anti-LGBQ+ policies also played a role in young people’s mental health.
“In a world where LGBTQ youth 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 strength in vulnerability,” said Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Trevor Project. and Content, Kevin Wong. “Through his ongoing advocacy work and unapologetic celebration of his trans identity, Dylan is an exemplary model for the possibilities for young LGBTQ youth to imagine a world in which 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.
Originally appeared in Teen Vogue.
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