NPR's Book of the Day: Exploring "Paper Doll" by Dylan Mulvaney

Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: Dylan Mulvaney
Episode Title: "Paper Doll" documents trans TikTok creator Dylan Mulvaney's journey through girlhood
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction to "Paper Doll" and Dylan Mulvaney's Story

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong introduces Dylan Mulvaney's memoir, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer. Mulvaney, a transgender social media personality known for her TikTok journey, shares her experiences navigating fame, transition, and the challenges of being a public figure in today’s cultural landscape.

Dylan's Personal Journey and Early Life

Dylan Mulvaney's journey towards embracing her identity began at a young age. As a child, she grappled with understanding her gender identity:

"When I was 4 years old, I told my mother that I thought God might have made a mistake, that God had put a girl in a boy's body."
— Dylan Mulvaney (01:50)

Her mother reassured her, saying, "God doesn't make mistakes," but it wasn't until Dylan was 25 that she fully embraced her identity as a transgender woman. Prior to that, Dylan had come out as gay at 14 and identified as non-binary at 24.

Embracing Social Media: The Birth of Her TikTok Series

Opting for a different approach, Dylan chose to share her transition journey through humor and relatability on TikTok rather than a dramatic coming out video:

"I had done those before, this was my third time coming out and I felt like I needed to find the funny."
— Dylan Mulvaney (02:16)

Her TikTok series quickly resonated with many supporters but also attracted significant backlash, turning her into a focal point in the broader culture war surrounding transgender issues.

Navigating Fame: The "Beer Gate" Incident

One of the pivotal moments in Dylan's public life was her partnership with Bud Light, which led to what she refers to as "Beer Gate." This collaboration brought her immense visibility but also severe online harassment and threats:

"I talk about it in the book like dark thoughts, and I write them sometimes as little bubbles that look like black clouds. But they were very real, and they were not just an illustration in my life. They were, you know, they showed up as suicidal ideation and dissociation."
— Dylan Mulvaney (05:18)

This period was marked by intense scrutiny and vitriol, leading Dylan to reflect deeply on her mental health and the toll of public life.

Mental Health and Personal Resilience

Dylan candidly discusses the impact of public backlash on her mental health, including dark thoughts and suicidal ideation. She expresses regret over not seeking immediate mental health support during the crisis:

"I wish that I'd stepped away to get mental health treatment in the immediate aftermath of what happened then."
— Juana Summers (05:50)

Despite these challenges, Dylan emphasizes her growth and the importance of setting personal boundaries:

"I needed to make sure that the decisions I was making on behalf of me and my body were my own."
— Dylan Mulvaney (06:07)

Faith and Identity: Reconciling Religion with Trans Identity

Raised in the church and attending Catholic school, Dylan explores the complex relationship between her faith and her transgender identity. She acknowledges the beauty she finds in both her transness and spirituality:

"I do believe in something bigger than me and that my transness is not something to be ashamed of in that there were no mistakes made when I was created and that this is just part of my story."
— Dylan Mulvaney (07:07)

Dylan addresses the misuse of religion against queer and trans people, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of faith.

Maintaining Optimism: Embracing "Sweet Earnestness"

Throughout her journey, Dylan holds onto a sense of earnestness and optimism, striving to focus on the positive aspects of life despite adversities:

"Whenever I've tried the pessimistic thing, it just doesn't feel as good... A thousand and one great things are possible and have already happened. And that's. I'm just gonna go chase a thousand and two because I don't think I'm interested in living this life for anything but constant discovery and seeing what a new day can bring."
— Dylan Mulvaney (08:10)

This philosophy underpins her approach to both her personal life and her writing.

Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Representation

Dylan shares her hopes for the future, both for herself and the broader transgender community. She aspires to create more nuanced representations of trans people in media, moving beyond stereotypes:

"I would love to write something where a trans person is finding joy and isn't just a victim on Law and Order. I think we need to find us everywhere in all forms of media, not just the rage bait."
— Dylan Mulvaney (08:54)

Additionally, she expresses a desire for safety and acceptance for trans individuals in society.

Conclusion: The Essence of "Paper Doll"

Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer offers an intimate look into Dylan Mulvaney's life, capturing her triumphs, struggles, and unwavering spirit. Through her memoir, Dylan invites readers to understand the multifaceted experiences of a transgender woman navigating a world filled with both support and adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• "I have already cried three times. I wrote a scathing email that I did not send."
  — Dylan Mulvaney (02:28)

• "Transness, right now, it's being seen as this very villainous thing. It almost feels like Godzilla taking over the world."
  — Dylan Mulvaney (03:23)

• "There were no mistakes made when I was created and that this is just part of my story."
  — Dylan Mulvaney (07:07)

Dylan Mulvaney's memoir is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of authentic self-expression. Paper Doll not only chronicles her personal journey but also serves as a beacon of hope and understanding for the transgender community and its allies.