Dylan Mulvaney Song Controversy

By Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor • April 30, 2024

Dylan Mulvaney is a transgender internet sensation who has grown extremely popular in recent years. She is best known for posting videos on the social media platform TikTok, where she brings fans along with her on her journey of girlhood. Mulvaney reached 365 days and beyond as she documented every day and every step of her process in transitioning, as she took us through rough days and surgeries.

Since this chapter, Mulvaney has accomplished many things. In August 2023, she was her first Streamy for breakout character, and in October 2023, she won Woman of the Year. These awards alone have brought significant criticism to Mulvaney. In a recent month, she wrote a song that sparked major controversy surrounding the term “girlhood.”

The song is entitled “Days of Girlhood” and highlights what Mulvaney believes are the actual traits of being a girl. She talks about shopping, boys, and doing makeup. She used phrases like, “Tuesday morning, pick up meds,” and “Saturday, we flirt for drinks.” Women and young girls are taking offense and criticizing Mulvaney for inappropriately and inaccurately representing the ideals of women by feeding into stereotypical ideas that society has formed surrounding women.

Mulvaney has faced extreme backlash in the past month for her single as she portrays stereotypes that women feel are making a “mockery” of women. People even went as far as saying that this is the “most annoying song” ever made. People who came in defense of Mulvaney called people “transphobic” for stating their opinions. This created a major divide in her supporters online.

Since the backlash, Mulvaney has since responded with a video. She discussed her intentions and how hard her transition was. She defended herself by saying that her second year of girlhood was “extremely painful,” especially after being in the public eye. Mulvaney explained that she meant to poke at the struggles of being a girl in a comical way, but people did not take it light-heartedly. She further defends herself by saying she never intended to become a “pop star” but just to document her journey through music after facing so much negativity.

After all that Dylan Mulvaney has faced within the past two years, she seems as though she is used to the criticism. Her response to the backlash and her perseverance throughout her journey display admirable traits and room for growth as she continues on her path of stardom.

About the Contributors

Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor

Hey guys! I’m Martina Brajanovska, and I’m finally a senior! It’s been a long journey getting here, but I’m very excited that we made it. The past four years have all blended into one giant reel of memories that I have made along the way; many that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve made and lost friends along the way, gained skills and cried tears (many tears), but I would not take back a single second. As this final year begins, my anticipation grows and stress is settling in. Writing for The Ubiquity has given me the opportunity to freely express my thoughts on topics that intrigue me. I am sad to see my time as a staff writer and copy editor come to an end this year, but excited to begin a new chapter in my life.

Judy Lee, Staff Writer

Hello everyone! I’m Judy, a senior at Quartz Hill. I joined journalism during eleventh grade and decided to join again because I enjoyed it last year. I’ve been a part of the Quartz Hill Cheer team for four years. I am so excited and not so patiently waiting for all the events and games. One fact about me: I have played the violin for over eight years. I was the concertmaster of the West Coast Classical Orchestra last year. I am aiming for that position again this year when I audition soon. Playing as first chair last year was fantastic, so I hope to experience it again! The first few months of senior year will be busy because of college applications and other things, but I hope it’s fun and worthwhile. I’m glad to be returning to journalism and writing for The Ubiquity!