Dylan Mulvaney Reflects on Writing Paper Doll and Addressing Transphobia

Mulvaney acknowledged feeling pressure to reveal more than usual, describing her approach as “heavy-handed” when sharing personal details.

Dylan Mulvaney’s memoir, Paper Doll, has allowed her to reflect on personal experiences while also confronting transphobia with empathy. Speaking about the book, which was released on March 11, Mulvaney shared that while she is accustomed to publicly sharing details of her life, the permanence of a book felt more daunting than her usual online content.

She noted that unlike social media, a book allows for greater nuance and a lasting impact. Mulvaney acknowledged feeling pressure to reveal more than usual, describing her approach as “heavy-handed” when sharing personal details. The memoir, she explained, served as a means of addressing past trauma and dysphoria, though rereading certain passages proved to be more emotional than the writing process itself.

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One of the key topics in Paper Doll is the controversy surrounding Mulvaney’s collaboration with Bud Light, often referred to as “Beergate.” The social media backlash that followed made headlines, but she expressed no regrets about the situation. However, she admitted that if given the chance, she would reconsider only to protect others who may have been affected by the controversy.

In crafting her memoir, Mulvaney took inspiration from writers like Glennon Doyle, Lena Dunham, and Chelsea Handler, each of whom influenced her approach to storytelling. While joy remains her primary tool in combating transphobia, she emphasized that humor is equally powerful, allowing her to navigate challenges while maintaining resilience.

Paper Doll is now available in bookstores and online retailers.