During the 2023 Streamy Awards, Dylan Mulvaney spoke out against the significant amount of transphobia and hatred directed towards the transgender community. Accepting the “Breakout Creator” award, Mulvaney alluded to the controversy that arose when beer company Anheuser-Busch collaborated with them for an online campaign during March Madness.
Anheuser-Busch faced severe financial losses and a drop in market value in the wake of the partnership, where packs of Bud Light featured Mulvaney’s image, commemorating the “365 Days of Girlhood” by the transgender influencer.
Mulvaney acknowledged the positive impact their videos had on their life while acknowledging the downside of the situation, which brought about a surge of transphobic and hateful reactions. They expressed concern for the transgender community and their allies who have been affected by this negativity.
Speaking to fellow content creators at the awards show, Mulvaney emphasized the importance of standing up vocally and proudly for the transgender community, urging a new form of allyship.
Mulvaney expressed a sense of optimism for the future, underlining how people often underestimate the resilience and power of trans individuals and online content creators.
Closing their acceptance speech, Mulvaney humorously shared their plan to enjoy a beer, thanking the audience and expressing their affection.
In a previous video last June, Mulvaney addressed the backlash surrounding the Bud Light partnership, revealing that the campaign led to unprecedented levels of bullying and transphobia. The influencer criticized the company’s lack of public support during this challenging time.
Anheuser-Busch heir Billy Busch openly criticized the polarizing partnership, suggesting that his ancestors would not have approved of it. He called for Bud Light to take drastic measures to reclaim their brand’s reputation and indicated his willingness to buy back the company to restore its legacy.