Dylan Mulvaney is being honored as this year’s Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year with The Trevor Project.
In its third year, the award — which was previously bestowed upon Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe — celebrates those who use their platforms to make the world a safer place for LGBTQ+ youths.
Mulvaney, 26, a trans TikTok star and activist, has long been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and shared her transition journey with her audience through the “Days of Girlhood” series. Through each of her videos, Mulvaney brought light to exactly what she was going through — the ups and downs — and shedding light on a topic that some of her viewers may not have been familiar with. Most importantly, she fought to increase allyship and awareness for trans people and helped to show LGBTQ+ teens who are struggling that things get better.
When Mulvaney took home the Streamy Award last month for breakout creator, she used her acceptance speech to call for allies “to support trans people publicly and proudly.”
She further told PEOPLE backstage after her win that it was the “best moment” of her year so far, adding, “It just means a lot to me, but I also think that the fact a trans person can win an award like this in such a scary time of transphobia — it makes me feel like there’s hope.”
“I am deeply honored to accept The Trevor Project’s Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award,” Mulvaney said in a press release. “Trevor’s life-saving work holds a special place in my heart because it represents a lifeline for so many who are struggling with their identity and may not feel accepted as their authentic self. To anyone feeling lost or scared, I want you to know that you are so incredibly loved and there is light after the moments of darkness. 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 space to talk whenever you need, 24/7."
Mulvaney went on to say that she is “so proud” to be a part of a community that “fights tirelessly” for a better tomorrow.
“This award stands for all of us,” she added. "Let’s continue to work together to uplift and empower LGBTQ young people and create a world where no young person ever feels that hope is out of reach.”
"In a world where LGBTQ young people 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 power in vulnerability,” said Kevin Wong (he/him), senior vice president of marketing, communications, and content for The Trevor Project.
“Through her ongoing advocacy work and unapologetic celebration of their trans identity, Dylan is an exemplary possibility model for LGBTQ young people to envision a world for themselves where they can be happy, successful, and thrive openly and authentically. By letting us into her personal journey and showcasing all of the wonderful parts of the trans experience, Dylan is inspiring a new generation of LGBTQ young people to love themselves fully and we are so honored to celebrate them with this award.”
Donate to the Trevor Project through Mulvaney’s charity page here.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678678.
Good for her.