American singer Lady Gaga and transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney found themselves under fire after posting a joint photo on their social media accounts to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. The photo, part of a joint photoshoot, featured Lady Gaga sitting on a chair while Mulvaney, a transgender woman, stood behind her, hugging her.
The backlash stemmed from conservative criticism of Mulvaney’s participation in a sponsorship campaign with the beer brand Bud Light. However, this time, the criticism extended to Lady Gaga as well, with many netizens engaging in debates about the definition of a “real woman.”
Lady Gaga, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been vocal about her support for the community. She has consistently used her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity, aiming to mainstream gay culture. Similarly, Mulvaney has been documenting her gender transition journey on TikTok since early 2022 and has been actively involved in advocating for transgender rights.
The joint photo shared by Lady Gaga and Mulvaney featured them both dressed in black outfits, with Lady Gaga donning a long woolen dress while Mulvaney wore a short dress with sequins and tassels, paired with black stockings. The accompanying caption from Mulvaney read, “Happy International Women’s Day 👯♀️💓 @ladygaga,” expressing solidarity and celebration of womanhood.
However, the post quickly drew negative attention, with some users leaving homophobic comments and questioning Mulvaney’s identity as a woman. Comments ranged from questioning Mulvaney’s appearance to outright denial of her gender identity.
Lady Gaga, in response to the hateful comments, posted a lengthy caption on her Instagram, condemning the bigotry and expressing her support for Mulvaney and the transgender community. She emphasized the need for society to create space for transgender lives to be cherished and upheld, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the community.
Despite the backlash, Lady Gaga’s message of support resonated with many, garnering support from fans and allies alike. However, Mulvaney has yet to address the matter publicly.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing discrimination faced by transgender individuals, even from those who claim to support diversity and inclusivity. It highlights the importance of continuing efforts to educate and advocate for acceptance and understanding of transgender experiences.
As Lady Gaga and Mulvaney navigate the fallout from the controversy, their joint photo remains a symbol of solidarity and defiance against bigotry, reaffirming the importance of standing up for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender identity.