Transgender Influencer Speaks Out After Backlash Against Bud Light
The Controversy:
A transgender influencer named Dylan Mulvaney recently found herself at the center of a heated controversy after featuring Bud Light in one of her social media posts in April. This simple act sparked a wave of attacks from conservatives, resulting in a boycott of the brand and a barrage of personal attacks and threats directed at Mulvaney.
In a series of videos posted on social media, Mulvaney revealed that since featuring Bud Light, she has experienced stalking, death threats, and bomb threats. The severity of the harassment was confirmed by Alejandra Caraballo, a transgender rights activist who also received threats directed at Mulvaney.
Lack of Support from Bud Light:
Adding insult to injury, Bud Light, the beer maker that Mulvaney had been promoting, failed to reach out and offer support during this challenging time. Mulvaney expressed her disappointment in the company’s lack of action, stating that she had hoped they would publicly stand by her.
According to Mulvaney, the absence of support from Bud Light made her fearful to leave her own home. She believed that it was worse for a company to hire a transgender person and then not publicly support them than to not hire a transgender person at all.
In response to these accusations, Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, did not comment on whether they had attempted to contact Mulvaney since the boycotts. However, a company representative did emphasize their commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ communities and ensuring the safety of their employees and partners.
A Broader Context:
The controversy surrounding Mulvaney and Bud Light took place against a backdrop of increasing legislation and discrimination against transgender individuals in the United States. States have passed laws restricting medical care for transgender people, imposing restrictions on bathroom usage, and seeking to out transgender students to their parents.
This climate of hostility was amplified when Mulvaney posted a video on Instagram about a $15,000 giveaway sponsored by Bud Light during March Madness. Calls for a boycott quickly spread, fueled by individuals who had previously targeted the transgender community. Even prominent figures like musician Kid Rock joined in the backlash, sharing a video of himself shooting a stack of Bud Light cases.
Repercussions for Bud Light:
The boycott and backlash had a significant impact on Bud Light’s sales, causing them to plummet. Two of the company’s marketing executives subsequently went on leave, and Bud Light was recently dethroned as the nation’s top-selling beer. The brand is still struggling to win back customers.
Furthermore, Bud Light’s tepid response to the controversy and criticism from LGBTQ+ community members has further damaged their reputation. The incident has also raised questions about other companies’ partnerships with transgender individuals, with Target and country singer Garth Brooks facing similar scrutiny.
Mulvaney’s Call to Action:
Despite the challenges she has faced, Mulvaney has used her platform to address the hostility she has experienced, calling for companies to do more than just make donations or launch promotional campaigns in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. She emphasized that supporting transgender individuals should not be a political issue and urged companies to work with and recognize the value of the community.
Australia’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights:
In Australia, there have been significant strides made in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, a landmark decision that was widely celebrated. However, there is still work to be done to combat discrimination and create a truly inclusive society.
Australian companies should take note of the Bud Light controversy and Mulvaney’s call for support. It is essential for businesses to actively stand by their employees and partners, particularly those from marginalized communities, to foster an environment of inclusivity and acceptance.
By publicly supporting transgender individuals and speaking out against discrimination, companies can not only attract wider audiences but also contribute to a more equitable society.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author “” and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The New York Times or any of its affiliated organizations.
<< photo by Kelly >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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