LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Forbes Magazine finds itself in the midst of a storm as it celebrates the inclusion of transgender influencer and LGBTQ advocate Dylan Mulvaney in its esteemed '30 Under 30 Social Media' list.
Mulvaney, a former Bud Light spokesperson, has garnered attention for her impactful presence on social media, using the platform to share her gender transition journey and confront the backlash that followed her partnership with Bud Light.
Forbes selects transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for '30 under 30' list
The business magazine recognized Mulvaney alongside 29 other social media luminaries who have played pivotal roles in shaping the "creator economy," a burgeoning $250 billion industry poised to double in the next five years.
Forbes defended its choices, stating that the list was curated with input from the public, Forbes tech journalists, and judges representing diverse realms of creatordom. Among the honorees are notable figures like comedians Alan Chikin Chow and Steven He, fashion influencer Alix Earle, and disabled creator Molly Burke, each contributing to the dynamic landscape of the creator economy.
Forbes highlighted Mulvaney's virality with her 'Days of Girlhood' TikTok series, which documented her gender transition and amassed over a billion views.
The magazine featured a smiling Mulvaney with dyed blonde hair, quoting the LGBTQ activist's message of inspiration, "Whether somebody's trans or not, I just hope they can watch my videos and feel inspired to unlock a new part of themselves."
Forbes faces the heat for its controversial choice
This isn't Mulvaney's first recognition from Forbes; earlier this year, she spoke at the 2023 Forbes CMO Summit in Miami, emphasizing the need for companies to genuinely promote diversity. However, Mulvaney's inclusion has sparked controversy, with critics slamming Forbes for celebrating the influencer.
A user tweeted, "Forbes so woke." Another added, "This whole thing just keeps getting more entertaining. Forbes is a total joke at this point. LOL." A third claimed, "He single-handedly bankrupted one of the most successful brands in American history."
"Forbes is now celebrating brand-tankers?" read a tweet. "Nothing screams influencer like people boycotting the products you're promoting," stated a user.
