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Dylan Mulvaney peers back at me through my computer screen, and all I can see is pink gingham.
Photography: Andie Jane; Hair: Angelina Panelli; Makeup: Laurel Charleston; Stylists: Annie Easton & Nora Foley; Design: Alexandra Folino
I exist in a sea of gingham, she says.
If its lived on this long, I think it will continue to.
Mulvaneyan actor, comic, and TikTok starseems preoccupied with longevity.
Hair: Angelina Panelli; makeup: Laurel Charleston; stylists: Annie Easton and Nora Foley
What will Future Dylan think of the Dylan sitting before me, in 2025?
The solution, then, is a classic, unambiguous visual.
Down to the bow she wears in her blonde hair on the back cover,Paper Dollis ultrafeminine.
And as many women know, that kind of in-your-face femininity can also be an armor.
It just feels very indicative of the time that Im writing about.
Beauty isnt just a way to express ourselvesits essential in overcoming the gender dysphoria that inhibits our everyday lives.
Andie Jane
In 2025, thats no easy feat.
Keep reading for our full conversation, and orderPaper Doll: Notes From a Late Bloomer,here.
Glamour:How are you?
Andie Jane
Dylan Mulvaney:Im good, Im at seven and a half on the happy scale.
Whats your happy scale?
Not a bad thing.
Andie Jane
Lets talk about your new book.
Can you tell me how you came up with the title,Paper Doll?
I love throwing a thousand wordsany word that pops into my brainon to a page.
And what a paper doll really is, is a two-dimensional depiction of something that in reality is three-dimensional.
The way people have interpreted me often is very two-dimensional.
Do you see that interpretation as well?
Honey, I want to use that.
I think the projections have been endless.
Which is also kind of a paper-doll sort of situation too.
So yes, theres been plenty of projections from outside sources.
Paper Dollisnt your typical memoir.
How did you come up with this structure that includes journal entries, illustrations, and essays?
I feel like I kind of vomited everything out when it came to my writing this book.
And then those essays really came from a place of pain, and trying to find my groove again.
And so those were actually quite cathartic.
Ive got almost 50 illustrations.
I wanted it to be a book for the girlies whomaybe its their one book a year.
What would you say was the hardest part about writing a book, and what was the easiest part?
Anything that surprised you?
The hardest part is finding an ending.
Especially since its about my life.
The easiest part for me was deciding to write one.
I grew up loving [nonfiction] books by famous women likeAmy Poehler,Lena Dunham, andChelsea Handler.
Those were my safe spaces growing up.
Because, why not?
I think it was everything else after that was the difficult part.
But it does feel really good to have something physical thats not just a representation of myself onscreen.
I know youd mentioned that going back to brunette has kind of felt like this new chapter.
What are you hoping for for this new brunette, Dylan?
I think the brunette really makes me feel like myself.
Im proud of who I am.
In my opinion, I think it can.
This book is a manifestation of trans joy.
Do you feel nervous at all about it coming out?
So theres an accountability that has to be taken.
Im all for a fair critique or some constructive criticism.
How are you doing?
Where are you finding hope or joy right now?
I think Ive really tried to build a sense of community.
I didnt know how important that was.
And thats whats been bringing me a lot of joy.
That feels like the thing that is propelling me forward right now.
Youve said previously that parts of the book are a little bit raunchier than people might expect.Can you elaborate?
I have this total Samantha Jones side to me that the internet doesnt get to see.
So it was fun to let some of that loose in the book.
And thats just so far from the truth.
I love to have a cocktail.
I love to have a fun summer hookup.
I saw on Instagram that you met up with Congresswoman Sarah McBride, and you posted the video.
Are you friends or did you just meet?
We started following each other on social media after I interviewed Joe Biden.
I had her as a speaker at my Day 365 celebration in New York.
Ive always tried to help support her campaigns.
And I think shes someone that is really in it.
I can only imagine how frustrating.
I dont know if I could do that at any point in my life.
Whats your five-year plan?
What are your dreams for the next few years, till 2030?
So the one goal this year is to help get me closer to becoming a Broadway diva.
I would love to originate a role on Broadway.
I like to wear a lot of hats.
Days of Girlhood, part two?
Were not getting Girlhood part two anytime soon.
That was a very scarring experience for trying to do something that felt very earnest for the right reasons.
And then having it used against you in all the wrong ones.
Some of them are really funny.
One is really touching, and its with [songwriter and musician] Ingrid Michaelson.
Ariana did it with Glinda.
If I could play Glinda on Broadway, that would be epic.
Or actually the West End.
I would love to perform over in London.
I also think aLegally Blondemusical [would be epic].
It is arguably a perfect musical.
You dont think that something can be that good, and then it is.
So I think we need a revival of that.
And you as Elle Woods?
I will be willing, I would go blonde for that.
A wig also might be even better.
But only a good one.
I only believe in really good wigs.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
