Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged transgender daughter of Elon Musk, made a remarkable appearance at the RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 10 event in New York City, signaling her ongoing journey of self-expression and defiance in the face of personal and public adversity. Wilson, a 20-year-old influencer, confidently strutted the runway during the event, her energetic and vibrant fashion choices dazzling the crowd, which included celebrities, fans, and media personnel.
This public appearance, occurring just over a month after she publicly clapped back at her father’s transphobic remarks, marked a significant moment in Wilson’s life as she continues to assert her identity, challenge the negative narrative created by her father, and pave her own path in the world of fashion and advocacy for the transgender community.
The event was a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and pride, and Wilson’s participation in this high-profile platform was not just about fashion; it was a powerful statement of resilience and strength. As she made her way down the runway, flipping her hair and executing lively dance moves, the audience cheered her on, showing their admiration for her confidence and courage.
At one point, Wilson walked hand in hand with renowned drag artist Acid Betty, one of the 18 contestants selected for the Drag Race All Stars season. The duo shared the stage, creating a moment of unity and support, a visual representation of solidarity for the transgender community.
Later in the evening, Wilson posed for photos with Acid Betty and Daya Betty, her fellow drag performer, radiating joy and empowerment. The event was a significant milestone for Wilson, who has been openly vocal about her experiences as a transgender person and her journey of self-acceptance.
As a longtime supporter of RuPaul's Drag Race, Wilson’s participation further cemented her connection to the LGBTQ+ community and showcased her advocacy for transgender visibility and equality. Through this appearance, Wilson sent a message that she refuses to be silenced or defined by the hateful rhetoric she has encountered, especially from her own family.
Wilson’s relationship with her father, Elon Musk, has been publicly strained for some time. In March 2024, Musk made headlines when he publicly used his daughter’s deadname — a term she no longer identifies with — in a transphobic post on social media. Musk’s comment, which referred to Wilson as his “dead son,” ignited a firestorm of backlash, particularly from the transgender community and their allies.
Wilson, who had been navigating her identity in the public eye for years, responded to Musk’s harmful remarks with a powerful video shared on her social media platforms, where she addressed the comment with a bold and defiant stance. In her response, Wilson used a quote from RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Morgan McMichaels, who had once famously said, “I look pretty damn good for a dead whore.”
Wilson’s inclusion of this iconic line was a direct clap back to her father’s transphobic comment. She posted the video with the caption “Not you” — an unambiguous and forceful retort aimed directly at Musk. The video went viral, further galvanizing her followers and bringing even more attention to the situation. Wilson’s online presence, which had always been a platform for self-expression and positivity, now became a powerful tool for advocating transgender rights and confronting transphobia head-on.
Wilson’s willingness to publicly stand up to her father’s harmful remarks is not an isolated incident. In an interview with Teen Vogue in March 2024, she shared the emotional toll that her transition took on her and the challenges she faced in accepting her true self.
Wilson revealed that the moment she came out as transgender in 2020 was a life-altering decision that saved her from a path of self-destruction. She recalled, “I knew for months that I was transgender, but it was not until that late night when I thought, ‘I can’t keep living like this.’”
For Wilson, transitioning was not just about changing her appearance; it was about reclaiming her life. She acknowledged that transitioning allowed her to live authentically for the first time. However, it also marked a period of emotional hardship, especially when her father refused to acknowledge her identity.
Musk’s dismissive stance toward her transition only deepened the divide between father and daughter, making it clear that the relationship had been irreparably damaged. In her NBC News interview, Wilson pointed out that Musk had been “barely present” in her life during her formative years, and his lack of support for her transition only added to the alienation she felt.
Despite the animosity between them, Wilson has repeatedly stressed that her mother, Justine Musk, has been incredibly supportive of her transition. Wilson has praised her mother for her unwavering encouragement and for providing the love and validation she needed during her journey of self-discovery.
“My mom has been nothing but supportive throughout this process,” Wilson said, highlighting the stark contrast between her relationship with her father and the supportive, understanding bond she shares with her mother. Wilson’s participation in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars was not just a personal triumph; it was a statement to the world that transgender individuals deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Her presence at the event further solidified her role as a powerful advocate for the transgender community, using her platform to challenge bigotry and promote acceptance. In a world where transphobia still runs rampant, Wilson’s courage to be unapologetically herself is a beacon of hope for those who may feel marginalized or silenced.
As RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ voices and advocacy, Wilson’s appearance at the event added another layer to the show’s legacy of challenging societal norms and uplifting the voices of those often overlooked. Her participation not only honored her personal journey but also reflected the broader movement for transgender equality, visibility, and acceptance.
In conclusion, Vivian Jenna Wilson’s appearance at RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars was a moment of empowerment and a triumph of self-expression. Despite facing adversity from her own family, Wilson has continued to use her voice and platform to challenge hate and promote love and acceptance for the transgender community.
Her story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of living authentically, and it serves as an inspiration for all those who face discrimination and prejudice for simply being themselves. As she continues to shine in the public eye, Wilson’s legacy of advocacy and defiance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world.