In a powerful response to the transphobic comments surrounding a photo she shared with trans actor and influencer Dylan Mulvaney on International Women's Day, Lady Gaga unleashed a righteous invective against the haters. The photo, accompanied by the simple caption "Happy international women's day," triggered a torrent of transphobic abuse in comments and conservative-leaning press outlets.

Expressing her protective stance towards both Dylan and the trans community, Gaga took to Instagram to address the issue. She highlighted the constant degradation, intolerance, and violence faced by the trans community, while acknowledging that she did not speak for them but had something to say.

Gaga also delivered a media literacy lesson as she clarified the significance of certain outlets characterizing the transphobic responses as a "backlash." She expressed that labeling hatred as a backlash downplayed the severity of the issue, emphasizing that "hatred is violence" and should not be euphemized.

She further admitted that such a response was unsurprising, considering the work that still needed to be done in society to ensure the acceptance and celebration of transgender lives. Gaga called for unity among all women on International Women's Day, advocating for equal celebration for people of all genders and races.

Ending her statement, Gaga emphasized the need for love, acceptance, and understanding, stating that people deserved better than to have hatred disguised as backlash. She affirmed the importance of cherishing and upholding the complexity and challenges faced by transgender individuals, urging compassion and seeking to understand their experiences.

Unfortunately, Mulvaney has been subjected to similar vitriol before, including criticisms from conservatives such as Senator Marsha Blackburn and trans Olympian Caitlyn Jenner. Mulvaney's "Days of Girlhood" series, documenting her transition, has stirred controversy among right-wing figures like Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mulvaney discussed her journey of realizing that these remarks were not constructive criticism but pure hatred. She acknowledged that people's issues with her transness or her joy were on them and not something she needed to internalize. Instead, she focused on the support and celebration from those who uplifted her authentic self.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against transphobia and the need for a more inclusive and accepting society. Lady Gaga's resolute defense of Dylan Mulvaney amplifies the importance of standing up against discrimination and promoting understanding and compassion for transgender individuals.