On June 2, 2025, Brianna Wu stirred controversy by mocking a 2020 tweet from McDonald’s that affirmed support for Black trans women. The original tweet, posted by McDonald’s in June 2020, stated simply, “We stand with Black trans women. Their lives matter.” Wu’s sarcastic quote-tweet, “I really hope someone that was going to kill a Black trans woman, probably a McDonald’s eater, sees this and changes his mind,” quickly drew backlash from within the transgender community she claims to represent.
For years, Wu has attempted to position herself as a leading voice for the transgender community, despite the fact that many within the community have not endorsed her as such. Her frequent commentary, often overshadowed by self-serving hot takes and attention-grabbing drama, has repeatedly undermined the genuine struggles and victories of trans people. Many trans advocates see her pattern of behavior as less about elevating the community and more about building her personal brand.
This latest incident has many asking why Wu, who spent years not publicly acknowledging her own transgender identity, now claims to speak for a diverse and vibrant community that didn’t ask for her leadership. Her approach to advocacy has often involved stirring up drama or leveraging controversy, tactics that may boost engagement but do little to support real, lived trans experiences.
Community members and allies were quick to express frustration. Imara Jones, a Black trans woman and the founder of TransLash Media, was one of many who pointed out how Wu’s dismissive remarks not only undermine McDonald’s support for Black trans lives but also contribute to erasing the very real dangers that Black trans women face. In an era when Black trans women remain disproportionately targeted by violence and hate, dismissive or mocking comments from within the community can cause lasting harm.
The incident also reignited interest in the YouTube video by Dead Domain, titled “THE LIES OF BRIANNA WU,” which explores Wu’s history of opportunistic behavior and her shifting narratives. Many see this pattern as emblematic of a larger problem—where some individuals in marginalized communities attempt to speak for everyone, regardless of the consequences for those they overshadow.
At its core, this issue isn’t just about one mocking tweet. It’s about the way performative activism and self-promotion can corrode trust and solidarity within communities that desperately need both. The transgender community is not a monolith, and it doesn’t need self-appointed mouthpieces who belittle others or turn legitimate issues into fodder for personal clout.
True advocacy means amplifying the voices of those most impacted, especially Black trans women, who remain at the frontlines of both community resilience and violence. It means listening, collaborating, and centering those who have historically been silenced or pushed aside. As allies and family members of trans people, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to use the community’s pain for their own agendas. The transgender community deserves more than drama; it deserves justice, compassion, and a commitment to collective progress.
