In a deeply personal and candid interview with Teen Vogue, Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged transgender daughter of Elon Musk, opened up about her journey of self-discovery, her estrangement from her father, and her dedication to advocating for transgender youth. At just 20 years old, Wilson has already experienced the complexities of growing up trans under the scrutiny of public life, yet she remains steadfast in her mission to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
From Estrangement to Empowerment
Wilson’s name became widely recognized when she filed a 2022 court petition to legally change her name and gender marker, stating that she no longer wished “to be related to [her] biological father in any way, shape, or form.” She has since distanced herself from Musk, making it clear that her transition and personal journey are hers alone.
Despite being the child of the world’s richest man, Wilson has been financially independent since coming out as transgender in 2020. Her decision to sever ties was not about rebellion but about survival and self-determination. “I don’t give a f**k how much money anyone has,” she stated unapologetically in the interview, making it clear that she will not be defined by Musk’s wealth or influence.
A Voice for Transgender Youth
Wilson’s journey has not been without challenges, but she has found strength in advocacy. She is particularly vocal about the importance of gender-affirming care for trans youth, something she personally benefited from. “Transitioning as a minor was something that was medically necessary for me to be not suicidal,” she revealed, emphasizing that gender-affirming healthcare is life-saving for many trans youth. Her testimony stands as a powerful counterpoint to the wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the U.S., much of which seeks to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors.
“We need to stop demonizing these literal children or the people around these children who are just trying to help them feel comfortable in their own skin,” Wilson asserted. Her words resonate deeply within a political climate where trans rights are under constant attack.
Estrangement from Musk and Family Dynamics
While Wilson has made it clear that she does not dwell on her father’s actions, she has not shied away from addressing his public statements. Musk, who has aligned himself with far-right ideologies and former President Donald Trump, has continuously deadnamed and mischaracterized his daughter in interviews, even going so far as to claim she was “killed by the woke mind virus.”
Wilson, however, has refused to let his narrative define her. When asked if she fears her father’s influence, she dismissed the notion entirely: “He’s a pathetic man-child. Why would I feel scared of him?”
Beyond her father, Wilson also spoke about the complexity of her extended family. She humorously admitted that she is unsure how many half-siblings she has, having learned about Musk’s additional children the same way much of the public has—through Reddit and social media. “If I had a nickel for every time I found out I had half-siblings through Reddit, I’d have two nickels,” she quipped.
Politics and the Fight Against Oppression
Wilson is not just an advocate for transgender rights; she is a fierce critic of broader systemic issues, including wealth inequality, immigration policy, and the oppression of marginalized communities. She describes the current U.S. administration as “cartoonishly evil,” calling out the targeting of trans individuals, migrants, and people of color.
Unlike many who are born into immense privilege, Wilson has used her platform to highlight the stark disparities she has witnessed firsthand. “There is no world in which people should be owning multiple private planes, private islands, private whatever, while other people are sleeping on the street,” she said. Her perspective is one of a young woman who has seen both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum and has chosen to align herself with the people fighting for change.
Creating a Future on Her Own Terms
While much of the media attention surrounding Wilson centers on her relationship with Musk, she is determined to build a name for herself beyond being “Elon Musk’s transgender daughter.” She is currently studying abroad, exploring languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese, and contemplating a future in content creation, Twitch streaming, or even reality television.
“I don’t like saying that I’m famous because I want to do something more to deserve that fame. I want to do something to truly earn the level of attention that I have been getting,” she stated.
Her interests in drag culture and pop culture references, like The Hunger Games, paint a picture of a young woman who refuses to be boxed into any single narrative. Instead, she is crafting her own path, using humor, intelligence, and resilience to navigate the world on her own terms.
Final Message: Hope for the Trans Community
Wilson’s message to other transgender individuals, particularly young trans women, is one of hope and resistance. Quoting YouTuber ContraPoints, she urged, “Stay strong, sister. Don’t let the bastards get you down.” She emphasized the importance of embracing one’s identity without shame, despite a society that often tries to diminish trans existence.
For many in the trans community, Wilson’s visibility and candidness offer a beacon of hope. Her willingness to speak out against powerful figures, including her own father, while uplifting the voices of marginalized individuals, is an act of defiance that resonates deeply.
Vivian Jenna Wilson is more than the estranged daughter of a billionaire. She is an outspoken advocate, a fighter for trans rights, and a young woman forging her own path in a world that too often seeks to erase people like her. And in doing so, she is proving that trans voices will not be silenced.
