Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged daughter of Elon Musk, has recently spoken out about her experiences, her relationship with her father, and her views on trans rights in a candid interview with Teen Vogue. As a 20-year-old trans woman, Wilson is navigating a complex life, caught between her personal journey, her family dynamics, and her growing platform as an advocate for trans youth.
In many ways, Wilson’s life is similar to that of any other 20-year-old. She spends hours a day on Discord with friends, loves reading, and enjoys shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Yet, her public life is far from typical, given that her father is the world’s richest man, a controversial figure, and the CEO of companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s influence extends beyond the business world into politics, where he holds sway, especially with his role in shaping government policies through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
While Wilson’s public presence stems from her relationship with Musk, she is far more than just his daughter. She first garnered attention when she legally changed her name in 2022, formally distancing herself from her biological father.
She made it clear that she did not want to be associated with him in any way, a decision that caught the public’s eye. Wilson’s defiance against Musk and her decision to take a stand for trans rights sparked media interest, marking the beginning of her journey into public life.
Wilson reflects on her sharp tongue and her upbringing in online communities, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown. “When you spend all of COVID in online communities of queer people who are constantly getting into drama and trying to read each other, you learn how to make a response very quickly,” she says.
“You learn how to be funny and snap at someone else in a comedic way.” She describes her online persona as someone quick-witted and well-equipped to handle the digital world—something Musk himself is not particularly known for.
Musk, who has fathered 14 children with multiple partners, often brings up his role as a father in his public appearances. Despite the controversies surrounding his private life, Musk frequently highlights his concern for family values, which contrasts sharply with the reality of his complex relationships with his children, particularly with Wilson.
Wilson's relationship with her father has been strained, particularly after Musk publicly commented on her transition during an interview with Jordan Peterson. Musk referred to her as “killed by the woke mind virus,” a phrase that Wilson quickly denounced as “entirely fake.”
This led her to speak out for the first time, writing posts that rejected Musk’s characterization of her. She criticized her father for seeking attention and validation at her expense, something she has continued to speak out against.
Since distancing herself from Musk, Wilson has become a prominent figure online, with a following of nearly one million across various platforms. She actively shares her thoughts on trans issues and critiques the political climate, especially under the current administration.
While her father remains a significant part of her life story, Wilson says that she doesn’t dwell on him. “I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind,” she asserts. “The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.”
Wilson’s life now revolves around her studies, as she pursues language studies in Tokyo. She is also exploring new career possibilities, including Twitch streaming and modeling, though she jokes that she has yet to make any money from her online fame.
“I haven’t made any money from being famous at all. I have made zero dollars and zero cents,” she says with a laugh. Still, she recognizes that her platform has brought her into the spotlight, and she relishes the opportunities that come with it.
Outside of her digital presence, Wilson is deeply involved in advocating for trans youth. She has been vocal about the importance of gender-affirming care, particularly for minors.
“Being trans is not a choice,” Wilson says, emphasizing that access to care, such as puberty blockers, is essential for mental health. She is alarmed by the increasing attacks on trans minors and the wave of anti-trans legislation targeting her community.
Wilson is also critical of the political landscape, particularly how marginalized groups, including trans people, immigrants, and people of color, are being attacked.
Her dedication to these issues is driven by her own struggles with gender dysphoria and the mental health challenges that accompanied her transition.
Reflecting on her experiences, she recalls, “I was constantly having mental breakdowns in the middle of class. I could not get through days. I didn’t want to wake up, I didn’t want to do anything. I just wanted to rot, pretty much.”
Transitioning, she explains, was medically necessary to prevent a more destructive path.
Wilson’s advocacy for trans youth extends to her stance against the demonization of trans minors. She points out the hypocrisy of the political right’s attacks on trans youth, questioning how people who claim to care about children can advocate for policies that harm them.
“We’ve seen such vicious attacks on trans minors, and it’s really important that we protect our trans youth,” she says. “We need to do all that we can, especially in this increasingly hostile political landscape.”
Beyond her political advocacy, Wilson has also become a more vocal critic of her father, particularly after his controversial actions related to the far-right. She notably criticized Musk for what she described as a “Nazi salute” at a rally, calling the gesture exactly what it was.
This moment became a significant point in her public narrative, as she stood firmly against her father's actions while refusing to allow him to occupy any more space in her life.
When it comes to her own visibility, Wilson is not afraid to be a target for criticism. “As a trans woman, I am terrified of losing access to guaranteed medical care,” she admits. “If I didn’t medically transition at the age I did, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”
She continues to advocate for the importance of access to care, especially for young trans people who may not have the same support or resources that she did.
Despite the challenges and the attention she has received, Wilson remains steadfast in her identity and her advocacy. “My transness is not an asterisk to my personhood,” she states.
“I value the trans community so much. I value queer culture and queer history.” She continues to fight for the rights of trans individuals, advocating for those who are most vulnerable, particularly in this volatile political climate.
For Wilson, the future is uncertain but full of potential. Whether it’s through her digital presence, her studies, or her advocacy, she is committed to creating a life that reflects her true self and her values.
And despite the challenges she faces, she is undeterred in her mission to speak out for trans rights and against the political forces that seek to marginalize her community.
