Social media can be a double-edged sword — it can make you famous overnight, but just as quickly, it can turn you into a lightning rod for criticism.
That’s exactly what’s happened to Lilly Contino, a transgender content creator who’s made waves (and enemies) within her own community thanks to a series of controversial TikTok videos.
While some see her as a bold voice for visibility, others argue her approach is irresponsible, sensationalist, and harmful.
Bathroom Ratings at Disney Spark Outrage Among Trans Women
The latest firestorm began after Lilly uploaded a series of mirror selfies inside women’s bathrooms at Disney World, where she “rated” the restrooms based on lighting, vibe, and cleanliness.
While it might sound harmless at first, many trans women were appalled — not just by the idea, but by the execution.
In several photos, other women could be seen in the background, raising serious concerns about privacy.
Critics say this kind of content only feeds harmful stereotypes about trans women and reinforces the narrative that they’re “invading” women’s spaces.
The backlash was swift and intense, with fellow trans influencers publicly distancing themselves from Lilly’s behavior and accusing her of prioritizing TikTok views over community safety.
Petition Calls for Her Ban from TikTok and Disney World
The controversy didn’t stay confined to TikTok.
A Change.org petition launched by a self-described “concerned parent” has already gathered over half a million signatures.
The petition demands that TikTok review Lilly’s presence on the platform and even calls for her to be banned from Disney World altogether.
It’s a significant response that speaks volumes about the tension her content has created — even outside the LGBTQ+ community.
Fellow Influencers Speak Out: “This Is Not Who We Are”
Multiple trans creators have come forward to make it clear: Lilly does not represent them.
Influencer Jade Dugger responded with a passionate video, stating that most trans women don’t go around trying to cause scenes in public restrooms — let alone post about it online.
Amelia Majesty also chimed in, blasting Lilly for suggesting trans women don’t need to disclose their gender history to potential partners, calling that attitude dangerous and misleading.
Dominique Morgan, another respected voice in the trans community, argued that Lilly is a product of the TikTok algorithm — chasing attention through shock value and gimmicks, often dressing in exaggerated outfits and reacting dramatically to common situations like being misgendered.
Misgendering Incident at Disney Adds Fuel to the Fire
As if the bathroom ratings weren’t enough, Lilly’s visit to Disney World included another viral moment — but not in a good way.
While dining at Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom, a waiter accidentally referred to her as “sir” while explaining the menu.
Though he quickly apologized, Lilly shared a video saying the mistake “killed her appetite” and made her feel unsafe, prompting her to cancel the meal altogether.
Though some followers sympathized, many viewers felt her response was overblown.
Comments pointed out that accidental misgendering — especially when corrected — isn’t always meant to offend, and expecting perfection from strangers may not be realistic in every setting.
Critics Accuse Her of “Ragebait” and Overshadowing Real Issues
Lilly has been accused of consistently creating drama for clicks.
Other TikTokers argue her videos focus too much on personal offense rather than broader advocacy — from recording waitstaff who misgender her to making graphic sex-ed content using food items at theme parks.
Critics say it’s not just cringe-worthy; it actively hurts the trans cause.
Seana Momsen, another prominent trans voice online, said she doesn’t even think about Lilly anymore because she believes Lilly is just “rage-baiting” — provoking strong emotions to rack up views.
Seana added that constantly expecting strangers to default to gender-neutral language isn’t realistic yet, and that creating content around these situations might backfire more than it helps.
Lilly Responds but Misses the Mark, According to Critics
In the wake of the criticism, Lilly defended herself in another viral video.
She claimed that bathroom selfies are a normal part of social media culture and that plenty of women — including celebrities — take them.
She questioned why she was being treated differently.
“Is it because I don’t pass?” she asked.
Lilly’s argument revolved around the idea of “passing privilege,” noting that not all trans women are able to look conventionally female.
Therefore, she argued, they shouldn’t be held to a different standard.
However, her dismissal of privacy concerns — especially given Florida laws that ban filming in restrooms where privacy is expected — didn’t sit well with critics.
Her retort, “Even if it wasn’t allowed, who cares?” rubbed many the wrong way and led some to accuse her of ignoring legal and ethical boundaries in favor of internet fame.
The Backstory: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Despite the controversy, Lilly’s personal story is one of resilience.
She came out publicly as transgender in 2022 via a simple LinkedIn post, stating: “Hey, my name is Lilly and I use she/her.”
But her gender journey began much earlier.
Born and raised in Georgia, Lilly says addiction and bullying delayed her self-realization for years.
After getting clean and moving to San Francisco, she had a breakthrough moment trying on a dress and a wig for the first time at Target.
That’s when she realized she had been living a lie.
By late 2020, she knew her name was Lilly — a name she’d always used when playing video games as a child.
She began hormone therapy in 2021 and eventually underwent facial feminization surgery (FFS), documenting her transformation along the way on social media.
Struggles with Access and Safety Still Weigh on Her
Lilly has also spoken about the systemic challenges trans women face — especially those without insurance who are forced to buy hormones on the black market.
She’s voiced concerns about the global shortages of estrogen and progesterone, calling attention to a real crisis affecting countless trans people around the world.
In 2023, she also shared a frightening experience at a Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco, where a woman identifying as a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) verbally assaulted her in public, further highlighting how dangerous daily life can be for trans women — regardless of how they present themselves.
What’s Next for Lilly — Redemption or More Drama?
Whether Lilly’s intentions are genuine or she’s simply addicted to viral fame remains a hot topic.
For now, she continues to post unapologetically, brushing off the backlash and defending her choices.
But the growing pushback — including from fellow trans women — suggests that the road ahead might be rockier than she expects.
While visibility matters, so does responsibility.
And the wider trans community seems to be drawing a line, demanding that their stories be told with care, nuance, and respect — not just for likes and clicks.