Trans influencer Lilly Contino has ignited a heated debate across social media after a series of controversial videos shared from her visit to Disney World drew criticism from fellow members of the trans community. While some continue to support her outspoken approach, others are accusing her of damaging the fight for trans acceptance through attention-seeking content that plays into harmful stereotypes.
Lilly, who has amassed over 500,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, is no stranger to public controversy. A former LinkedIn professional who came out as trans in 2022 with a simple update—”Hey, my name is Lilly and I use she/her”—she has since shifted to full-time content creation, sharing her journey with a large online audience. But recent posts have led to calls for her to be banned from TikTok and even barred from Disney parks.
The latest uproar stems from a viral TikTok video in which Lilly rates various women’s restrooms around Disney World. The clips show her taking mirror selfies in multiple bathrooms while dressed in crop tops and Disney-themed accessories. However, in several of the photos, other female park guests can be seen in the background, raising serious concerns about privacy.
A Change.org petition, launched by a self-described concerned parent, has already garnered more than half a million signatures. The petition argues that Lilly’s behaviour not only invades the privacy of others but also undermines the wider transgender community by feeding into existing prejudices and misunderstandings.
Criticism from within the trans community has been particularly pointed. Influencer Jade Dugger, 23, condemned Lilly’s decision to film in women’s bathrooms as “predatory” and insisted that it does not reflect how most trans women conduct themselves. “We don’t go out of our way to make people uncomfortable or document intimate spaces,” she said in a viral response video.
Others echoed this sentiment, pointing to a pattern in Lilly’s content. She has previously recorded staff who misgendered her at restaurants and created videos featuring corndogs and cake pops to explain gender-affirming surgery—often in public, child-friendly settings. Critics argue that these antics are less about education and more about sensationalism.
“This isn’t advocacy—it’s theatre,” said creator Dominique Morgan. “Lilly’s posts consistently centre herself at the expense of trans dignity. She’s built an audience through rage-baiting.”
Amelia Majesty, another prominent trans influencer, said Lilly’s content is “actively hurting trans acceptance.” Referring to a now-viral comment Lilly made about “peeing standing up” at Disney, Majesty added, “This is not how we break down barriers. This just gives transphobes more fuel.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Lilly was also slammed for an earlier video where she walked out of Disney’s Tiffins Restaurant after being mistakenly addressed with a male pronoun by a waiter. Though the staff member apologised immediately, Lilly said the experience left her feeling unsafe and unable to enjoy her meal. Critics argued the incident was blown out of proportion and used to manufacture conflict.
Responding to the criticism, Lilly doubled down in another video—now viewed over eight million times. She defended her bathroom selfies by claiming that women, trans or cis, take such photos all the time. “Why is it different when I do it?” she asked. “Is it because I don’t pass?”
She dismissed concerns about the other women appearing in the background of her photos and referenced Florida law, stating that the relevant voyeurism statute only applies to state-owned properties. “Even if it wasn’t allowed—who cares?” she added. “Let us tinkle in peace.”
But many weren’t convinced. TikTok users and creators alike pushed back, pointing out that most public bathroom selfies posted online do not include strangers in the frame and that the issue isn’t about transphobia—it’s about respect and boundaries.
Seana Momsen, a fellow trans influencer, concluded: “I don’t think about Lilly. She’s just another creator chasing drama and money.”
For now, Lilly Contino remains a divisive figure. While she has defenders who applaud her for speaking out, others in the trans community are urging her to think beyond the algorithm—and consider the real-world consequences of her content.