Trans woman with bold look proudly calls herself a ‘good dad’

Lily Lu, a transgender woman and independent filmmaker from Germany, is redefining what it means to be a parent. Known for her dramatic body modifications and bold appearance, Lily insists she is a devoted father—proudly referring to herself as “daddy” to her 14-year-old daughter, Maya.

From tattooing the whites of her eyes to forking her tongue, Lily’s transformation is as unapologetic as her approach to life. But beneath her striking exterior lies a story of love, family, and self-expression.

Lily, who hails from Tengen, Germany, has fully embraced body modification as a way of life. “My looks don’t matter—it’s just a collection, and sometimes that grows, and sometimes it’s less,” she told the Daily Mail.

Her transformation includes tattoos covering 100% of her body, a tattooed tongue, and black veneers on her teeth. She has also undergone extreme modifications, such as removing her nipples, belly button, parts of her ears, and even a finger.

“Right now I’m in transition and changing my gender from male to female, which is also a crazy ride and a big modification process,” Lily said. “At some point, it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s my lifestyle and a part of me. My goal is to live and enjoy life.”

Lily’s bold approach to self-expression has earned her a loyal following on social media, with nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and 1.6 million likes on TikTok. She proudly declares, “Being weird is a superpower.”

A healthy lifestyle amidst the ink

Despite her unconventional appearance, Lily is committed to living a healthy and active life.

“I personally don’t drink, don’t smoke, and have not used drugs for 20 years,” she said. “I do sports every day, and eat healthy, freshly cooked food. I run Ultra Trail races and do a lot of active stuff.”

Her decision to live healthily often surprises others, given the extent of her body modifications. “Mostly my looks are associated with using drugs and [that I will] not be hired, and not get an apartment—it’s so silly,” she told the Daily Mail.

Parenting with love and support

For Lily, her most important role is being a parent to Maya, her 14-year-old daughter, who shares her father’s passion for tattooing.

When Maya was just two years old, she picked up a tattoo gun and created her first tattoo on Lily’s foot. “It was just as normal as painting on paper for her,” Lily told the New York Post. By the age of nine, Maya was tattooing customers at Psyland 25, her father’s tattoo studio.

“I always tell her to do whatever she feels like and go for her dreams,” Lily said. “I spend a lot of time with my daughter, and I am a very caring and loving dad. Most people who know me know how high my daughter is on my list of priorities.”

While Lily identifies as a woman, she continues to call herself “daddy,” reflecting her deep bond with Maya.

Reactions and controversy

Lily’s unconventional lifestyle and parenting style have sparked a mix of reactions online.

“Why…Why do people do this to themselves? Tattooing eyes, the whole skin from top to bottom and even under the fingernails,” one Instagram user commented.

Another person wrote, “That poor child… Maybe not drink or drugs but certainly mental health issues. Sad.”

Despite the criticism, Lily remains undeterred. Her message to the world is clear: live authentically, no matter what others think.

Through her tattoos, body modifications, and gender transition, Lily Lu is a symbol of fearless self-expression. But beyond her striking appearance, she’s a loving parent who inspires her daughter to follow her dreams.

While her lifestyle might challenge societal norms, Lily’s commitment to living authentically and putting family first reminds us that love and self-acceptance come in many forms.

What do you think about Lily’s lifestyle and parenting approach? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this story along to spark conversation!