The 'Trisha Paytas I'm Transgender' meme stems from a highly controversial video uploaded by the YouTuber in October 2019, where she identified as a trans man while simultaneously identifying with her birth gender. The thumbnail and specific frames of her speaking earnestly to the camera became instant reaction images, often used to satirize the 'YouTube apology' aesthetic or to mock overly dramatic reveals for minor life events. Over time, the meme evolved into a symbol of chaotic internet energy and the performative nature of influencer culture, frequently appearing on Twitter and TikTok to represent someone making a mountain out of a molehill.