Ali C. Lopez never expected to become an internet sensation. But after a clip from her appearance on the podcast Whatever went viral, she found herself at the center of a national conversation about dating, gender roles, and masculinity. Lopez, a transgender influencer, was initially caught off guard when her image turned into a meme.
The experience, she says, was a rollercoaster of emotions—exciting yet overwhelming. Despite the unexpected attention, she’s using her platform to speak out about modern relationships and the changing expectations of men and women. A Conversation About Masculinity In her podcast interview, Lopez expressed frustration with what she sees as a decline in traditional masculinity.
She believes that fewer men today are embracing roles that were once considered fundamental—like fixing a flat tire or taking the lead in relationships. “I feel like a lot of [men] need to start being [men],” she said, emphasizing that she values strength and dependability in a partner.
Her statements sparked both support and criticism online, with some agreeing that societal norms around masculinity have shifted, while others argued that gender roles should evolve with the times.
The Meme That Made Headlines One particular moment from her interview stood out—when Lopez confidently rated herself as a “fat f—ing ten.” The clip quickly spread across social media, leading to her being dubbed “Gorlock the Destroyer” in a meme that took over TikTok and YouTube. While some internet users mocked the meme, Lopez has a mixed take on it. “Some days it bothers me, but at the end of the day, I might just embrace it,” she admitted.
Encouraging Open Conversations on Gender and Identity. Despite the online frenzy, Lopez remains focused on bigger conversations—particularly about transgender identity and societal acceptance. Unlike some of her Gen Z peers, she urges patience and open dialogue when discussing gender issues. She emphasizes that not everyone will immediately understand transgender experiences, but that respect should always be the foundation of the conversation.
“We should approach these discussions with love,” she said, especially when engaging with older generations who may be struggling to adapt to today’s more inclusive culture. Whether you agree with her views or not, Lopez is making one thing clear—she’s here to speak her mind, spark conversations, and, if necessary, take on the internet’s latest meme with confidence.
