KISS singer and guitarist Paul Stanley felt compelled to offer his thoughts on gender reassignment (or gender affirmation) therapy for children, saying that “normalization” had “turned it into a sad and dangerous fad”.
In a seemingly unfettered post on his social media pages on Sunday (April 30), the veteran rocker stated that there is a “huge difference” between “teaching acceptance” and encouraging kids to follow a life-changing path.
The text of his full statement is as follows:
“There is a big difference between teaching acceptance, normalization, and even encouraging participation in a lifestyle that confuses young children into questioning their sexual identity as if it were some kind of game and then parents allow it in some cases. There are individuals who may decide as adults that reassignment is their desired option, but they They turn it into a game or parents normalize it as a sort of natural alternative or the belief that a little boy likes to dress up in his sister’s clothes or a girl in them should lead them a step further down a path far from the innocence of what they’re doing. Some adults have mistakenly confused the teaching of acceptance with the normalization and encouragement of an attitude that was a struggle for those really affected and turned it into a sad and dangerous fad.”
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As expected, Stanley’s ideas were met with strong responses from both sides of the debate. The Offspring’s guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman comment“This is a very disappointing shot, especially from someone who has worn high heels, makeup, and teased his hair his entire career. When I was a little kid, your band helped teach me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I guess he was just an outsider after all.” .#thatshame.”
One fan wrote on Instagram, “Paul I’m a fan for life. We’ve gotten laid many times. I know you have a big heart and I’m not sure you’ll even read this but you’re worth a try. Please revisit this statement and consult with some transgender people of any age.” And some parents of trans children. Your statement doesn’t just come off as transphobic and out of touch.”
Another person said: “Normalization is not encouraging or confusing children. Normalization is allowing people to live happily and freely without fear. Gender dysphoria is not fun.”
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Others defended Stanley, with one person writing, “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a KISS fan from the ’70s, I couldn’t agree more. Totally said!”
Stanley’s comments come as KISS wraps up the South American leg of their farewell tour. The band has scheduled dates throughout the year, ending with the North American leg in the fall.
See Paul Stanley’s Twitter post below.
—Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) April 30, 2023
