Dee Snider was recently let down as a performer at the San Francisco Pride Parade & Celebration after showing support for a controversial statement made by Paul Stanley of KISS about sex reassignment therapy for children. Now, the Twisted Sister leader has released a response, citing his long history of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
After Stanley stated that “the normalization of ‘sex-changing babies’ has turned it into a sad, dangerous fad”, Snyder exclaims, “You know what? There was a time when I felt pretty too. Glad my parents didn’t jump to any rash conclusions! Well, PaulStanleyLive.”
While acknowledging that “Dee has always been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights,” the San Francisco Pride noted that it was “saddened and outraged” when “the singer expressed support for Paul Stanley’s transgender statement.”
advertisement
In a Facebook post on Friday (May 5) titled “So I heard I’m transphobic. Really?
Why the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade invited Dee Snider to be a grand marshal in their parade and sing ‘We Ain’t Gonna Take It’ center stage at what could be the most significant LGBTQIA+ gathering in the organization’s long history. In the words of Joe Garofoli, San Francisco ChronicleSenior political writer,”… Dee Snyder [is] A longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights…”
I have always stood with the community and its important causes. I had the honor of accepting the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade invitation and even gave my blessing to ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ for use as this year’s battle cry [‘Queer Not Gonna Take It!’].
Is this transphobia?
Little did I know that the transgender community expects loyalty and total agreement with all of their beliefs and any difference or deviation is considered “transphobic”.
So my life supporting the transgender community’s right to decide what they want and honoring any changes they might make in how they present themselves to the world isn’t enough? Why not?
I recently mentioned that I don’t think young children are ready to make a decision about their gender assignment. I believe their choices should be supported and accepted by their parents, but I don’t think children have the mental capacities to make rational, logical decisions about things of a magnitude that will affect them throughout their lives. I don’t think they are mentally developed enough.
Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein [director of psychology, neuropsychology and social work, and co-director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital] He says, “…it is important for parents to remember that development is different for different children, and that one age (such as age 7) is not the end of development, or a ‘deadline for the development of thinking skills.'” Cognitive development continues into adulthood, and as parents, it is our responsibility Continue to challenge and support our children.
well said. It’s just a good upbringing.
I’m moderately proud. I drive a Tesla and Hummer. I have a lot of guns but am a huge fan of smart gun control. I have four children but I am fighting for a woman’s right to choose. I am an environmental expert who rides a motorcycle. I am heterosexual and proudly support LBGTQIA+ rights. For me (and I think for many of you) none of these things are mutually exclusive.
The transgender community needs moderates who support their choices, even if we don’t agree with every single one of their ordinances. For some (but not all) transgender people, accusing supporters, like myself, of being transphobic is not a good view of their cause.
Don’t dismiss people who are willing to walk, sing, and stand with you just because we don’t quite see eye to eye. We are still your allies.
I, Dee Snider, will continue to support the transgender community and their right to choose even if they reject me and moving forward, I am open to educating myself so that I can be a better ally.
Sincerely, Dee Snider, Your Heterosexual Ally.”
Meanwhile, Stanley issued his own follow-up statement on Thursday, May 4, in an effort to clarify his initial comments. KISS guitarist and vocalist said, “While my thoughts were clear, my words clearly were not. Most importantly and above all, I support those who struggle with their gender identity while enduring constant hostility and those whose path leads them to reassignment surgery.”
Dee Snider’s aforementioned Facebook post can be seen below.
advertisement
