Cites his long history as an LGBTQ+ supporter after being “cancelled” for supposed anti-trans post. But really, was it transphobic?
Former Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider was recently as Grand Marshall and opening rally performer at the upcoming San Francisco Pride Parade after he showed support for a “controversia”l statement made by KISS’ Paul Stanley about sex reassignment treatment for children.
Long story short Stanley stated that “normalizing” sex reassignment for children has “turned it into a sad and dangerous fad,” Snider chimed in, “You know what? There was a time where I ‘felt pretty’ too. Glad my parents didn’t jump to any rash conclusions! Well said, @PaulStanleyLive.”
San Francisco Pride has stated that it was “heartbroken and angry” when the singer “expressed support for Kiss’s Paul Stanley’s transphobic statement.” despite the fact that “Dee has always been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.”
In a Facebook post on Friday (May 5th) Snider clapped back with a post titled, “So I Hear I’m Transphobic. Really?,”
“Why did the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade invite me, Dee Snider to be a Grand Marshal in their parade and sing ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ on the center stage at what could possibly be the most important LGBTQIA+ gathering in the organization’s long history. To quote Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle‘s senior political writer, ‘… Dee Snider [is] a longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights…’
I have ALWAYS stood with the community and its important causes. I was honored to accept the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade’s invitation and I even gave my blessing for ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ to be used as this year’s battle cry [‘Queer Not Gonna Take It!’].
Is that transphobic?
I was not aware the Transgender community expects fealty and total agreement with all their beliefs and any variation or deviation is considered ‘transphobic.’
So, my lifetime of supporting the Transgender community’s right to identify as they want and honoring whatever changes they may make in how they present themselves to the world isn’t enough? Why not?
I’ve recently stated I do not believe young children are ready to decide their gender allocation. I believe their choices should be supported and accepted by their parents, but I do not think kids have the mental capabilities to make rational, logical decisions on things of a magnitude that will affect them for the rest of their lives. I do not believe 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] says, ‘…it is important for parents to remember that development varies across children, and that one age (such as age 7) is not the end of development, or a ‘deadline for developing reasoning skills.’ Cognitive development continues into adulthood, and as parents, it is our responsibility to continue to challenge and support our children.’
Well said. It’s just good parenting.
I am a proud moderate. I drive a Tesla and a Hummer. I have too many guns but strongly support intelligent gun control. I have four children yet fight for a woman’s right to choose. I am a motorcycle riding environmentalist. I am a heterosexual who proudly supports LBGTQIA+ rights. To me (and I believe to 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 one of their edicts. For some Transgender people (not all) to accuse supporters, like me, of transphobia is not a good look for their cause.
Don’t reject people who are willing to march, sing and stand with you just because we don’t perfectly 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 I can be a better ally.
Sincerely, Dee Snider, your cisgender, crossdressing ally.”
So the question is this. Is it really “transphobic” to have the opinion that young children should wait until they are older (like in tier teens) before making such a life-altering decision just to be sure?
What are your HONEST thoughts on sex re-assignment when it comes to young children?
Leave a comment. If you are brave enough.
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) April 30, 2023
I think children should feel safe. I think it is the parent’s role to protect the child and to create that safety. In this zone of safety, the child should be encouraged to ask questions. The parent should be allowed to judge their responses as to age appropriateness while still maintaining the safety of the child. The parent must hold the non-judgemental, comforting space open.
I can only speak to my truth, and what I wish had been for me. I am not a parent. I am not a Psych-therapist. Nor, am I transgender.
I am a gay man that was aware of my sexual identity at a very young age. To this day, I have had 1 “date” with a girl, and I have “gotten to 2nd base” with a woman. The attraction or interest with females was never part of my world.
Not having that sense of safety discussed earlier, led to many other situations growing up, and this is not the forum for this discussion.
What I do know, through observation, children’s likes and interests, in most, are not firm. They are elastic. If a child asks to try a “different” possibility, I see that no one especially the child is harmed by that. As the child matriculates, ideas will be able to grow. Some may continue on, some may not. If a parent allows the child to find things out with non-judgemental guidance, I think the children will be fine.
As to celebrities weighing in on the topic; I have always been impressed with both Dee and Paul. Neither have ever done anything against our community, in fact both have been very accepting. To vilify people in these days is really hurtful to the celebrity allies and to the cause.