Legendary musician, Pual Stanley, co-founder and frontman of the famous hard rock band Kiss, is in hot water for his remarks on sex reassignment for children. The co-lead vocalist and guitarist of the 70s band, who voiced his controversial opinion on children’s sexuality and gender-affirming care as a “sad and dangerous fad”, met with strong responses from both sides of the debate.
Paul Stanley Feels Sex Reassignment Confuses Children
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) April 30, 2023
Paul Stanley, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of Kiss, has come under fire for his opinions on sex reassignment for children, referring to it as a “sad and dangerous fad”.
In an unprompted post on Sunday (April 30), the veteran singer described the “big difference” between “teaching acceptance” and encouraging children to pursue a life-changing path, inviting strong opinions from both sides.
The 71-year-old artist wrote: “There is a BIG difference between teaching acceptance and normalizing and even encouraging participation in a lifestyle that confuses young children into questioning their sexual identification as though some sort of game and then parents in some cases allow it.”
The musician, who rocked the world with his “the Bandit” look with a “Lone Ranger” style mask design make-up, further continued, “There ARE individuals who as adults may decide reassignment is their needed choice.”
But, Stanley feels it is wrong for parents to normalize this as a “natural alternative”, believing that because a little boy likes to play dress in his sister’s clothes, shouldn’t lead to excessive steps of gender reassignment.
“With many children who have no real sense of sexuality or sexual experiences caught up in the ‘fun’ of using pronouns and saying what they identify as some adults mistakenly confuse teaching acceptance with normalizing and encouraging a situation that has been a struggle for those truly affected and have turned it into a sad and dangerous fad,” he expressed.
Stanley’s post was hit by critics, who contended that “Gender dysphoria isn’t fun.” But again, some of the ardent Kiss fans, who are also a member of the LGBTQ+ community defended the legendary musician by supporting his views.
Paul Stanley Hit For His 70s Getup
This is a very disappointing take, especially from someone who wore high-heels, makeup, & teased up hair his whole career. As a young kid your band helped teach me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I guess it was just gimmickry after all. #thatsashame
— Noodles ???????????? (@TheGnudz) April 30, 2023
Paul Stanley, whose persona in Kiss is “The Starchild” displaying one star over his right eye, was met with both, applauds and criticism for his views on the sex reassignment of children. While the veteran musician made a fair point, Offspring’s guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman tweeted:
“This is a very disappointing take, especially from someone who wore high heels, makeup, & teased up hair his whole career. As a young kid, your band helped teach me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I guess it was just gimmickry after all. #thatsashame.”
A fan on Instagram politely described Stanley as transphobic, by writing on his Instagram post: “Paul, I’m a lifelong fan. We’ve met a few times. I know you’ve got a big heart and I’m not sure you’ll even read this but worth a shot. Please reconsider this statement and consult with some trans people of any age and some parents of trans kids. Your statement not only comes off as transphobic and out of touch.”
Another person criticized, “Normalization is not encouraging or confusing children. Normalization is allowing people to live happily and freely without fear. Gender dysphoria isn’t fun.”
However, some dedicated fans came to Stanley’s rescue and supported his views. One person wrote, “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a KISS fan from the 70s, I couldn’t agree more. Perfectly said!” Stanley’s comments come as Kiss wraps up its South American farewell tour, and gears up for a North American leg this fall. What’s your take on this post?