KISS' Paul Stanley Backpaddles Anti-Trans Tweet: 'My Words Clearly Were Not'

When Paul Stanley decided to share his "thoughts" on gender identity, he should have prepared himself for the backlash because that is exactly what is happening right now.

According to reports, the Kiss frontman took to social media to talk about parents who are "normalizing and even encouraging participation in a lifestyle," referring to the gender identity of minors.

He also referred to it as a "game," which includes "playing dress up," which will only end up confusing children of their gender identity.

The rest of his statement reads:

"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."

Clarifications

Stanley is not, however, taking back his stance on his tweet and sentiments. He is simply telling people that he was not able to properly present his thoughts in a concise manner.

"While my thoughts were clear, my words clearly were not," the singer wrote in a follow-up post.

"Most importantly and above all else, I support those struggling with their sexual identity [...] It's hard to fathom the kind of conviction that one must feel to take those steps."

Additionally, he wrote about how he might actually pick up his rhetoric on gender identity at some other time and place.

Backlash

Stanley's tweet has caused an uproar among the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Some are supporting him while others are calling him out for his statement.

"So ironic that the dude in makeup in the '70s is so rigid about this but unsurprising. Very right-wing band," one wrote on Twitter.

"Parents have the right to raise their kids. Their kids, their business. Some of us need to mind our own business," another added.

"Paul Stanley is correct, and we all know it," a fan wrote.

Some of the netizens have begun arguing on Twitter as well. A user wrote, "Really is. I'm all for the LGBTQ but no one should be able to make that transition until they're 18. It's common sense."

Someone replied, "You forgot the AI at the end. It's LGBTQAI now. Lol."

Tags

KISS, LGBTQIA