The KISS frontman was so concerned about what he termed a “dangerous fad,” he went on the record blasting the practice knowing it would anger many people. However, in a surprise move, Dee Snider decided to pick a side in the heated debate.
Paul Stanley, who became famous as the frontman of the legendary rock band KISS, decided to share a strong opinion on the sensitive subject of transgenderism. This was a departure for the heavy metal rocker who has made it clear in the past that he leaned more to the left politically.
Stanley posted a statement on social media cautioning parents against allowing young children to undergo sexual transitioning procedures. “There is a big difference between teaching acceptance and normalizing and even encouraging participation in a lifestyle that confuses young children,” Stanley began.
The statement went on to detail his concerns about children and to express his support for people who make the decision as adults. According to The Blaze, the post garnered more than 4 million views in about six hours. Stanley provided an example of young children dressing in the clothes of an opposite-sex sibling, calling the activity “innocent” and cautioning parents against making more of it than it is.
“Many children who have no real sense of sexuality or sexual experiences [get] caught up in the ‘fun’ of using pronouns and saying what they identify as,” Stanley wrote. He concluded his statement by saying this “sad and dangerous fad” has grown as a result of adults normalizing and encouraging it in the name of promoting acceptance.
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) April 30, 2023
Chris Bertman, a journalist currently with Timcast, simply called Stanley’s statement “based.” Ben Collins, a senior reporter at NBC News, took a jab at Stanley, apparently referencing Stanley’s manner of dress, as an adult, while performing in KISS. “The idea of KISS (!) of all bands complaining about gender nonconforming people is just… chef’s kiss,” Collins tweeted, adding in a separate tweet that “they wore heels and were head to toe in dom-style leather.”
Responses to the post were mixed. While some people expressed support for Stanley’s sentiments, others were quick to hurl insults and call him a “transphobe.” However, another famous rocker came to Stanley’s defense. Former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider agreed with Stanley’s take. “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,” he tweeted.
Additionally, a Twitter user with over 100,000 followers who goes by @DefNoodles defended Stanley, saying upset people were misinterpreting Stanley’s intent. “I think a lot of people are missing Paul’s point. He’s not condemning trans people and/or transitioning. He’s saying that encouraging children to participate in it will have permanent effects on them before they’re fully developed and knowledgeable of what they’re doing,” @DefNoodles began.
“While I believe this topic is far more nuanced than the way Paul is laying it out here, I think the Left rushing to condemn him as a transphobe completely misses his point. Dude is on the Left’s side, he supports trans rights but thinks children transitioning is a little premature, which is a pretty Leftist take.”