Dee Snider Responds to San Francisco Pride Organizers’ Decision to Drop Him
Yesterday, news broke that organizers of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade decided to cancel a planned performance of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” featuring Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. The rationale behind the move, according to organizers, was his apparent support of KISS guitarist Paul Stanley’s tweet about childhood gender dysphoria and trans issues.
As we mentioned yesterday, it was highly unlikely we weren’t going to hear from Snider about this and sure enough, he’s since posted a lengthy response on his Facebook page in a post titled “So, I hear I’m transphobic. Really?”
In his post, Snider points to his past support of LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as the fact that he was invited to represent the parade as its Grand Marshal to begin with. That being said, he lamented the idea that “I was not aware “the Transgender community expects fealty and total agreement with all their beliefs and any variation or deviation is considered ‘transphobic.’”
As you can read in the post below (both in text and original image form), he claims that he doesn’t believe kids should be able to decide if they want to undergo gender affirming procedures since he doesn’t “believe they are mentally developed enough.” He also points to scientific studies and comments by medical professionals in his piece.
Whether you agree with him or not, you can always rely on the guy who tackled Congress in the 80s over censorship to back his thoughts up with science. Even if his explanation of just how moderate he is by listing enough contradictory facts to sound like a Dio song feels pretty damn cringe-worthy.
In the offending tweet that got him kicked off the pride celebration, said he remembered a point when he “felt pretty too,” before saying he was glad his parents “didn’t jump to any rash conclusions” and giving Paul Stanley props for his comments.
Stanley recently described the so-called phenomenon (aka. hysterical right talking point) that parents are forcing their kids to get gender affirming surgery at a young age, calling it a “sad and dangerous fad.”
You can read Snider’s full response below.
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.
