In a recent interview with VladTV, Ne-Yo, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, shared his thoughts on gender identity and parenting trans children. He discussed how he grew up in a time when traditional gender roles were emphasized. Ne-Yo expressed the view that there are only two genders, stating:
“In my era, a man was a man and a woman was a woman. You can identify as a goldfish if you want, but that’s not my concern. It becomes my concern when you try to force me to play along. I won’t call you a goldfish, but you can go ahead and be one.”
He also criticized parents who support their children’s identification with a gender different from their biological sex, commenting:
“I believe some parents have lost sight of their parental role.”
On August 5, Ne-Yo issued a public apology on his Twitter account for some of the statements he made in the interview.
This apology went viral, leading to conservative backlash accusing him of weakness for supporting gender transitioning of children. However, it was later revealed that the apology came from his publicist, and Ne-Yo clarified his stance in a live video on Twitter, asserting that he stood by his original statements.
I’d like to express my deepest apologies… pic.twitter.com/M5aTFN40tn
— NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) August 7, 2023
During the Twitter Live session, Ne-Yo explained that he doesn’t usually feel the need to justify his past statements. He emphasized that gender identity is a topic he feels strongly about and wanted to address it personally, not through his publicist. He highlighted:
“I’m a 43-year-old heterosexual man raising five boys and two girls. That’s my reality.”
Ne-Yo acknowledged that his opinion might offend some people, but he clarified that he never intended to offend anyone. He pointed out that he was entitled to his own opinion, just as others were entitled to theirs. He mentioned that he had no issues with the LGBTQI+ community, and they could live as they chose. However, he maintained his stance against gender transitioning for minors, stating:
“I will never agree with letting a child make such a life-altering decision.”
Ne-Yo doubles on his initial statement against transitioning minors. 👏🏻
“I need you all to hear this from the horse’s mouth, not the publicist’s computer.”
“I do not apologize for having an opinion on this matter.” pic.twitter.com/Lv5qqjjZzO
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) August 7, 2023
He concluded by stating he intended to educate himself further on the matter, but his core belief wouldn’t change. He acknowledged that those who disagreed with him could choose to “cancel” him, but he would continue to provide for his children and stand by his opinions.
A netizen asks Ne-Yo to backtrack on his apology (image via twitter)
In the earlier parts of the interview, Ne-Yo expressed concerns about parents supporting their children’s desire to change genders. He also mentioned the importance of not allowing young children to make significant decisions about their identity.
After the interview, Ne-Yo faced criticism, with some pointing out the medical evidence supporting gender-affirming care for children who undergo transitions.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
